Blood Glucose Monitoring: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Blood Glucose Monitoring?
You usually check your own blood sugar at home, and your health care provider guides how often. A primary care doctor often helps you choose a kit and learn to use it. An endocrinologist, a doctor who treats diabetes and other hormone problems, may also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Blood glucose monitoring here means checking blood sugar at home with a meter or a continuous glucose monitor, not a blood sugar test done in a lab. If you have diabetes, you check your blood sugar as often as your provider says and write down the results. A continuous glucose monitor, or CGM, is a device that estimates your blood sugar all day and night.
Why a doctor might recommend it
The most important reasons to check your blood sugar at home are to:
- See if your diabetes medicines raise your risk of low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia.
- Use the number before a meal to help decide how much insulin or other medicine to take.
- Make healthy food and activity choices to manage your blood sugar.
Keeping your blood glucose level in your target range can help prevent other health problems caused by diabetes.
How to prepare
You can buy a testing kit from a pharmacy without a prescription. Your provider can help you choose the right kit, set up the meter, and teach you how to use it. Clean the needle prick area with soap and water, and dry the skin completely. Do not use an alcohol swab. Alcohol is not effective in removing sugar residue from the skin.
What happens during it
Most kits have test strips, small needles called lancets, and a logbook. To do the test, you prick your finger with the needle and place a drop of blood on a special strip. A CGM has three parts. These are a tiny sensor under the skin, a transmitter, and a software program. Many CGMs have an alarm that goes off when your glucose level is too low or too high.
Recovery
Keep a record of your results for yourself and your provider. If your blood sugar is higher than your goals for 3 straight days and you do not know why, contact your provider or diabetes educator. For safety, act quickly if a CGM alarm sounds that your glucose level is too low or too high.
Risks and side effects
No meter or strip is accurate 100% of the time. If a result is unexpectedly high or low, measure again with a new strip. A CGM can cause skin redness or irritation from the sticky patches for some people. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you faint or lose consciousness. Confusion or a sudden change in mental state are also warning signs.
Who performs it
You do the finger-stick test yourself. Your provider helps you set up the meter and learn to use it. Your doctor may recommend a CGM if you need insulin for type 1, type 2, or another form of diabetes.
Common questions
How often should I check my blood sugar?
Your health care provider decides how often you should check. Not everyone with diabetes needs to check every day. Others need to check many times a day.
Should I clean my finger with an alcohol swab first?
No, do not use an alcohol pad or swab to clean the skin. Clean the area with soap and water and dry the skin completely instead.
What is a continuous glucose monitor?
A continuous glucose monitor, or CGM, is a device that estimates your blood sugar all day and night. It estimates your glucose level every few minutes and keeps track of it over time.
Should I test again if my reading looks wrong?
Yes, measure again with a new strip. This applies if your blood sugar value is unexpectedly high or low. No meter or strip is accurate 100% of the time.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either one can help you with your overall health and refer you to an endocrinologist, a doctor who treats diabetes and other hormone problems.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Home blood sugar testing
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
