What’s the Best Way to Check Your Blood Sugar?
Diabetes screening tests are an effective prophylactic measure for detecting the onset of diabetes in its earliest stages. As diabetes prevalence continues to rise in the United Kingdom, diabetes screening tests are becoming increasingly widespread. Keep reading to find out how and where to check blood sugar in Bebington.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease caused by elevated blood glucose levels, often known as blood sugar. It is your blood glucose, which is derived from your diet, that provides your body with energy. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, facilitates the transport of glucose from food into cells for use as energy. Occasionally, your body does not produce enough or any insulin, or it may not utilise insulin effectively. Since glucose does not enter the cell, it remains in circulation.
Too much glucose in the blood might cause health concerns over time. Although there is no cure for diabetes, you can take efforts to manage your condition and maintain your health.
Why is it necessary to check blood sugar in Bebington?
The findings of a diabetic screening test might be used to consult a doctor or other medical expert for additional care.
The screening test is not intended to be diagnostic. Screening tests for diabetes are not always reliable on their own. Follow-up testing is required to confirm a diagnosis.
If at any point throughout the test you feel anxious or unsure, contact your pharmacist or doctor for additional guidance.
What tests are now available to check blood sugar in Bebington?
Currently, the following tests are used to diagnose or differentiate between various kinds of diabetes:
A C-peptide test
A C-peptide test is a blood test used to determine the amount of insulin your body produces. This may be helpful for diagnosing type 1 or type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance.
Plasma glucose test to check blood sugar in Bebington
A fasting plasma glucose test, often known as a fasting glucose test (FGT), is a diagnostic tool for diabetes and pre-diabetes. This involves a simple blood test done after several hours of fasting.
Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Autoantibodies test
Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Autoantibodies (GAD antibodies) are used to determine whether a person has type 1 diabetes or Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adults (LADA).
A GAD antibody test may be preferred over a c-peptide test, which evaluates the amount of insulin produced by the body, for determining the type of diabetes.
HbA1c
The HbA1c test, commonly known as the haemoglobin A1C or glycated haemoglobin test, is an essential blood test that indicates how effectively diabetes is being managed.
Along with the fasting plasma glucose test, the HbA1c test is one of the primary methods for diagnosing type 2 diabetes.
The Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
The Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT), commonly known as the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), is a diagnostic tool for diabetes or insulin resistance. The test provides a more reliable indication of diabetes following initial finger-prick testing.
Should I check blood sugar in Bebington?
If you are between the ages of 40 and 74, you are eligible for an NHS Health Check. This screens for type 2 diabetes and other prevalent long-term health concerns.
If you exhibit indications of diabetes, such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, or chronic fatigue, you should undergo screening.
People with a lot of risk factors for type 2 diabetes, such as being overweight or obese, having a close relative with type 2 diabetes, or being of African-Caribbean, Middle Eastern, or South Asian descent, should also undergo diabetes screening.
Screening for gestational diabetes should occur between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy. It should also be done if you have had gestational diabetes in a prior pregnancy, between 16 and 18 weeks, followed by a second test at week 28 if the first test is negative.
Can you check blood sugar in Bebington at a pharmacy?
Your blood sugar levels can be measured at the pharmacy. It simply involves a quick needle prick on the fingertip. Then, you can review the results with your pharmacist and choose the best follow-up testing method for you.
When is the ideal time to check blood sugar levels?
Depending on the type and amount of insulin you use to treat type 2 diabetes, your healthcare practitioner may recommend monitoring your blood sugar multiple times each day if you use insulin. Multiple daily doses typically necessitate testing before meals and before bedtime. If you use only intermediate or long-acting insulin, you may only need to test before breakfast and occasionally before dinner or before bed.
If you manage your type 2 diabetes with non-insulin drugs or with diet and exercise alone, you may not need to test your blood sugar every day.
Contact The Pharmacy Bebington today or visit us to book your appointment for diabetes screening.
This blog post was written on behalf of The Pharmacy Bebington by Pharmacy Mentor.