diabetesdoctor

Blood glucose testing is the most powerful diagnostic tool available to a diabetic. Unfortunately, most diabetics are not taught how to properly test and use the data to control and manage the disease.

I have done a lot of research in this area, and found that one of the common themes for healthy diabetics is that they get it -- it's all about the data ...

Of course, nutrition, exercise, support, etc. are also important, but if you're not taking full advantage of the data, you can't achieve optimum health.

Richard157

I am a mathematician and I enjoy working with numbers. There are a lot of numbers involved in pumping insulin. I love my pump. A good A1c (below 6.0) is not good enough though. It is necessary to also have a low standard deviation in order to minimize the risk of complications.

Richard

__________________
"Yesterday is hisory, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift."....Eleanor Roosevelt

Age 70. Type 1 for 64 years. Using a Minimed 522 pump. No complications. A1c = 5.6

yrfee

H, What am I supposed to look for. My Diabetic nurse said to check about once a week which I felt was useless. I check about 4-5 times daily although I am only allowed 50 strips a month so I have to buy the rest. DO not know what I am aiming for. I am not on medication of any sort for the diabetes although on several for other things including high BP and Cholesterol . Please advise.

Yrfee
I have done a lot of research in this area, and found that one of the common themes for healthy diabetics is that they get it -- it's all about the data ...

Of course, nutrition, exercise, support, etc. are also important, but if you're not taking full advantage of the data, you can't achieve optimum health.[/QUOTE]

yrfee

Re Power of glucose testing

Please let me know what I am supposed to be looking for in my readings As I really do not get much help on the suject here in WALES uk. do NOT TAKE DIABETIC MEDS - yet.

rubystar2

How do you calculate the standard deviation? I know it is a complex formulae. Is there somewhere I can just plug in numbers and the computer does it for me? I DON'T enjoy working with numbers. LOL

Richard157

Are you officially diagnosed as a diabetuc? If so, which type do you have? I assume you are Type 2 since you mentioned medication instead of insulin. Your fasting blood sugar level is very important. That is your level at the time you get up in the morning, befor eating anything. I try to always be less than 6 at that time of day. The range 4.7-6.7 is ideal for good diabetes control but it is not always possible to stay in that range at all times. I have been diabetic for 63 years and I manage to stay in the range 4-7 about 90% of the time. There is a blood test called the A1c test that gives you your blood sugar average for the preceding three months. My doctor wants my A1c to stay beyween 5.5 and 6.0. That is a nondiabetic level. With good control a diabetic can achieve that level. In the UK you will probably be told that 7.5 is considered a good A1c but a long term diabetic can develop complications at that level. I keep my A1c below 6.0 and I have no complications with my eyes, kidneys and heart. I know many diabetics in the UK and I realize what diabetic care is like there. It is very different from the USA where I live. Good luck to you!

Richard

__________________
"Yesterday is hisory, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift."....Eleanor Roosevelt

Age 70. Type 1 for 64 years. Using a Minimed 522 pump. No complications. A1c = 5.6

Terrie

There you go Ruby. I'm the same as you....basic math Fine....Algebra......forget it, let's go shopping.

Read the steps first. Then you can just add all your numbers from your meter from say, this week and press calculate to get your standard deviation(SD).

Standard Deviation Calculator

__________________
***Life Is A Highway.......T.C.

yrfee

Had to see the diabetic nurse today for the results of my first A1c test. She said my result was brilliant at 6.4% as it is recommended to be under 7%. I am trying to aim for a range 4.5 to 7 on my BG readings but at present my fasting reading is in the range 6.3 to 8.2 not sure how to reduce the readings. the last thing at night reading is very similar. At present I am checking after eating various foods to see whether there is any difference if I have more carbs etc, I am trying to follow the low GI at present.

Richard157

You are doing the right things. That is a good start on your A1c. You might eat fewer carbs each day. I eat 130g per day but I know people who eat 90g or less. Exercise every day.

__________________
"Yesterday is hisory, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift."....Eleanor Roosevelt

Age 70. Type 1 for 64 years. Using a Minimed 522 pump. No complications. A1c = 5.6

rubystar2

Terrie, thank you so much for that link. How wonderful!!