You should check your blood sugar based on your type of diabetes, treatment plan, and health status. Here are general guidelines:
- For people with type 1 diabetes, testing is often recommended 4 to 10 times per day, including before meals and snacks, before and after exercise, before bed, sometimes during the night, and after treating low blood sugar.
- For people with type 2 diabetes taking insulin, testing is often advised before meals and at bedtime, with frequency depending on the type and amount of insulin used.
- If you do not use insulin and manage with other medicines or lifestyle, testing may be less frequent or not daily.
Common practical times to test include:
- When you first wake up (fasting blood sugar)
- Before meals
- Two hours after meals to see how food affects you
- Before and after exercise
- At bedtime
- When you feel symptoms of high or low blood sugar
- During illness, stress, or changes in routine/medications
Your healthcare provider will give you personalized recommendations on how often to test and when to check based on your needs. Regular testing helps you manage your blood sugar effectively and avoid complications.
