Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels Maintaining normal blood sugar levels significantly reduces the risk of complications from diabetes. Whether a person has type 1 or type 2 diabetes, using a glucose meter regularly to determine blood sugar will help determine what adjustments to diet, oral medications, or insulin injections may be necessary to achieve good control. What is glucose? Glucose is a simple form of sugar. . Dextrose, fructose, sucrose and other forms of sugar are broken down into glucose so the body can use it as an energy source or store it for later use. What does insulin do? In a normally functioning body, the intake of food triggers the release of a corresponding amount of insulin. As food is digested, the blood carries the nutrients to the various cells where insulin "unlocks" the door and allows the cells to use the glucose. With diabetes, the body is unable to produce or use insulin properly, so the sugar remains in the bloodstream. Chemistry involved in normal blood sugar regulation. The goal is to keep blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. Hypoglycemia can occur suddenly. Its symptoms may include dizziness, tremor, weakness, sweating, nervousness, irritability and hunger. Untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to seizures and loss of consciousness. High blood sugar can lead to long-term complications, including eye, kidney, nerve, and blood vessel damage, or a more immediate side effect...... middle of paper ...... the healthcare team can help you choose the contraceptive method that is best for you. PREGNANCY: Women who use insulin often need to increase their insulin dose during pregnancy to maintain tight control of their blood sugar levels. Some women need to increase their dose significantly, especially in the last trimester, because pregnancy releases hormones that create insulin resistance. This increase in insulin resistance is normal. You and your healthcare team must decide how to change your insulin schedule and dose. After giving birth, your blood sugar may fluctuate unpredictably because your hormone levels and overall body chemistry are still changing. You may need less insulin for the first three to four weeks. If you find it difficult to maintain good control of your blood sugar, talk to your healthcare team..