dipstick testing .

[lilianfrs]

My husband has just been diagnosed with type 2  this week, and we are really struggling with how/when he should be using the dipsticks. Can anyone save our sanity please. As we are both in our mid 70s we are really struggling with this.

[Super_sally888]

hello,

if it is a urinary dipstick to test for sugar in his urine, I have to say it is a terribly outdated approach.

The correct approach now is to use a home blood sugar meter and test our blood sugar by doing a finger stick.

The correct time for testing is fasting blood sugar (ideally < 95) and 2 hours after eating.  Should be < 120 or at most 140.

If your Dr is only giving him a dipstick to test urine, it could be time for a new doctor.  By the time there is sugar in his urine then he will be having high blood sugar levels (this is dangerous).

Please come back and let us how you go.  I will try to answer further questions.

[diabetes86]

Dip stick?  I REALLY REALLY  hope you dont mean a stick you pee on!

the usual time is first thing in the morning...  That is your fasting BG

Before you eat tells you what your starting point is for food.
If you test 1 hour after you eat that is your PP (Post Prendel)   BG,  used to see how your food affects your BG.

2 hours after eating tells you how well your pancreas is working. (should be back to pre meal numbers), If not you eat too much carbohydrates in the meal  OR  you need more drugs to help with BG.

Carbohydrates raise BG...  ALL carbohydrates raise BG.  eat carbs BG goes up, eat too many carbs BG goes up too much.