Monitoring Blood Glucose: Key To Managing Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association recommends that people who take insulin or diabetes medications should monitor their blood sugar levels regularly.

Caregivers who understand the basics of blood glucose monitoring can encourage elderly parents to manage their diabetes successfully and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications in the future.

Maintaining normal blood sugar levels is managing diabetes successfully. When an older family member is diagnosed with diabetes, his doctor or a diabetes educator will show him how to test his blood sugar using a blood glucose meter. Your family member will also learn when he should test his blood glucose levels, and how to keep records of changes in blood sugar levels throughout the day. These records will help the doctor decide if your parent's blood sugar is under control or if changes in medications, diet and exercise will help improve your parent's blood sugar levels.

Choosing a Blood Glucose Meter

A variety of blood glucose meters are available and can be purchased online or in most pharmacies or chain stores. Most meters are operated by small batteries and use test strips to measure the amount of sugar in the blood when the sample is taken. Many meters can store test results for several months so your relative can review his blood glucose levels over time or share them with his health care provider.

Small meters are available and are useful for traveling although they do not store test results. Ask your parent's doctor or a pharmacist to recommend a meter that is right for your parent. Cost of meters, test strips and other testing supplies vary widely and can be expensive. If your relative has health insurance, his meter choices may be limited. Medicare may cover both the meter and test strips.

Tracking Blood Glucose at Home

• Hands should be washed before inserting a test strip into the glucose meter.
• Use a lancet to get a drop of blood out of a finger, forearm or other convenient site. If necessary, squeeze the finger until a drop of blood forms.
• Hold the finger against the edge of the test strip. The test result will appear on the meter screen.
• Remove the test strip quickly to prevent the monitor's battery from running down.
• Record test results in a logbook or computer and bring them to each medical appointment.

Things to do Every Date for Good Diabetes Care

(From the National Diabetes Clearinghouse: A Service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institute of Health)

For people with diabetes:

• Eat a healthy diet as recommended by your doctor or dietitian
• Engage in some type of physical activity for 30 minutes each day
• Bring your blood glucose records to every medical appointment
• Tell your physician if you often have low blood glucose or high blood glucose
• Take all medicines as directed. Don't postpone refilling prescriptions
• Check your blood sugar every day and write down the number
• Brush and floss your teeth everyday
• Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control
• Don't smoke

Diabetes Lesson Plan

Unlike many other chronic illnesses that affect older adults, diabetes is a disease that can be managed effectively by individuals who have been diagnosed with this disorder and their caregivers. Gather all the information you can from your relative's health care providers. Ask them to explain symptoms and answer questions about treatment options so your older relative can enjoy the best life possible.