Before taking your readings

Your blood pressure (BP) can be affected by many factors. The following tips may be useful for you in getting an accurate reading if you are monitoring your BP at home.^1–3

• Measure your BP at about the same time every day—once in the morning and once in the evening. Morning BP should be measured before any drug intake if treated, whereas evening readings should be taken before meal
• Additional measurements can be done as advised by your doctor
• Empty your bladder before taking your BP⁴
• Do not smoke, drink coffee, tea or caffeinated beverages, or exercise at least 30 minutes before taking your reading
• Rest for 5 minutes prior to taking the reading
• Sit on a chair with your back supported, and arms bared and supported at heart level
• Ensure your feet are flat on the floor (do not cross your legs)

• Use a digital sphygmomanometer that is validated by a reputable body (eg, British Hypertension Society and American Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation).
• Ensure that the size of the cuff fits properly. The length of the bladder within the cuff should encircle at least 80% of your arm circumference, while the width of the bladder should be at least 40% of your arm circumference
• Ensure the middle of the cuff is placed directly above your elbow

3. Recording your BP

• Record both your systolic BP and diastolic BP
• Take two or three readings at least 1 minute apart, and record all the results
• Share and discuss your BP readings with your doctor

Keeping an eye on your blood glucose levels is important if you have diabetes. You can monitor your blood glucose levels via two methods, ie, the HbA_1c test and the blood glucose testing.⁶ The HbA_1c test reflects your average blood glucose levels for the previous 3 months.⁷ On the other hand, the blood glucose testing measures your current glucose level which is affected by food taken on that day.⁶

You can measure your blood glucose levels at any time of the day (random blood glucose test) and after abstaining from food for at least 8 hours (fasting blood glucose test).⁸

The following items will be required if you need to regularly monitor your blood glucose levels at home⁹:

• A finger pricking device (also called a lancing device) to extract a drop of blood for testing;
• A disposable test strip to collect the drop of blood;
• An electronic glucose monitor to read the glucose level in the drop of blood; and
• A blood glucose monitoring diary to record your blood glucose patterns, which can be affected by factors such as diet, exercise, stress and illness (remember to show this to your healthcare provider during appointments).

Click here to learn more about how to perform blood glucose testing at home and tips to record your blood glucose levels. You can also get advice from your healthcare provider.