Diabetes is a condition that occurs when your blood sugar levels are too high. It forms when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or when your body isn’t reacting to insulin properly. It is a lifelong disease and affects people of all ages.

Do you have diabetes?

Some of the signs that you should look out for are:

• Feeling extra thirsty.
• Needing to pee more often than usual.
• Losing weight without trying.
• Ketones in the urine (a sign your body is breaking down muscle and fat for energy due to low insulin).
• Feeling really tired and weak.
• Mood swings or feeling more irritable.
• Blurry vision.
• Cuts and wounds take longer to heal.
• Getting infections more often, like gum, skin, or vaginal infections.

How is diabetes managed?

If you have diabetes, your entire lifestyle will have to be changed. Normal daily activities like exercising, and eating will affect your blood sugar levels more than you think. You’ll need a blood glucose monitor to manage and track any fluctuations that happen in your bloodstream. To use the monitor, you first insert a test strip into the device. You then poke your fingertip to get a drop of blood, and carefully touch the test strip to the blood. Wait for a short moment and your blood sugar levels will appear on the screen.  

How to choose the right blood glucose monitor?

Here are several factors to consider when choosing a blood glucose meter:

• Insurance coverage. Check with your insurance provider for coverage details. Some insurance providers limit coverage to specific models or limit the total number of test strips allowed.
• Cost. Meters vary in price. Be sure to factor in the cost of the test strips, as these will represent the majority of the cost in the long term.
• Ease of use. Some meters are easier to use than others. Are both the meter and test strips comfortable and easy to hold? Can you easily see the numbers on the screen? How easy is it to get blood onto the strips? How much blood is required?
• Special features. Ask about the features to see what meets your specific needs. Special features may include large, easy-to-handle buttons and test strips, illuminated screens, and audio, which may be useful for people with impaired vision.
• Information storage and retrieval. Consider how the meter stores and retrieves information. Some can track time and date of a test, the result, and trends over time. Some meters offer the ability to share your readings in real time with your healthcare provider with a smartphone app. Or some may offer the option to download your blood glucose readings to a computer, then email the test results to your doctor.
• Support. Most meter manufacturers include a toll-free number that you can call for help. Look for a meter that includes clear instructions that demonstrate the correct way to use the meter. Some manufacturers offer users manuals on their websites.

Conclusion

Getting diagnosed with diabetes can be a big adjustment, but it doesn’t mean you can’t lead a happy and healthy life. Managing it takes regular care and attention, and while it may feel overwhelming at first, you’ll gradually learn how to handle it and understand your body’s needs.

It’s important to have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. Managing diabetes is a team effort, so having support from medical professionals, family, and friends can make a big difference. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it!