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Summary of Transcript:
This video discusses the importance of regularly checking blood sugar levels for those with diabetes. Insulin is the hormone that allows glucose into our cells, but people with diabetes either don’t produce it (Type 1) or are resistant to it (Type 2). Blood glucose levels change throughout the day for various reasons, such as food consumption, illness, and physical activity. Checking blood glucose levels regularly can help identify a person’s healthy range and help manage their condition. Standard checkpoints for blood sugar include fasting, before and after meals, before bed, and during the night if symptoms occur. Testing one to two hours after a meal can help capture peak blood glucose levels, especially for carb-focused foods. Complex carbs such as whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits are digested slower and help stabilize blood sugar levels compared to refined carbs. However, each person is different and should consult with their doctor about a healthy target for them.
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Summary of Description:
Diabetes affects over 10% of Americans. Regularly checking blood glucose levels is important for managing diabetes, and measuring after a meal is crucial as classes are typically at their highest. EatingWell provides a video with a registered dietitian answering questions about how and when to check blood glucose levels.
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Introduction: Understanding Diabetes and Blood Glucose Levels
Diabetes is a common health condition that affects more than 1 in 10 Americans. It can be a challenging illness to manage, but one of the best ways to better understand your diabetes is by regularly checking your blood glucose levels. Measuring your blood glucose after a meal is especially important because our blood glucose levels are typically at their highest. In this video, an EatingWell registered dietitian answers the internet’s burning questions about the best time to check your blood glucose after a meal.
What Causes Blood Glucose to Change?
Before discussing the best time to check your blood glucose after a meal, it’s important to understand what causes blood glucose to change. Carbohydrates are the main nutrient that affects blood glucose levels. When we eat high carbohydrate-rich foods, our blood glucose levels typically rise. The number of carbohydrates we eat, combined with other factors like physical activity and the timing of our meals, can all impact our blood glucose levels.
Why Should You Check Your Blood Glucose?
For people with diabetes, keeping blood glucose levels within a healthy range is crucial in managing the condition and preventing complications. Checking your blood glucose levels can help you better understand how your body responds to the foods you eat. It can also help you make informed decisions about what and when to eat and when to take medication.
How Often Should You Check?
The frequency at which you should check your blood glucose levels can vary depending on your needs and your healthcare provider’s recommendations. However, checking your blood glucose levels at least once daily is generally recommended for people with diabetes. This can help you track how your blood glucose levels are changing over time and identify any patterns or trends.
When Is the Best Time to Check?
The best time to check your blood glucose after a meal is typically 1-2 hours after eating. This is when blood glucose levels are usually at their highest. Checking your blood glucose during this time can help you identify how different foods affect your blood glucose levels and adjust your meals accordingly. It is also important to note that checking your blood glucose levels before a meal can also be a helpful tool in managing diabetes.
Tips for Checking Your Blood Glucose After a Meal
When checking your blood glucose after a meal, remember a few tips. First, thoroughly wash your hands before testing to ensure accuracy. Second, ensure you are getting an adequate blood sample size on the test strip. Finally, log your blood glucose levels to track changes over time and share them with your healthcare provider.
Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Diabetes with Blood Glucose Monitoring
In conclusion, regularly checking your blood glucose levels is important in managing diabetes. Measuring your blood glucose after a meal is especially important as it can help you identify how different foods affect your blood glucose levels and make informed decisions about your diet and medication. By following these tips and guidelines, you can take control of your diabetes and improve your overall health and well-being.
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Source Description
Diabetes affects more than 1 in 10 Americans, yet it can still feel like an unclear and complicated illness to manage. One of the best ways to better understand your diabetes is by regularly checking your blood glucose levels. Measuring your blood glucose after a meal is important because that is typically when our blood glucose levels are at their highest, and in this video, you can find out why.
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Read the article at: https://www.eatingwell.com/article/290761/best-time-to-check-blood-glucose-after-meal/
00:00 Introduction
00:23 What Causes Blood Glucose To Change?
1:26 Why Should You Check Your Blood Glucose?
2:05 How Often Should You Check?
2:36 When Is The Best Time To Check?
An EatingWell registered dietitian answers the internet’s burning questions about the hottest topics in nutrition, diet, and health.
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The Best Time to Check Blood Glucose After a Meal | Dietitian Q&A | EatingWell
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