If you are old enough, you will remember a time when you could only test your blood glucose levels through your urine. And testing this way was not even a reliable and accurate indicator of the levels of glucose in a person's body. Thanks to advancements is technology, we can now receive an instant, and much more accurate reading with a single drop of blood.

There are currently two kinds of blood tests available to test a person's blood glucose levels. These tests are actually “test strips.” The test strips allow blood to react with an enzyme that is on the strip. The reaction of the blood on the enzyme with one strip will create a color. A meter will then read the color on the strip, with this reading resulting in the glucose reading. The blood sample on the second test strip results in the production of electrons. A meter is again used to read the amount of electrons, and these results will display the glucose reading.

One of the questions most frequently asked regarding the testing of your blood glucose levels is - just how often should you test? There is no one answer to that question that would apply to all diabetics. The frequency of glucose testing will depend on the type of diabetes being treated, the stability of your blood glucose, and the particular treatment plan being followed.

Here are some general time indicators for testing your blood glucose levels:

1. People with type 1 and/or type 2 diabetes who inject insulin, must test their blood glucose levels before meals, and again before bedtime. This frequency of testing, that spreads throughout the day and into the evening, can be very inconvenient. However, a diabetic can't actually "feel" whether their glucose levels are regular or not. Unfortunately, this regular testing is necessary. With the potential for a diabetics blood glucose levels to rise and fall very quickly, without these frequent tests it could cause additional health damage.

2. Type 2 diabetics who are fairly stable, and on a successful treatment plan consisting of taking medications, a steady diet of good foods, and regular exercise should only need to test their glucose levels twice a day. Generally, these testing times will be just before eating breakfast and then again before dinner.

3. There are also optional reasons for testing your blood glucose levels. Remember, there is never a bad time to test; frequent testing allows you to remain in control of your overall condition. Here is an example of an optional blood test; should you want to eat something that is not exactly within the guidelines of your diet, you may take a test to see your current blood glucose levels and just how indulging in this treat may affect your glucose levels. Testing just prior to exercise can be a good idea. By taking a test before starting you will know if you should eat something.