If you think you have diabetes, testing your blood glucose will be an essential component of an overall management plan. Your blood glucose levels change based on your eating habits and activity level. You need to test regularly to prevent your glucose levels from getting too high or too low. It is important to not self diagnose, especially with a condition as serious as diabetes. However, once you are diagnosed, using an at-home meter will allow you to keep your glucose levels in check.
Step 1
Choose a meter. All meters work the same way, but have different features. Some have larger displays to make them easier to see. Others have a memory built in so you can compare various readings. Meters can come with the test strips placed inside, so you do not have to handle them, which can be easier if you have trouble gripping or handling small objects. You do not need a prescription to buy a diabetes monitor, and almost all pharmacies sell them. Talk with a medical professional to make sure you are using the meter correctly. Read the instructions that come with your meter.
Step 2
Prepare your meter. According to the American Diabetes Association, certain conditions can give you inaccurate readings. They suggest you make sure your meter is clean. The meter and strips should be at room temperature, and the strips should not be outdated. Make sure you draw enough blood and that the area you stick is clean and sterile.
Step 3
Obtain a blood sample. After preparing yourself and the meter, you will need to obtain a blood sample. Some meters require that you prick your finger with an included lancelet, while others allow you to use less-sensitive sites. According to the National Institutes of Health National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, you just need a small sample of blood. Check the instructions that came with your meter to find out how much blood your meter requires.
Step 4
Place your blood sample on the test strip. If you have test strips that are outside of the machine, insert the strip into the machine and wait for the results. The results will be displayed in a number on the screen.
Step 5
Check your results. When using a home test, the American Diabetes Association states that healthy blood glucose levels are between 70 mg/dl to 130 mg/dL if you have taken the test before a meal. When testing one to two hours after a meal, your reading should be under 180 mg/dL. If you test higher, you may have diabetes. The only way to know for sure is to see your doctor for a fasting blood glucose test.
Things You'll Need
- Blood glucose monitor
- Lancelet
