Record the situation, not only the value
Fasting, post-meal, bedtime, and post-exercise readings may tell different stories. The same number can mean different things depending on when and how it was measured.
Small notes can explain big changes
A poor night of sleep, a different meal, stress, sickness, or a walk after dinner can help explain why a value looked different.
Look for patterns, not isolated moments
One reading can be useful, but repeated patterns are usually more helpful for a clinician conversation.
How to interpret the results
- First, read the context: fasting, post-meal, exercise, stress, or illness.
- Then look for repeated patterns at similar times of day.
- Finally, prepare questions for your clinician instead of changing treatment on your own.