Diabetes mellitus is a disease that can affect every organ system in the body. Diabetes affects the way the body utilizes glucose, the main source of energy for muscle and other tissues. The pancreas produces insulin to transfer glucose into the cells. In diabetics, the pancreas doesn't make enough insulin or the body cannot use it properly, leaving too much glucose in the blood. High glucose levels can cause serious health problems, including heart disease and damage to the nerves and kidneys. Blood glucose tests allow patients to monitor their blood sugar, giving them the tools necessary to keep their glucose levels under control.
Step 1
Consult with your physician about how often you should test your blood glucose levels. Ask if there is a certain time of day that is best to perform the test and how many days per week you should test.
Step 2
Prepare the area where you will perform the test. Clean the area and put all supplies within easy reach. Glucose monitor kits come with glucose testing strips, lancets to prick your finger and a logbook to record readings.
Step 3
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Start with clean hands to reduce the chance of infection. Dry your hands thoroughly on a clean towel.
Step 4
Insert the lancet in the holder, a pen-sized device. The device holds the lancet and controls how deeply the lancet will penetrate the skin. Some kits may come with hand-held lancets.
Step 5
Remove a test strip from the bottle. Close the top immediately to prevent moisture from damaging the remaining test strips. Prepare your monitor by inserting the test strip into the device, following the manufacturer's instructions for proper use.
Step 6
Cleanse your fingertip with the alcohol pad. According to FamilyDoctor.org, some meters require that the blood sample come from the fleshy part of the hand, forearm or thigh. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 7
Use the lancet to make a prick in the skin. Prick the side of your finger instead of the fingertip pad, as it is less painful, recommends Health.com. Place the drop of blood on the test strip. Stop any residual bleeding by firmly holding a clean cotton ball over the site of the lancet prick.
Step 8
Read the result on the monitor display and record it in your logbook. According to the American Diabetes Association, normal blood glucose results are 70 to 130 mg/dl before meals and less than 180 mg/dl afterwards.
Tips and Warnings
- Bring your logbook to all doctor's appointments. Follow the instructions for your machine exactly. Any deviation can result in an inaccurate reading. Testing kits may be purchased at a pharmacy without a prescription.
- Inform your doctor of any abnormal test result. Readings that are too high or too low can indicate a life-threatening situation.
Things You'll Need
- Soap and water
- Towel
- Alcohol swab
- Test strip
- Lancet
- Glucose monitor
- Cotton ball
- Logbook
