Diabetes itself is not terrible, but the complications hidden behind it are—and stroke is one of the most dangerous ones!Stroke is known for its “four highs”: high incidence, high recurrence rate, high mortality, and high disability rate. It has become the number one killer causing death and disability among adults in China. People with diabetes […]
Blood Glucose Monitoring at Different Times for People with Diabetes
Blood glucose monitoring at different times for people with diabetes is like setting observation posts at various intersections, each with its own focus. Understanding blood glucose changes in a timely manner ensures medication safety and guides whether you need extra meals or to handle high or low blood glucose.Fasting blood glucose (usually before breakfast, after […]
What Information Do Blood Glucose Readings Provide for People with Diabetes?
Blood glucose readings are not just cold numbers—they convey important health messages.Fingerstick glucose meter readingIt reflects your real-time blood glucose level, like a “snapshot” of your blood sugar.It serves as direct guidance for your next meal, immediate exercise, and adjusting your current diabetes medication.For example: A low reading before a meal means you need to […]
How to Use a Blood Glucose Meter Correctly for People with Diabetes
Understanding the correct use of a blood glucose meter helps you know your blood glucose status timely and accurately. Following the proper steps is essential to obtain reliable blood glucose readings. Below is a step-by-step guide to measuring blood glucose at home with a glucose meter.First, complete the preparations: Steps for blood sampling: Steps for […]
How Do People with Diabetes Record Blood Glucose Monitoring Data?
The purpose of recording blood glucose monitoring data for people with diabetes is to check whether blood glucose levels are within the normal range. Based on the records, patients can analyze trends and detect abnormal blood glucose levels. If abnormalities occur, contact a doctor immediately or go to the hospital for medical attention.Tools for blood […]
Common Misconceptions in Blood Glucose Monitoring for Diabetes
Irregular Monitoring (Working by Fits and Starts)Irregular monitoring is a major pitfall. Letting your guard down based on occasional “good” readings or only testing when you feel unwell fails to reflect your true overall blood glucose profile, easily masking underlying problems.Testing Without Record-Keeping (No Systematic Log)Monitoring without recording is ineffective. Without systematic records, your doctor […]
Medications for Diabetic Kidney Disease: Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists
Mechanism of Action of GLP-1 Receptor AgonistsThey exert renal and cardiovascular benefits in many patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD).Contraindications of GLP-1 Receptor AgonistsGLP-1 receptor agonists should be avoided in patients with a history of pancreatitis, a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or a personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia.They […]
Medications for Diabetic Kidney Disease: Non-steroidal Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist (MRA) – Finerenone
Renoprotective mechanism of non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) – finerenoneReduces inflammation and fibrosis, lowers urinary protein excretion, and delays the progression of kidney disease.Contraindications and administration of finerenoneFinerenone should not be used in patients with serum potassium > 5 mmol/L or eGFR < 25 mL/(min·1.73m²). In patients initiated on a lower dose of finerenone, the […]
Medications for Diabetic Kidney Disease: Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) Inhibitors
Mechanism of Action of SGLT-2 InhibitorsIn patients with diabetes, sodium reabsorption is usually increased due to excessive glucose load in the renal tubules.SGLT-2 inhibitors reduce sodium reabsorption by blocking this cotransporter.The resulting natriuresis reduces intravascular volume and blood pressure, but also increases sodium delivery to the macula densa.This restores normal tubuloglomerular feedback and reduces intraglomerular […]
Frequency and Targets of Blood Glucose Monitoring in Diabetes
Blood glucose monitoring should be neither excessive nor insufficient; only scientific planning can achieve twice the result with half the effort. Monitoring principles vary among people on different treatment regimens and should be chosen based on individual conditions. For self-monitoring of blood glucose, 4–7 measurements per day are recommended, commonly using the 5-point or 7-point […]