Test your blood sugar
Monitoring blood sugar is essential for people with diabetes, but also for those at risk. Today, thanks to connected blood sugar sensors, it has become easier and more accurate to monitor your blood sugar levels, directly from your smartphone. Discover how these devices work, how to use them daily, and why they represent a revolution in diabetes management.
What is blood sugar and why monitor it?
Blood glucose is the level of sugar in the blood. It varies throughout the day depending on diet, physical activity, stress, or medical treatments.
Blood sugar levels that are too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia) can lead to complications, especially in people with diabetes.
How do you know if you have diabetes?
Diabetes screening may be recommended in cases of:
Unusual fatigue
Excessive thirst
Frequent urination
Unexplained weight loss
Family history of diabetes
A blood test (fasting blood sugar or HbA1c) carried out in a laboratory can make a diagnosis.
The evolution of blood sugar measurement methods
Before: The traditional method required a blood glucose meter, strips, and a finger prick several times a day.
Today: Continuous glucose sensors allow real-time readings without finger pricking for each measurement.
Benefits :
Less invasive
More discreet
Data History
Personalized alerts
Connected blood glucose sensors: how do they work?
Sensors (such as FreeStyle Libre 1 or 2, Dexcom, etc.) attach to the skin (often on the back of the arm for adults, elsewhere for children) and measure the glucose level in the interstitial fluid every few minutes.
With a dedicated mobile application, it is possible to:
Read blood sugar by scanning the sensor
Tracking the evolution over time
Share data with a healthcare professional
Receive alerts in case of deviation (hyper or hypo)
Monitoring your blood sugar: best practices
Install the sensor correctly and replace it as recommended (often every 14 days)
Record meals, treatments and physical activities to better understand variations
Define your target blood sugar range with your doctor
Be attentive to symptoms (tremors, sweating, fatigue) that may signal an imbalance
What are the glycemic targets?
Target areas vary depending on the person's profile, but as a guide:
On an empty stomach or before meals: 80 to 130 milligrams/milliliters
2 hours after meal: Less than 180 milligrams/milliliters
These numbers may change depending on your doctor's recommendations.
Measuring your blood sugar at home: for whom?
People with type 1 or 2 diabetes
Pregnant women (gestational diabetes)
People at risk (history, overweight, sedentary lifestyle)
Connected blood glucose sensors are revolutionizing the daily lives of people with diabetes and those who want to monitor their blood sugar accurately and easily. Simple, practical, and connected, they allow for better responsiveness to fluctuations in blood sugar. Don't hesitate to discuss these devices with your doctor; they will be able to recommend the most appropriate one for you.
Leave a comment