Blood Glucose Monitoring
Blood Glucose Monitoring
The term ‘blood glucose’ refers to the amount of sugar in the blood. An excessive rise in blood glucose is known as hyperglycaemia. Measuring blood glucose levels on an empty stomach and after meals is important for preventing the onset of diabetes, and for people diagnosed with diabetes, to monitor the condition.
Why is this important?
Diabetes mellitus is the name given to the chronic condition that arises when the body is unable to make proper use of its main source of energy – glucose, a type of sugar that is supplied by food but is also produced by the liver.
In cases where diabetes has already been diagnosed.
What do I need to know?
At the Caldense, Rosa and Santa Catarina pharmacies, we measure blood glucose levels by taking a capillary blood sample. This method is more convenient and less painful, as we only need to prick the finger to obtain a blood sample.
Blood glucose readings are available within a few seconds of taking the test. These will be recorded on the patient’s record and on paper.
According to the International Diabetes Federation, the recommended blood glucose ranges are:
- on an empty stomach: less than 115 mg/dL
- 2 hours after meals: less than 160 mg/dL
Levels should not fall below 70 mg/dL at any time of day. When levels are below 70 mg/dL, this is known as hypoglycaemia or a ‘low’, a condition that can be dangerous and should be avoided.
However, blood glucose target levels should always be set on an individual basis, in consultation with your doctor and/or nurse.
To measure blood glucose levels, it is best to have fasted for at least 8 hours. However, it is possible to take a reading without fasting, provided the appropriate reference values are used.
To ensure we have sufficient time to carry out the measurement and analyse the results, we recommend booking the service in advance.
This test costs €4 (special rates apply for loyalty card holders).
