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Type 1 diabetes
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Monitoring blood glucose in type 1 diabetes - Independent medicine & health information Monitoring blood glucose in type 1 diabetes

People with diabetes need to test their blood glucose regularly, by self-monitoring at home and with blood tests ordered by their doctor.

Tests to monitor diabetes

Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test

People with diagnosed diabetes should have their blood glucose levels monitored using a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test. HbA1c is a substance found normally in your blood that is made up of glucose attached to haemoglobin (the iron-containing protein that carries oxygen in your blood). High levels of glucose in the blood result in high HbA1c.

How is the test done?

A blood sample will be taken and sent to a laboratory for testing. The test should be done at least once every 6 months.

What does it tell me?

The HbA1c test measures your average blood glucose level over the previous 3 months, and gives a reliable estimate of how well your diabetes is being managed. This will help a health professional to decide whether your diet and diabetes medicine (injected insulin) are effectively controlling your diabetes or if these need to be changed.

For most people, the recommended level of HbA1c is 7% or less. If the HbA1c level is higher than 7%, it means that your blood glucose has been too high in the past 3 months.

In Australia, HbA1c testing is currently only used for monitoring diabetes treatment after diabetes has been diagnosed, but in some countries, the test is also used to diagnose diabetes.

How often will the test be done?

The HbA1c test should be done when diabetes is first diagnosed and then at least every 6 months after that. If the HbA1c level is higher than 7%, the test should be done every 3 months.

The finger prick test

The ‘finger prick’ test is a test that you can do to check your own blood glucose levels. It doesn’t involve a laboratory test — you can do the test quickly and easily at home, or when you are out exercising, for example.

If you have type 1 diabetes, you should regularly monitor your own blood glucose levels.

How is the test done?

The test involves taking a pin-prick droplet of blood from a finger. Wash your hands first. Avoid using your forefinger or thumb. Apply the blood to a disposable 'test strip', and then insert it into a glucose meter. A glucose meter is a small electronic device that reads the amount of glucose in your blood on the test strip.

 The test can be done first thing in the morning before a meal (a ‘fasting’ test), or at other times of the day, for example 2 hours after a meal. If the test is performed first thing in the morning before eating food, the target blood glucose reading should be between 6–8 millimoles [mmol] per litre [L], and 2 hours after a meal, it should be 6–10 mmol/L.

What does it tell me?

The glucose monitoring device shows the blood glucose level at the time the blood sample is taken. Self-monitoring your blood glucose can help you to manage your blood glucose levels and to keep a record of all blood glucose readings over time, which you show to a health professional. This can help to identify any problems with your diet or the day-to-day management of your diabetes.

To find out more, read our information on how often you need to self monitor, monitoring blood glucose during exercise, and glucose monitoring devices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 A glucose monitoring device taking a reading from a glucose test strip.

A glucose monitoring device taking a reading from a glucose test strip. (image: www.shutterstock.com)
Glucose testing strips. An arrow shows you which end of the test strip to insert into the glucose meter.

Glucose test strips. (image: www.shutterstock.com)
Glucose monitor and a blue finger-prick device. The glucose meter indicates a reading of 8.4 mmol/L glucose from the blood sample on the inserted test strip.

Glucose monitor and a blue finger-prick device, next to an unused glucose test strip. The glucose meter indicates a reading of 8.4 mmol/L glucose from the blood sample on the inserted test strip. (image: www.shutterstock.com)

References
  1. Craig ME, Twigg SM, Donaghue KC, et al for the Australian Type 1 Diabetes Guidelines Expert Advisory Group. National evidence-based clinical care guidelines for type 1 diabetes in children, adolescents and adults. Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2011. www.diabetessociety.com.au/downloads/Type1guidelines14Nov2011.pdf (accessed 15 November 2011).
  2. Lab Tests Online. www.labtestsonline.org.au/

Date published: 2011-12-06 00:00:00

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