How Can I Keep My Blood Sugar Level Under Control?

QUESTION: I am fighting a battle with diabetes. Everything I read about this
disease stresses the need to keep my blood sugar under control. What do you
consider as the best way to do this? I am determined to maintain whatever
schedule I must, to keep my diabetes under control.
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ANSWER: Checking your blood sugar, your urine sugar and your urine ketones at
home is the best way to know whether you are staying under control. Keep
accurate records of these test results, along with a diary that describes your
food and medication intake, exercise periods, as well as any symptoms. Blood
sugar can now be tested with a variety of home monitors that use plastic
strips which react with the sugar in your blood, and change color. The
machine "reads" the color (a process called colorimetry) and translates the
findings into readings that show the level of sugar. Similar strips also are
available to detect the presence of sugar in your urine. Home monitor testing
of blood sugar however, will yield more accurate results.
If you're a newly diagnosed diabetic, or someone whose blood sugar is
especially difficult to control, your doctor may recommend that you test your
blood on arising, before meals, after meals, at bedtime and between 2 A.M. and
4 A.M. Once you and your doctor learn your blood sugar pattern and an
effective way of administering insulin is determined, testing can become less
frequent. Testing blood sugar before each of the three meals and before
bedtime is usually recommended. Anytime you have symptoms of high or low
blood sugar, it's important to check your blood or urine more frequently and
modify your insulin intake as indicated by the test results.