Blood glucose monitoring is an important part of any type 1 or type 2 diabetes management plan. If you have diabetes, it’s important to check your blood sugar levels as prescribed by your doctor. This will determine if you have low or high blood sugar and show you how your medication and lifestyle are affecting your blood sugar levels.

You’ll need to get a blood glucose meter from your pharmacist or diabetes educator and learn how to use it. A traditional blood glucose meter uses lancets to puncture your skin, drawing a drop of blood that you then test on a blood glucose strip.

A flash glucose meter (FGM) is a newer device that doesn’t require you to prick your finger – it uses sensor scans. Some people use a sensor inserted under the skin, called a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), to check blood sugar levels.

All people with type 1 diabetes and some with type 2 diabetes require insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. People with diabetes take insulin by a syringe, injection pen or an insulin pump.

Your diabetes treatment plan, including blood glucose monitoring and insulin, depends on factors such as your age, risk factors, current health and other conditions.