Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
Resources
About DiabetesTeam
Powered By
Real members of DiabetesTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

How Would I Have Tested Blood Sugar In The Past?

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Inverary, ON

A little lighter topic today.

The first recorded cases of Diabetes were found in some ancient texts (Egypt 1552 BC).

They had figured out the symptoms but no information on any way to test – probably simply observational.

The next (recorded) reference was India (1000BC) where the disease was named “Madhumeha”.

By 600 BC there was finally some guidance, a way to “detect” diabetes.

So what was the first test?

It was Ants – ya, the little bugs.

The physicians noted that if the “patient”… read more

February 28, 2022 (edited)
View reactions
A DiabetesTeam Member

Yeah when I graduated in 1988 we still were doing urine dip testing, I believe our hospitals here used the urine dip test till mid 1990's. Diabetes was not as well controlled back then as if you did not see colors well you might have either under or over estimated the results and a doctor had to prewcribe the insulin according to what you reported to them. It was not pleasant for us health care workers to constantly collect uring samples from patients and dip them in the dirty utility room (a room where all urine samples ended up so the stentch was real bad in there when several urinals were lined up. But on a good note I never had to taste samples lol, so when you look at it that way dipping was not too bad.

Actually a little while back I had posted an article how people tested their urine at home, they had to boil it first which released a stench in their house prior to testing for sugar levels, so glad I never went through that process either lol.

March 4, 2022
A DiabetesTeam Member

Wow, things have come a long way. Years ago when I worked in the hospital I remember dipping strip in urine and charting results on patient's chart.

March 3, 2022
A DiabetesTeam Member

Wish it would work for mesquiotoes 🦟😊

February 28, 2022
A DiabetesTeam Member

Very interesting

March 13, 2022
A DiabetesTeam Member

Very interesting

March 10, 2022

Related content

View All

Gabapentin

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Columbus, GA

What Is The Correct Number For My Sugar Level Type 2?

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Alice, ZA

I Am Having Problems Regulating My Blood Sugars During The Day. But When I Wake Up I Have Low Blood Sugars. ( I Do Not Have An Appetite)

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Winnipeg, MB
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data Policy and Privacy policies.Your privacy is our priority Lock Icon
Already a Member? Log in