When should you monitor your blood glucose?

Checking your blood glucose at different times of the day can give you an idea of how well your treatment plan is working. If your levels are not in your target range, blood glucose monitoring can help you and your doctor make any adjustments that may be needed in your lifestyle or medication.

Talk with your doctor or diabetes-care team about the best times for you to self-monitor. They may suggest that you check before breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as at bedtime.

They also may suggest that you check at about 2 or 3 in the morning on occasion. It's also helpful to check blood glucose 1-2 hours after a meal to see the effect of food on your glucose levels.

Check your blood glucose at these times:

before exercise, and sometimes during and after
when your meal plan, medication regimen, or exercise program is changed
when you feel shaky, tired, sweaty, hungry, confused, or have a headache (your blood glucose may be low)
when you feel sick, thirsty, hungry, tired, or are going to the bathroom often (your blood glucose may be high)
when you're sick
when your levels have been outside your target range (either high or low)
if you have frequent low blood glucose levels during the night or wake up with very high blood glucose