Also known as a glucose test, a glucose check is a quick and simple test that is used to determine the current level of blood sugar in the bloodstream. People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes regularly perform tests of this type, with the frequency ranging from anywhere from a few times a week to several times each day. Along with the self-testing, physicians also routinely conduct glucose checks with their patients who are attempting to control their blood glucose levels.
Glucose monitoring is much simpler than in years past. In many parts of the world, a small handheld device known as a glucose meter makes self-testing easy and relatively painless. A single test strip is used each time a glucose check is conducted. The process involves inserting one end of the test strip into the meter, then applying a small amount of blood on the opposite end. In seconds, the meter analyzes the blood sample and produces a reading.
Most national health organizations around the world have set specific standards for what is considered a normal level of glucose after various activities. In the United States, the goal is to have the glucose reading below 180 mg/dl one hour after consuming a meal, and below 140 mg/dl after two hours. While physicians vary in what they consider a normal fasting blood sugar level, most would agree that anywhere between 90 mg/dl and 120 mg/dl would be considered acceptable.
Using a glucose check to control blood sugar levels is extremely important to people who live with diabetes. The ability to quickly obtain readings makes it easier to structure a diet that includes plenty of foods which do not cause blood sugar spikes. Since modern medicine also recognizes that some carbohydrates are needed to maintain health, the diabetic can use the readings from a check to determine what impact the carbohydrate content of various foods has on blood sugar levels. This makes it easier to determine which carbohydrate sources can be consumed in moderation and still keep the blood sugar in an acceptable range.
For people who are prone to sudden drops in blood sugar, a glucose check is also helpful in planning a diet that is more likely to help maintain a safe glucose level. The checks can also help individuals assess the effect of specially formulated glucose supplements that are manufactured to help correct dangerous drops in blood sugar quickly. Taking the time to conduct a glucose check several times each day makes it possible to know when glucose levels are easing downward, and take steps to correct the situation before they drop below safe standards.
Along with the checks done at home, doctors routinely run a glucose check once or twice a year on their diabetic patients. At least one of these tests will include a comprehensive blood analysis that not only addresses glucose level activity, but also A1C levels, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and the amount of triglycerides in the system. This is important, since many foods that are low in carbohydrates contain significant amounts of cholesterol. In the ongoing battle to develop a diet plan that is truly healthy for both blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels, this type of check is extremely important.