How to Understand Your Blood Glucose Reading at Home

ISAW Health Guide

A blood glucose reading is more useful when you know when it was taken, what happened before the test and whether the result is part of a repeated pattern.

First: when was the reading taken?

Blood glucose naturally changes throughout the day. A fasting reading cannot be interpreted in exactly the same way as a reading taken after a meal.

Why one reading does not tell the whole story

Food, physical activity, medicines, illness, stress and test timing can all influence the number you see. A series of readings collected under known conditions can be more informative than one isolated value.

1. Record the time. Note whether the reading was fasting, before a meal, after a meal or taken because of symptoms.
2. Record the result. Keep the value together with the date and time.
3. Add useful context. Note illness, unusual meals, exercise, stress or changes in medicines.
4. Look for patterns. Repeated readings under similar conditions are usually more meaningful.

Testing technique can affect the result

• Wash and dry your hands.
• Use the correct compatible BG01 strip.
• Apply the sample to the designated channel correctly.
• If the sample does not fill properly, use a fresh strip when required rather than adding more blood later.

What should you do with an unexpected result?

Check the testing process, consider the context, repeat the test correctly when appropriate and seek professional advice if readings remain unexpectedly high or low or if you have concerning symptoms.