About Blood Glucose Monitoring - AMSL Diabetes


About Blood Glucose Monitoring

Blood glucose monitoring can help you understand the link between BGL, food, exercise and insulin. Consistent monitoring allows you to pick up on patterns in your BGL which provide you and your healthcare team with the information required to determine the most effective management strategy for your diabetes.

What do I need to test my BGL?

To test your BGL, you will need:

  • A blood glucose meter 
  • A lancing device and lancets
  • Test strips

How do I test my BGL?

Please carefully follow the instruction manual of your blood glucose meter for details on how to test your BGL. Generally, the process involves:

  • Inserting the test strip into the meter to turn it on
  • Pricking your finger with the lancet and adding a small drop of blood onto the testing strip. The meter will then read the strip and display a number – this is your BGL

Keeping a record of your BGL is important. Even if your blood glucose meter has a test memory, you should still log your BGL in a diary, a mobile phone app or website such as the free diasend by Glooko software.

When and how often should I test my BGL and what levels am I aiming for?

The answers to these questions vary depending on each individual, the type of diabetes and the medication being used. How often to test and what BGL to aim for will be decided by your doctor or credentialed diabetes educator. Some examples of common testing times include:

  • Before breakfast (fasting)
  • Before lunch/dinner
  • Two hours after a meal
  • Before bed
  • Before rigorous exercise
  • When you are feeling unwell

The following times are examples of when your BGL may need to be tested more often:

  • Changing or adjusting your insulin or medication
  • Experiencing symptoms including: hypoglycaemia (low BGL) or hyperglycaemia (high BGL), night sweats or morning headaches
  • Before/after minor surgical day procedure and after dental procedures
  • A female planning pregnancy or are pregnant
  • Increasing or decreasing your usual physical activity
  • Changing your usual routine or eating habits, e.g. travelling sick or stressed

Please discuss with your doctor or credentialed diabetes educator before making any changes to your treatment.

For further information about diabetes, please visit the Diabetes Australia website.

For information on the NDSS Subsidy, please visit the NDSS Australia website.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Read the warnings available on amsldiabetes.com.au/resources before purchasing. Consult your healthcare professional to see which product is right for you. 

About Blood Glucose Monitoring

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