This document provides information for diabetes educators on self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). It explains that SMBG, as part of diabetes self-management education and support, can help patients understand the importance of monitoring, interpreting results, and maintaining a logbook to improve diabetes care. The document then answers frequently asked questions about how to properly use a glucometer, when to test blood glucose levels, normal ranges, and what to do if levels are too high or too low. It emphasizes the importance of keeping accurate records in a logbook to share with physicians.

1. SELF MONITORING OF BLOOD GLUCOSE
(SMBG)
For Diabetes Educator
Dr J Rangwala
drjoozer@gmail.com

2. Important information for Diabetes Educators:
Globally Diabetes self – management education
and support (DSME / DSMS) has shown to
improve diabetes health outcomes
A Diabetes Educator plays an integral role to
explain the patients the importance of DSME and
DSMS
Monitoring is an important component of DSME
Using this educational tool, a diabetes educator
can help patients to understand the importance of
SMBG, interpret their results and maintain a
logbook so as to have a improved overall
diabetes care.

3. This tool helps clarifying following FAQ's:
How should I use my glucometer and its
components?
How often should I test my blood glucose levels?
Should it pain while pricking my finger?, How
should i prick in the best possible manner?
Are the glucose meter reading accurate?
Why should I record results in logbook after each
reading?
What should be the normal level of my blood
glucose?
What should I do when my blood glucose levels
are too high or too low?

4. SMBG : You will learn.....
How to use?
When to check?
What it means?
What sugar level means?
How to record?

5. Why do you need to check blood
sugar at home?
We need to know what is effect on sugars when
we:
Take food : ..... there is rise in sugars.
Take medicine (OHA/Insulin) : ... there is reduction
in sugar.
Do exercise : ... there is reduction in sugar.
Stress :.. there is rise of sugar

6. What do you require for
measuring blood sugar level?
Glucometer
Glucose strips
Pricking device
Lancets
Log book
Drop of patient blood!

7. Important steps : Coding
Machine:
Wash clean and dry your hands
Insert strip
Match code of strips with glucometer
Prick at the tip of finger and draw blood
Apply to test area and wait
See the result
Record the result

8. Important steps : No Coding
Machine
Wash clean and dry your hands
Insert strip
Apply to test area and wait
Prick at the tip of finger and draw blood
See the result
Record the result

9. Correct way to prick:
Warm up your hands
Prick on the side of your finger
Switch fingers regularly
Use a fresh lancet everytime.

10. Know your numbers:
(Your test time will decide your values)
Fasting : Test Taken after 8 Hours of fasting
80 – 130 mg %
Post prandial : Test taken after two hours of
meals
< 180 mg %
Random Blood Sugar : 24/7 hours of the day
Test done at any time of the day
140 – 199 mg %

11. What to do if your numbers are too
low :
Do you have these symptoms?
Shaky, nauseated
Nervous, irritable
Hungry
Sweaty, headache
Weak, drowsy
You possibly have HYPOGLYCEMIA:
What you need to do.....
15 gm glucose in the form of glucose tablets
15 cc (1 tablespoon) or 3 packets of table
sugardissolved in water
175 cc (3/4 cup) of juice or regular soft drinks
Record such episode and inform doctor about same.

12. Do you have any of these symptoms:
Feeling thirsty more often
Feeling tired
Frequent urination
You can possibly have HYPERGLYCEMIA:
What you need to do .....?
Reduce your food intake
Start exercising
If > 240 mg %, check urine for ketone, ... if ketones
are present ... Dont exercise
Record and inform your doctor
What to do if your numbers are too high :

13. Keeping record:
Note down all records in log book
Show logbook to Dr. everytime
What to record?
Blood sugar recorded
Food
Exercise
Medicine
Stress
And strick history etc

14. Why reports could be different from tab?
Glucometer : Capillary Blood
Laboratory : Venous Blood
(Expect 11 – 15 % difference!, It's OK)
You can compare FASTING reading ..... to see
the real difference.

15. Important Tips:
Store properly
Expiry date
Use a bif enough drop of blood
Keep meter clean
Dont reuse / share needles, syringes or lancets.