You should check your blood sugar levels based on your diabetes type, treatment plan, and daily activities. Generally, common recommended times to check blood sugar include:
- When you first wake up, before eating or drinking anything.
- Before meals and snacks.
- At bedtime.
- Two hours after a meal to see how food affects your blood sugar.
- Before, during, and after exercise.
- When you feel unwell or notice symptoms of high or low blood sugar.
- Before driving or operating machinery.
- More frequently if you're sick, under unusual stress, changing your routine, starting new medicine, or adjusting insulin doses.
For people with type 1 diabetes, checking blood sugar 4 to 10 times a day may be advised, including during the night sometimes. For type 2 diabetes managed with insulin, testing several times daily, especially before meals and at bedtime, is often recommended. Those managing type 2 diabetes without insulin may not need to test daily. Checking blood sugar regularly helps in adjusting medication, diet, and exercise plans to better manage diabetes and prevent complications.
