The American Diabetes Association recommends self-monitoring of blood glucose levels for all people with diabetes, especially those who take medications, who are having trouble controlling their blood glucose levels or who are pregnant. Your doctor can give you a schedule of when to test, as well as a prescription for your supplies. Although you can buy diabetes testing supplies without a prescription, most insurers will only pay for supplies prescribed by a doctor.
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Step 2
Insert a test strip into your blood glucose meter.
Step 3
Clean the tip of your finger with a disposable alcohol wipe.
Step 4
Using a lancet, prick the tip of your clean finger. If necessary, massage until you obtain a droplet of blood.
Step 5
Touch the test strip to the blood droplet.
Step 6
Record the result on a piece of paper or a small notebook, taking care to include the time and date when you performed the test.
Step 7
Repeat, according to the schedule recommended by your doctor.
Step 8
Bring your blood glucose log along to your next doctor's appointment. If your blood glucose consistently exceeds the goals set for you by your doctor and your next appointment isn't for a few weeks or months, call for an earlier appointment.
Tips and Warnings
- Purchase an inexpensive, pocket-sized notebook to log your blood sugar results. It's easier to organize your results this way. Write your name and phone number in the front cover in case you leave it behind somewhere.
- For most people with diabetes, blood glucose should range between 70 and 130 mg/dL before a meal and less than 180 mg/dL after a meal. If your levels consistently fall outside of this range, talk to your doctor about adjusting your medications.
Things You'll Need
- Blood glucose meter
- Test strips
- Lancets
- Disposable alcohol pads
- Paper or small notebook
- Pencil or pen
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 23rd Edition;" A.S. Fauci et al.; 2008
- American Diabetes Association: Checking Your Blood Glucose
