I must balance my blood glucose level
With an insulin resistance at play, I need to keep my BGL balanced so that I don’t have too much glucose in my system. This will help with:
- blood glucose level
- blood pressure level
- cholesterol
- waistline
- reduce risk of diabetes complications (eyes, feet, kidneys^[my kidneys do not function optimally anyway], heart attack, stroke)
Knowledge is the key to balance
I need to know my BGL to assess how effective my balancing efforts are.
I have not been given a target range so will aim for the levels given by Diabetes Australia at https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/living-with-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/blood-glucose-monitoring
The normal fasting level is between 3.9 and 5.6 mmol/L (call it 4-6). For Type 2 diabetes, the recommendation is 6-8 mmol/L before meals (fasting?) and 6-10 mmol/L 2 hours after starting a meal. I use an Accu-chek Guide.
When to check
I’ll check before breakfast, and 2 hours after.
There are some times I need to check more often:
- more or less physically active
- sick or stressed
- change in eating habits ie travelling
- night sweats or morning headaches
- post surgery
- post-dental procedures
Unforeseen changes in my BGL
Outside causes for changes are:
- the food eaten
- exercise/physical activity
- illness and paid
- diabetes medication
- alcohol
- emotional stress
- travelling
A HbA1c check is not a substitute for daily monitoring.
Things that increase BGL
Carbs, carbs, carbs.
Also stress or illness.
Things that decrease BGL
Insulin
Physical activity, for the time of the activity and hours afterwards.