How to Check Blood Sugar to Control Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is a characterized by your body's inability to properly use insulin, a substance created and released from your pancreas to enable your body's cells to utilize glucose. It is widely considered to be a precursor to Type 2 diabetes. Controlling your blood sugar and insulin levels by losing weight and engaging in regular exercise (30 minutes on most days of the week) are two steps recommended by the American Diabetes Association to reverse insulin resistance and prevent the condition from worsening to diabetes. Regularly checking your blood sugar levels can help you stay on the right track.

Instructions

1

Buy a blood glucose meter. This is the most accurate means of checking your blood sugar levels at home. Meters are available at your local pharmacy or superstore.

2

Wash your hands thoroughly before beginning. Insert a testing strip into the meter. The exact area and means of inserting the strip may vary in accordance with the meter, so be sure to consult the instructions which came with the device.

3

Use the lancing apparatus to "stick" your finger. Carefully massage and squeeze your finger to release a drop of blood.

4

Hold the testing strip to your drop of blood and wait for your results. Your current blood sugar level will be displayed on the meter. If your blood sugar is high, you may need to alter your diet to keep your levels steady and within the normal range.

5

Keep a log or a journal to track your results. This will enable you and your doctor to monitor your progress and determine if any further steps are necessary.