The Surprising Truth: Why Some Claim Even Measuring Blood Sugar Can Be Unreliable

Blood sugar monitoring is a cornerstone of diabetes management. It provides essential information that allows both patients and healthcare providers to make informed decisions about medication adjustments, lifestyle changes, and overall treatment plans. However, there are several common misconceptions about blood sugar monitoring that can lead to inadequate diabetes care. Here, we clarify these misunderstandings:

Misunderstanding 1: Monitoring Blood Sugar Only When Feeling Unwell

It is a mistake to monitor blood sugar only when experiencing symptoms of high or low blood sugar. Many people with diabetes can have high blood sugar levels without noticeable symptoms. Regular monitoring, as advised by a healthcare provider, is essential to track blood sugar trends and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Misunderstanding 2: Focusing Solely on Blood Sugar, Not Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)

While daily blood sugar levels are important, they only provide a snapshot of blood sugar at a specific moment. HbA1c, on the other hand, reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It is not affected by short-term fluctuations or the timing of blood tests and provides a more comprehensive view of diabetes control. HbA1c is a critical measure for assessing long-term blood sugar management and predicting the risk of diabetes-related complications.

Misunderstanding 3: Ignoring Postprandial Blood Sugar

Postprandial blood sugar levels, which are measured after meals, are as important as fasting levels. High blood sugar after eating can significantly contribute to the risk of complications such as cardiovascular disease, diabetic retinopathy, and kidney disease. Many people, especially in Asia, experience high blood sugar after meals, which should not be overlooked.

Misunderstanding 4: Irregular Monitoring

Intermittent monitoring, often referred to as "three days to fish, two days to dry the net," is not effective for managing diabetes. Consistent and regular monitoring is necessary to detect blood sugar abnormalities promptly and to ensure that blood sugar levels are within the target range. Irregular monitoring cannot provide the data needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment plan or to make timely adjustments.

In conclusion, regular and comprehensive blood sugar monitoring is crucial for effective diabetes management. It is important to follow a monitoring schedule recommended by a healthcare provider, which typically includes fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar, and HbA1c testing. By understanding the significance of each type of blood sugar test and committing to a regular monitoring routine, individuals with diabetes can better manage their condition and reduce the risk of complications.