How to Test For Blood Glucose Levels and What They Mean

When someone has diabetes, it is important that they test their blood glucose levels on a regular basis. Knowing what their healthy level is and noticing any changes could give them an important head start on controlling any issues that may arise. Testing the levels of glucose in the blood is very easy and can be done at home with simple tools.

There are many things that can be determined from looking at the levels of glucose that someone has in their blood. For example, the reading might indicate how elements such as exercise, diet, stress and illness have affected their blood sugar levels. It can also help a patient's doctor determine how much insulin they should be taking before meals or if their insulin levels need to be adjusted.

It is important to have the proper equipment for testing blood sugar levels, but it can be found easily at any grocery store or pharmacy. The two most important pieces of equipment are the blood glucose meter and the testing strips. It is very important that patients make sure to get the correct testing strips for the brand of meter that they are purchasing.

When testing and maintaining equipment, there are a few things that someone can do to make sure they are getting an accurate reading every time. It is important to store unused testing strips in the container since exposure to air could affect the results. Expired products should not be used because they are not likely to give an accurate reading. It is also important for users to read all of the directions carefully before beginning and following them exactly while performing the test.

How to Test Your Fitness Level

Below are some steps you can follow to determine which level you're on.

1. Run or brisk walk to test your aerobic fitness.

Run a mile or two as fast as you can. You can do it anywhere but make sure you run on a level path. A sign of top aerobic ability which is your body's capacity to transport oxygen to your working muscles is breaking the 10-minute mark. If your time is 12 minutes or above, it means you are quite slow, between 10 and 12 minutes indicates ordinary ability and 10 minutes or less indicates peak endurance.

Remember to practice running farther than your record speed to develop your aerobic capacity. Regular aerobic exercise lowers your body fat and cholesterol and thus lessens the risk of heart disease.

2. Do push-ups to test your upper body strength and muscular fitness.

When doing push-ups, lie face down on the floor with elbows bent and palms next to your shoulders. Then push up with arms until arms are extended, all the while keeping your back straight. Lower body until chest touches floor and then push it upward as you return to your starting position.

If you can do 13 to 15 push-ups at one time, your upper body strength is considered good. If your count is six or less, that means your upper body muscles need work. Remember that beginners are usually on their hands and knees while those who are more advanced are on their hands and toes.

3. Sit and reach to measure flexibility.

This is a simple method to measure the flexibility of your body, in particular your lower back, hips, and the backs of your legs. To do this, place a yardstick on the floor. Secure it with a piece of tape across the yardstick at the 15-inch or 38-centimeter mark. Place the soles of your feet even with the mark on the yardstick. Ask someone to place his or her hands on top of your knees to secure them and then reach forward as far as you can, staying in that position for two to three seconds. Repeat two more times, recording each distance you have reached.