When is the best time to test?
Because this test requires you to fast for at least 8 hours, the best time to test is first thing in the morning before eating breakfast. Selecting this time of day means that the natural “fasting” period between your evening meal and breakfast can be used without interrupting your daily routine.
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Why Do I need to fast for 8 hours?
The Betachek Diabetes Test is a fasting blood glucose test (FBG). The International Expert Committee for the diagnosis of diabetes recommends this type of test. Fasting stimulates the release of the hormone glucagon, which in turn raises glucose levels. In non-diabetic people, the body will produce insulin to counteract the rise in glucose levels. In diabetics this does not happen, and the tested glucose levels will remain high.
(Source: The Expert Committee on the Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus. Follow up report on the Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes Care 26:3160- 3167, 2003.)
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| What if I don't have a watch or timer?Can I guess the time when wiping blood?
NO! Correct timing is important in order to ensure an accurate result. Leaving the blood on the test strip too long will increase your glucose reading, and conversely, not leaving the blood on the test strip long enough will decrease your result.
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What does my result mean?
Your result indicates the amount of glucose contained in your blood. If it is abnormally high it can be an indication of diabetes or other health problems.
Low: 1-2mmol/l (18-36mg/dl) a reading this low would indicates extremely low blood glucose. You should seek medical advice.
Normal: 4-6mmol/l (72-108mg/dL) This range is considered to be a ‘normal’ or healthy result for a fasting blood glucose test.
High: Above 6mmol/l (108mg/dL) (as indicated with the black line on the colour chart) If your result is above the black line then your result is abnormal and you should see your doctor for further testing.
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Why are there 2 tests in the pack?
Two tests allows for two people to measure their fasting blood glucose. Alternatively if you are unsure whether you performed the test correctly, the second test may be used to repeat the test.
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What should I do if my result is between 2 colours on the chart?
If the test strip colours, lie between two colour blocks on the label chart then your result can be found by calculating the average. For example: If the test strip colours lie between colour block 4 and colour block 6 then your result may be calculated as 4 + 6 = 10 and 10/2 = 5.
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What should I do if my result is 'high'?
If the result obtained using the Betachek Diabetes Test was above the black line (6mmol/l) then you should visit your doctor for a laboratory based test.
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How can I get support if I have diabetes?
If you have obtained an abnormal result it is important that you visit your doctor for a laboratory based test. Diabetes can not be established on the basis of one fasting blood glucose test. If your doctor tells you that you have diabetes, there are many options for obtaining information and support. Your doctor will be able to help direct you to these. Alternatively, you can contact Diabetes Australia.
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I don’t have any symptoms, but my result was 'high'. Does that mean I can’t have diabetes?
If your result is above the black line (6mmol/l) then you should see your doctor for further testing, regardless of whether or not you have any symptoms of diabetes.
Diabetes is a condition that causes harm over time. As such it can be many years before symptoms appear. This is why several studies have found that 50% of people with diabetes remain undiagnosed.
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My result was 'normal', does that mean I will never have diabetes?
A normal result does not mean that you will never get diabetes. You should retest annually if you are in a “high risk”group or at least every three years. Maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise are also important if you wish to reduce the likelihood of diabetes.
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My result was very close to being 'high', should I test again?
If your test was close to the black line, you can test again to confirm your result on a different day. It is also recommended that if you are close to the black line then you should visit your doctor for further testing.
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Can I use the lancet more than once?
No, all components in the Betachek Diabetes Test are for single use only.
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Can I prick my arm, or another part of my body instead of my finger?
No, the Betachek Diabetes Test is intended for use with whole capillary blood, which is found in your fingertips. Using blood from an alternative site will give a different result that is not appropriate to be checked against the colour chart provided.
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What are the differences between a whole capillary blood test (like the Betachek Diabetes Test) and urine tests?
A fasting blood glucose test is the most accurate way to test for diabetes. It is recommended by the World Health Organisation and the ADA over urine testing and other types of tests.
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What are the advantages of being diagnosed at an early stage?
Diagnosing diabetes early gives you the best chance to adjust lifestyle factors that can impact your glucose levels.
Simple measures such as eating a healthy diet and doing at least 30 minutes of physical exercise each day and keeping your weight at a healthy level can greatly reduce the chances of developing serious side effects such as:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney damage
- Damage to the nervous system
- Limb amputations (due to poor circulation and healing complications)
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Why does the test have two colours?
Studies have shown that a test strip with two colours is easier to match against a colour chart and therefore more accurate.
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Can I test my whole family including my children?
The Betachek Diabetes Test can be used on the whole family. Children under 2 years should not be tested using the Betachek Diabetes Test, and children under 18 should be tested with the assistance of an adult.
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Can I wash the test strip instead of wiping it off?
No. It is important that the instructions given with the Betachek Diabetes Test are followed correctly. Washing the test strip using water instead of wiping it off will wash away the glucose and give an inaccurate result. Similarly, alcohol or disinfectant wipes should not be used to wipe blood off the test strips
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