Why should individuals with diabetes regularly monitor their blood sugar levels?

Individuals with diabetes should regularly monitor their blood sugar levels primarily to manage complications associated with the condition. Consistently tracking blood glucose helps in maintaining it within a target range, which is crucial for preventing acute and chronic complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney disease, and cardiovascular issues.

Regular monitoring allows individuals to understand how different foods, physical activities, medications, and stress levels affect their blood sugar. This awareness enables better decision-making regarding diet and treatment strategies, ultimately leading to improved overall health outcomes. By closely managing blood glucose levels, individuals can reduce the risk of severe fluctuations that can lead to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, both of which can have serious health consequences.

This focus on managing complications underscores the importance of monitoring blood sugar rather than simply preventing unrelated issues like hypertension or low blood pressure, which, while potentially relevant to some individuals, do not directly address the primary concern for those with diabetes.