Testing Before Treating a Low

A meter reading tells you whether your blood sugar is truly low. Shaky feelings do not always mean the number is low.

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a small sensor worn on the skin. A finger stick test or CGM shows where your blood sugar is now. Checking is like reading a gas gauge instead of guessing.

When you can check safely, check first. The number guides your next step.

If you cannot check, and low symptoms feel real, follow your plan. Treat it as a possible low.

Checking can stop you from treating a low that is not there. It also helps you catch a real low. Ask your care team how often you should check, especially when symptoms change.

Key takeaways

• A meter or CGM reading shows whether your blood sugar is truly low.
• Symptoms alone can mislead, so check when it is safe.
• If you cannot check and symptoms feel real, follow your plan and treat as a possible low.

Try it

Today, find your meter and test strips, or open your CGM app, and keep them somewhere easy to reach.