What should you know about type 2 diabetes glucose levels?

A reading before food, after a meal or during symptoms answers a different question. The meter result is affected by testing technique and timing, while a longer-term test reflects an extended period. Your personal target depends on factors such as treatment, other health conditions, age and the risk of hypoglycaemia.

High readings may cause thirst, frequent urination, tiredness or blurred vision, although some people notice no symptoms. Low readings can cause shaking, sweating, hunger, dizziness, irritability, confusion or fainting.

Test at the times your clinician recommends and write down the result, meal timing, activity, medicine and symptoms. Check that strips are stored correctly and that your hands are clean and dry. Share repeated patterns rather than changing doses yourself.

Follow your personal plan for treating low glucose if you use medicine that can cause it. During illness, ask your team in advance how often to test and what to do if you cannot eat or drink normally.

Seek prompt advice for readings that repeatedly sit outside your agreed range or symptoms that are new or worsening. Get emergency help for confusion, fainting, seizures, severe dehydration, vomiting with inability to keep fluids down, or deep or rapid breathing. Do not drive when experiencing symptoms of low glucose or impaired awareness.

Ask which readings to record, what your personal targets are, how to manage exercise and illness, when treatment needs review, and how to recognise a low glucose episode.