How to Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels While Taking Humira
Humira is a medication used to treat autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn's disease. It works by blocking tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a protein in your body that causes inflammation. While Humira is effective at reducing inflammation, it can also affect blood sugar levels and increase the risk of developing diabetes. That's why it's important to monitor your blood sugar regularly if you're taking Humira. High blood sugar can cause symptoms like fatigue, blurred vision, excessive thirst, and frequent urination. Monitoring helps you catch highs and lows early.
How to Test Your Blood Sugar While Taking Humira: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Choose the Right Glucometer
The first step is picking an accurate, easy-to-use glucometer to test your blood sugar at home. Look for one that requires a small blood sample and provides fast results. Consider additional features like wireless connectivity to track results on your phone or computer. It may also help to choose a glucometer your insurance plan covers, so test strips are more affordable.
Discuss glucometer options with your doctor to find one that fits your needs and budget. It's important to have a reliable device you can use regularly. We specialize in diabetic supplies including glucometers and test strips which will fit your budget. Don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or call us at 1-833-787-4777 Monday - Friday 9 am to 5pm PST.
How to Test Your Blood Sugar
To test your blood sugar with a glucometer:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before pricking your finger. This helps avoid any contaminants that could skew results.
- Insert a new test strip into the glucometer. Each strip should only be used once.
- Use the lancing device to prick your fingertip. Position it against the side of your fingertip and press the release button to quickly pierce the skin.
- Squeeze your finger to form a drop of blood. Apply the drop to the test strip. Most strips need to be filled completely.
- Wait for the reading to display on the glucometer screen. This only takes several seconds. The result will show your current blood sugar level in mg/dL.
- Discard the used test strip and lancet in a sharps container. Record your reading in a logbook or diabetes app.
How to Interpret Your Blood Sugar Readings
Once you start testing regularly, it’s important to know what your blood sugar levels mean:
- For people without diabetes:
- Fasting blood sugar (first thing in the morning) should be under 100 mg/dL
- Blood sugar before meals should be between 70–99 mg/dL
- Blood sugar 1-2 hours after meals should be less than 140 mg/dL
- For people with diabetes:
- Fasting blood sugar should be 70–130 mg/dL
- Blood sugar before meals should be 70–130 mg/dL
- Blood sugar after meals should be less than 180 mg/dL
Work with your doctor to determine target ranges that are healthy for you. In general, avoid spikes above 140 mg/dL and dips below 70 mg/dL.
What to Do If Your Blood Sugar Is Too High or Low
If your blood sugar levels are consistently out of your target range, take steps to get them back in a healthy zone:
- For high blood sugar (hyperglycemia): Drink more water, exercise, and adjust your diet by reducing carbohydrates. Check your post-meal readings to see if certain foods cause spikes. Your doctor may adjust your diabetes medication dosage too.
- For low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Eat or drink 15-20 grams of quick-acting glucose like regular soda, fruit juice, glucose tablets, or hard candies. Retest your blood sugar after 15 minutes to make sure it rises. Discuss adjusting medications with your doctor if lows persist.
Notify your doctor right away if your blood sugar is over 250 mg/dL or drops dangerously low. These may signify underlying health issues that need medical attention.
Tips for Managing Diabetes with Humira
- Follow your doctor's advice for testing frequency. Check blood sugar daily or as often as recommended.
- Record your results in a logbook or app to identify trends. Bring these records to appointments.
- Take diabetes medications as prescribed and get regular A1C tests to ensure good control.
- Make diet and exercise adjustments if blood sugar trends high or low. Work on consistency.
- Stay hydrated, limit alcohol, quit smoking, and manage stress levels. These all impact blood sugar.
- Inspect your injection sites and rotate them regularly to prevent skin reactions.
- See your doctor if you experience increased thirst, urination, blurred vision, or fatigue.
See if You Qualify for Humira as low as $0 Out of Pocket
Curaa is a new pharmacy making Humira more affordable for consumers. Curaa Pharmacy partners with various healthcare organizations including non-profits to help consumers access medications at lower prices. See if you qualify for Humira as low as $0 out of pocket in as little as a few minutes.
Resources for More Information
Learning all you can about monitoring blood sugar on Humira is key. Check out these resources for more diabetes management tips:
- American Diabetes Association
- Joslin Diabetes Center
- Mayo Clinic
- WebMD
- Humira Patient Medication Guide
Conclusion
Stay proactive about tracking your blood sugar levels while on Humira. This ensures you can enjoy the benefits of Humira while keeping diabetes under control. With routine testing and the right precautions, it is possible to safely manage both conditions. This is an informational blog post. Always consult with your doctor before making decisions regarding your specific situation.
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Disclaimer: This post is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this post.