max, low blood sugar personality is snappy and grumpy. high blood sugar is euphoric and confused. Dad needs better control. You are right A1C is only an average. Ask Dad to keep a log.

Dad usually has OK blood glucose test result with his home meter when he test each morning. However, he has frequent hypoglycemic events (readings 45 to 50) due to not eating. As A1C is an average, then how does it accurately reflect all that is going on with his diabetes. Of course he loads up on orange juice when he has low glucose. He doesn't mention these lows to his doctor. I don't know why not. Is it possible he is getting some sort of euphoria when his blood glucose level rises to a normal level (something like when a bad headache goes away?

Hi Marlo, I find a lot of people admitted to my emergency department have a poor technique for acquiring blood samples for a glucose test. I have made an educational video to show people what to do. I give my patients the link so they can see exactly what to do. I am not allowed to share the free content here, but it would enhance your article. Also word of warning. I never post what values are " supposed to be" because long term diabetics all have different ranges they operate in. If they suddenly drop their blood glucose to a "normal level it can be detrimental to their health.
Great post
Take care
Phill

Hi pstiegman ,
Thats what I explain in my video . I use the analogy of a sticky jam donut look up inightingale.net and under the home care education is blood sugar levels. Good pick up.

Wash your hands before you do your test!! My brother in law called all in a panic. He thought his sugar was 234. He had been snacking and the invisible residue on his finger threw the test waaaay off.

Blood sugar testing is the vital ingredient for any diabetic person. The correct use of a blood sugar machine (glucometer) is very important. watch how to do a blood sugar test at home. inightingale/blood-sugar-levels/