Diabetics or prediabetics may want or need to test blood sugar levels, also known as blood glucose levels, at home. Testing at home can help an individual keep track of changes in blood glucose and help him and his doctor make changes to diet, activity, medicines or insulin injections that can lead to better blood sugar control. According to MayoClinic.com, people with type 1 diabetes may need to test blood sugar levels three times or more daily while an individual with type 2 diabetes may be required to test one to three times each day.
Step 1
Purchase a home glucose monitor. You can buy these over the counter at pharmacies and drugstores. They may also be available through local hospitals or your doctor's office.
Step 2
Wash your hands before using the monitor. Use hot, soapy water and scrub for at least 15 seconds to ensure that your hands will be clean and you won't cause an infection when you prick your finger for the test.
Step 3
Remove one test strip from the container of test strips and close the container tightly to protect the remaining test strips. If the strips are expired or damaged, throw them away and buy a new set of strips.
Step 4
Use a sterile lancet to prick the side of your finger. Avoid poking the tip or pad of your finger so that you don't experience soreness on these more heavily used parts.
Step 5
Hold your hand down below the level of your heart to encourage the blood to form a droplet. You may also try squeezing your finger from the base of the finger to the tip to encourage blood flow.
Step 6
Gently touch the drop of blood to the test strip. Avoid touching the strip directly with your skin to avoid contamination and ensure an accurate reading.
Step 7
Slide the test strip into the slot in the meter. For some meters, this step will be done before putting the blood on the strip. Consult the manual of your particular blood glucose monitor to determine if this is the case.
Step 8
Wait for the monitor to read the blood glucose level and display a number on the screen. Record the blood sugar level along with the time and date when it was taken. Keep a log of each time you test your blood so that your doctor can look for patterns in your blood glucose readings.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't always stick your finger in the same spot to draw blood. Instead, change fingers or the particular location on the finger to avoid scarring or repeated injury to the same tiny nerve endings. Ask your doctor what your target blood sugar level should be. Since different individuals may have different targets, no one guideline works for everyone.
Things You'll Need
- Blood glucose monitor
- Testing strips
- Sterile lancet
