Diabetes, Ten Mistakes in Monitoring Blood Sugar

This list is provided by Everyday Health.  I also document how I am doing as others may have the same issues.
1. Getting the wrong Meter.  Mine was given to me by the doctor so no issue here.  It works. 
2. Getting a meter not covered by your insurance.  See number one.  Mine was selected for me so it was covered.
3. Setting up the incorrect time and date.  I have no idea how to do this.  The staff at the diabetic clinic do this for me.  recently on a visit the meter was all off and they had to fix it for me.
4. Testing at the wrong time.  This is a big one for me, because I try to only test when I haven't eaten for three hours.  Sometimes it is hard to do.  Diabetic nurse says I should test first thing in the morning for sure.  I don't always get that done.
5. Not getting into a routine.  I am out of my routine.  I use to always test blood on the train ride home from work about five minutes before exiting the rain.  I am currently out of my groove.  Even when I am in a groove, I have difficulties on the weekend when I do not go through my regular routine.
6.Not cleaning your hands before checking your blood sugar.  This is something I had not really considered.  However I had worried about it a couple times.  However it makes sense.  Washing hands before measuring can give a more accurate reading.
7. Misusing you testing supplies.  Check the expiration dates of the test strips, and avoid reusing the lancets.
8. Testing your fingertip.  The fingertip is the most sensitive part of the finger.  Better to test on the side where it is not so painful.  Also best to change fingers so one isn't over used.
9.  Not staying hydrated.  If you are dehydrated  it can change your numbers.  I had never thought of this.
10. Not tracking your results.  I have never done this, other than what my machine does.  The office of the diabetic nurse use the monitor to get a recent record of my numbers.

Diabetes and Sick Days

Article appeared in WebMD Magazine, Winter 2015 and was distributed by Walgreens.  It was written by Sonya Collins.
There are things a diabetic must consider when sick.  This article answers five questions:
Do I keep taking my medicine?  The thought is I eat less when I am sick; but you also exercise less.  The best answer is to keep taking your medicine.
What should I eat?  You should try to eat normally, but if you can't you should try gelatin, soup and crackers and popsicles which my be easier to keep down.
What should I drink?  It is important to get plenty of liquid to avoid sugar spikes.  8 ounce calorie free beverage is recommended.  If you have difficulty keeping food down, you may want to add a drink with calories every other hour.  This would juice or soda.
Can I take cough or cold medicine?  Avoid medicines with sugar as much as possible.  Syrups often have sugar.  Even so, if you need a syrup to soothe your throat go ahead as there is not a significant amount of sugar.  You can also consult your doctor about medicines as some without sugar also raise blood sugar levels, i.e. aspirin and decongestants.
How often should I check by blood sugar?  You likely will not recognize sugar issues when you are sick as you already feel crappy.  Consequently you should check every two to four hours.  If your blood levels are normal after a couple days then you can go back to your regular routine.

Diabetes: Lowering Your A1C

A1C is a blood test which can let you know how you are doing with regards to diabetes management.  Mine has been too high for some time, 10.2 first of 1026, then down to 8.9 and 8.5 but my last lab back up to 8.8.   have gone through several medication adjustments to try to get this under control, adding januvia and then later gong to extended release metformin.  These have done some good.  However I am looking at these points from Everyday health to bolster my results.  Anything over seven is considered too high.  Below 5.7 is considered normal.
1. Move more.  At least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week is needed.  However this does not have to be formal exercise.  Participating in a sport, walking, or other activity requiring movement will do the trick.
2. Eat a balanced diet with proper nutrition sizes.  Ideas include using a salad plate instead of a dinner plate, be mindful of portion sizes when eating fruit starchy foods and fats, avoid processed foods, and avoid sugary drinks.
3.  Stick to a schedule.  Skipping meals, and then overindulging, or going too long without eating between meals can lead to unhealthy drops and spikes in blood sugar.  I have heard small meals with regular snacks in between is best.
4. Follow you treatment plan.  Best to take medications when they should be taken.
5. Check your blood sugar levels regularly.  This is one I am not doing regularly.  Unless I am on the train, I usually don't check my level.  It is important to check so you can learn how you level responds to certain activities and foods.
Consultation with your doctor about your A!C levels is always a good idea.