What we’ll cover

• The importance of monitoring blood sugar for people with type 2 diabetes.
• Practical tools for managing blood sugar effectively.
• Why regular blood sugar monitoring isn’t needed for people without diabetes.

Checking your blood sugar

If you live with type 2 diabetes, monitoring your blood sugar (also referred to as blood glucose) is a key part of managing your condition. Keeping your levels in targeted ranges can help prevent complications, improve your energy, and support your overall well-being.

This guide will walk you through the basics of blood sugar monitoring and management, but it’s important to follow the advice of your doctor or diabetes care team, especially if you’re already under medical care.

Do you need to monitor your blood sugar?

For people without diabetes, routine blood sugar monitoring isn’t usually necessary. Your body regulates blood sugar levels naturally, and regular testing has no added benefit unless a doctor advises it.

However, if you have type 2 diabetes, checking your blood sugar can help you:

• Understand how food, exercise, and medications affect your levels.
• Spot patterns that might indicate a problem, such as consistently high or low readings, or patterns in certain parts of the day.
• Adjust your routine and diet with the guidance of your healthcare team.

Finding balance: why stable blood sugar matters

Blood sugar (glucose) is your body’s main energy source. If levels are too high (hyperglycaemia), it can damage blood vessels and organs, increasing the risk of complications like heart disease, kidney problems, and nerve damage.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) can also be dangerous, causing dizziness, confusion, and, in severe cases, unconsciousness.

Monitoring your blood sugar helps you stay within a safe range, reducing the risk of these issues.

Tools for blood sugar monitoring

If you have type 2 diabetes, there are two main ways to check your blood sugar:

• Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs): These devices track your blood sugar in real time, making them useful for those needing close management.
• Finger prick testing: The traditional method, where you use a small device to measure your levels multiple times a day.

Target ranges for blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes tend to be:

• Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/L.
• 2 hours after eating: Under 8.5 mmol/L.

Your healthcare team may adjust these ranges based on your individual needs, so it’s important to consult them before working towards any targets.

Understanding your HbA1c

Your doctor may also check your HbA1c, which provides a three-month average of your blood sugar levels:

• Normal: Below 42 mmol/mol (6.0%).
• Prediabetes: 42 to 47 mmol/mol (6.0 to 6.4%).
• Type 2 diabetes: 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or higher.

This test helps assess long-term blood sugar control and guides treatment decisions.

Recognising warning signs

If your blood sugar is too high, you might experience:

• Feeling very thirsty.
• Frequent urination, especially at night.
• Tiredness after meals.
• Unexplained weight changes.
• Blurred vision or slow-healing wounds.

If you notice these symptoms, contact your clinician immediately.

Driving with diabetes

For people with type 2 diabetes, safe driving depends on proper blood sugar management. The DVLA outlines specific rules:

1. Test your glucose levels within two hours before driving and every two hours during long journeys.
2. Confirm readings below 4.0 mmol/L with a finger prick test.
3. Always carry fast-acting glucose to treat hypoglycaemia if needed.

For more details, refer to the DVLA guidance.

Summary

For people with type 2 diabetes, blood sugar monitoring can be an important part of managing the condition. Tools like CGMs, finger prick tests, and sustainable lifestyle changes can help keep your levels in balance and reduce the risk of complications.

If you’re unsure about any aspect of your diabetes care, always follow the advice of your doctor or diabetes team. At Roczen, we’re here to help you optimise your health and make blood sugar management as straightforward as possible.