Monitoring Blood Sugar: Tips for Type 2 Diabetes

In this video, learn how patients with type 2 diabetes can check blood glucose and how this number can assist with diabetes management.

Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP

Updated on April 30, 2023

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Just like you check the weather forecast before slipping on your shoes and stepping outside for the day, assessing your blood sugar levels can inform you about how you need to care for yourself that day, says Sandra Arévalo, RDN, a spokesperson for the American Association of Diabetes Educators.

Using a blood glucose monitor, or a small machine that detects the amount of sugars in the bloodstream, patients can make sure they are staying in a safe and healthy range. This is crucial to preventing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

Additional Medical Contributors (3)

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• Minisha Sood, MDDr. Sood is a board-certified Endocrinologist in private practice in New York City and an assistant professor at Hofstra School of Medicine.
• Sandra Arévalo, RDNSandra Arévalo is a spokesperson for the American Association of Diabetes Educators and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and director of nutrition services and community outreach at South Bronx Health Center.
• Sonal Chaudhry, MDDr. Chaudhry is an Endocrinologist at NYU Langone Health in New York City.

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References

Allemann, S, et al. (2009). Self-monitoring of blood glucose in non-insulin treated patients with type 2 diabetes: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Current Medical Research and Opinion.

American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). The big picture: Checking your blood glucose.

View All References (1)

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Department of Health and Human Services. (2016). Know your blood sugar numbers: use them to manage your diabetes.

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