Did you know?
Diabetes is a growing global health concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 30 million people are affected by diabetes in the United States.₁ Diabetes can affect many parts of the body, and if left uncontrolled, it may lead to complications. However, people with diabetes, together with their healthcare team, family, and support network, can reduce the risk of complications by maintaining their blood sugar within a healthy range. Blood pressure and lipids (such as cholesterol and triglycerides) may also be monitored frequently by your healthcare provider (HCP).
You are in charge
Living with diabetes may seem complicated, but understanding it can help you take control. Pay attention to:
- Eating healthy food in healthy amounts
- Staying active
- Managing your stress effectively
- Taking your medications (if needed) as prescribed by your health care provider (HCP)
- Your blood sugar readings
- Visiting your HCP and healthcare team members per your regimen
- Getting all necessary laboratory tests done
Think about what you may want to talk with your healthcare team about:
- What is your blood sugar at different times of the day?
- How is your blood sugar control over time?
- What tests do you need to find out if you are developing any complications?
Benefits of Using a CONTOUR®NEXT Blood Glucose Monitoring System and CONTOUR®NEXT test strips
What do your test strips really cost you? Maybe Too Much.
Improving blood sugar self-testing
What Can You Do to Improve Your Self-Testing?
Talk to your healthcare team about your meter and how to test. Always follow the directions that come with your meter. An important thing you can do to ensure a good self-test is to properly wash and dry your hands right before the test, as explained in the user manual. If your hands are not completely clean, this can cause an incorrect blood sugar reading. Before doing the test, wash your hands in warm, soapy water and dry them well. DO NOT use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, gels or wipes in replacement of soap and water.
More Tips to Improve Your Self-Testing Practices:
- Keep your meter clean
- Keep your testing supplies at room temperature
- Check the expiration date of your testing supplies. Make sure your meter is correctly coded to the test strips you are using. CONTOUR®NEXT portfolio meters offer No Coding® technology to reduce the steps in the testing process and help you get easy, highly accurate results
- Put your hand down to let gravity help the blood flow to your fingertips
- Stick the side of your finger with a new lancet in a lancing device
- Get enough of a blood drop to apply to the test strip. CONTOUR®NEXT portfolio meters offer Second-Chance® sampling, allowing you to apply more blood onto the same test strip which may help prevent wasted test strips₆
- Record the results in your logbook or smart device app
CONTOUR®NEXT Blood Glucose Monitoring Products
Managing your blood sugar
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends nutrition therapy for all people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Consult with your healthcare team to find a Registered Dietician Nutritionist (RDN - an expert in nutrition) or other qualified HCP, who can personalize your meal plan to fit your individual needs. Within the first 6 months of your diabetes diagnosis, you should meet with your RDN 3 to 4 times. Don’t hesitate to ask for help with your meal plan. Many health insurance plans cover nutrition and diabetes education sessions.₈
Healthy Activity
Exercise is an important part of the diabetes management plan. Regular exercise has been shown to improve blood glucose control, reduce cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure and cholesterol), contribute to weight loss, and improve well-being (reduce stress and increase energy levels).₉ Always talk with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.
Click here to access a Know Your™ Healthy Steps guide with tips for calculating your steps per day, making a plan to meet your goal steps, and getting in your steps – anytime, anywhere.