Medical Surgical Nursing 2: Blood Glucose Monitoring

Blood Glucose Levels and Diabetes

• Blood tests for glucose levels help identify if an individual has diabetes, prediabetes, or normal glucose levels.
• Insulin has the function of regulating blood glucose levels by facilitating the entry of glucose into cells.

Complications of Abnormal Blood Glucose Levels

• Abnormal blood glucose levels are associated with complications such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, and kidney damage.

Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia

• Hypoglycemia refers to a blood glucose level that is too low (less than 70 mg/dL).
• Hyperglycemia is the medical term for high blood sugar (a level above 125 mg/dL).

Diagnostic Tests for Blood Glucose

• FBS stands for Fasting Blood Sugar, which measures blood glucose levels after an overnight fast of at least 8 hours.
• RBS stands for Random Blood Sugar, which measures blood glucose levels at any time of day, regardless of when the last meal was consumed.
• The HbA1c test measures glucose levels for the past 2-3 months, providing a more comprehensive picture of blood glucose control.

Importance of Monitoring Blood Glucose

• Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose (SMBG) helps prevent hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia by allowing individuals to track their blood glucose levels regularly.
• Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels allows for the detection and prevention of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

Consequences of Uncontrolled Diabetes

• Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death from disease among people with diabetes.

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

• Symptoms of hypoglycemia include shakiness, dizziness, confusion, and rapid heartbeat.

Test your knowledge on blood glucose monitoring, diabetes, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, complications of abnormal blood glucose levels, and diagnostic tests for blood glucose in medical surgical nursing.