WHY USE THE SELFCHECK BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVEL TEST?
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes in the UK. There are still a lot of undiagnosed type 2 diabetics in the UK.
If left untreated for a long time, diabetes can lead to circulatory and vascular problems such as limb amputation due to nerve damage and poor blood supply, loss of vision, erectile dysfunction, stroke, poor wound healing and kidney failure.
People with diabetes do not produce enough insulin and hence are unable to maintain normal blood glucose levels in the range of 4 to 6 mmol/l.
Symptoms of diabetes include – weight fluctuations, loss of appetite, being thirsty, blurred vision.
• Those at high risk of having diabetes include:
◦ those with a family history of diabetes
◦ aged 40 and over
◦ overweight and with a large waist measurement
Anyone who has two or more risk factors should consider using a blood glucose screening test.
This home testing kit is easy to use, and requires a finger prick blood sample giving an easy to read result within minutes.
HOW AND WHEN DO I PERFORM THIS TEST?
Please read the instruction leaflet provided with the test kit for directions on how to collect your sample and get your results. This home testing kit is easy to use, and requires a finger prick blood sample giving an easy to read result within minutes.
For best results, the test should be performed on an empty stomach and no drink or food should have been consumed for 12 hours before carrying out the test.
For accurate results, carry out the test, first thing in the morning.
WHO IS THIS TEST FOR?
It is strongly recommended for adults over the age of 40 and for those suffering from high cholesterol
HOW OFTEN SHOULD BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS BE MEASURED?
This depends on lifestyle factors. People who have a poor diet, suffer from other medical conditions and have low physical activity should check their glucose levels more frequently.
Healthy individuals would benefit from an annual check.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS ARE OUTSIDE THE NORMAL RANGE?
Please arrange to speak to your GP for further medical advise and treatment if appropriate.
