Janice Hidalgo: Hello! I'm Janice Hidalgo, Project Manager of the Diabetes Self-Management Educational Program at IPRO. We're talking now about the importance of Self-Monitoring.

Monitoring your Blood Sugar levels regularly, gives you vital information about your diabetes control. Remember, an acceptable range of Blood Sugar is 90 to 130 milligrams per deciliter before meals, and less than 160 milligrams per deciliter two hours after meals.

If you have diabetes and your Blood Sugar goes below 90 milligrams per deciliter, you may experience symptoms of Hypoglycemia. These can include Shakiness, Headaches, Irritability, Weakness, Sweating, and Dizziness. If you have diabetes and your Blood Sugar goes above 160 milligrams per deciliter, you may experience symptoms of Hyperglycemia. These can include Vomiting, Nausea, Frequent Urination, Dry Mouth, Thirst, Fatigue, Breath that smells Fruity, or shortness of Breath. Knowing your numbers may help you to make food and activity adjustments so that your body can perform at its best. It takes some time and experience to figure out how your daily activities affect your Blood Sugar. Your physician, nurse, or a diabetes educator can help you learn how to use a Blood Sugar meter. When to check your Blood Sugar and what the numbers need.

What to do when your numbers are out of your target range and how to record your Blood Sugar results. Here are the ways to treat Hyperglycemia or high Blood Sugar. Monitor your Blood Sugar frequently throughout the day using a Meter. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Consume smaller portions of foods more frequently throughout the day. Take your medications at schedule times. Avoid exercise if your Blood Sugar is greater than 300 milligrams per deciliter. Call your healthcare professional if high Blood Sugar persists for more than one day. Here are ways to treat Hypoglycemia or low Blood Sugar. Immediately tell someone that your Blood Sugar is low. Eat hard candy or drink four ounces or fruit juice. Check your Blood Sugar every 15 minutes, if there is no improvement, eat or drink more. Call 911 or your doctor immediately if your symptoms do not improve.

Jane Giordano, RD: Self Monitoring for person with diabetes is essential. If you're not taking your own Blood Sugar, or testing your Blood Sugar throughout the day then you don't know, how good or bad of control that you are in, so testing is a must.

Janice Hidalgo: Talk to your doctor or diabetes educator about Glucagon Education, once your symptoms have disappeared and you're feeling better. Here are some things to keep in mind when monitoring your Blood Sugar. Remember to wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly before checking your Blood Sugar. Substances on your skin like dirt, food or lotion can cause inaccurate results. When traveling, keep your supplies with you, advice security personnel that you are carrying diabetes supplies. If you are having trouble affording test trips, call the toll free number on the back of you is needed for coupons, or ask your diabetes educator about other resources.

Follow a schedule, keep a record of your daily levels and share them with your doctor or healthcare team. Try to identify patterns when your Blood Sugar goes up or down and use the numbers to make decisions about your diabetes care. This is especially important when you're feeling sick. If you like to learn more about Diabetes Self-Management, check out our other videos in these series, including how to properly take your medications.