Blood glucose monitoring is an important part of any diabetes management plan. If you have diabetes, it’s important to check your blood sugar levels as prescribed by your doctor.

During visits with your primary care provider or endocrinologist, he or she will perform an A1C test to measure the glucose (blood sugar) in your blood by checking hemoglobin. Your physician may also take blood or urine samples to assess kidney, liver and thyroid function.

Type 1 diabetes treatment includes insulin, blood sugar monitoring, diet and exercise changes and diabetes medication.

Type 2 diabetes treatment includes blood sugar monitoring, diet and exercise changes, diabetes medication and insulin.

It’s essential to see your healthcare team regularly for diabetes monitoring, especially as diabetes complications can lead to diabetic retinopathy, kidney disease (nephropathy) and diabetic neuropathy.