Diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are chronically elevated. One of the most dangerous complications of diabetes is a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis, which is caused by the body being unable to use glucose as an energy source. Instead the body will burn fat, which forms a type of chemical known as ketones as a byproduct. These ketones are acidic and can be toxic if they accumulate to high enough levels in the blood. One of the hallmarks of diabetic ketoacidosis is extremely high blood glucose levels, which can be detected using blood glucose monitors.
Step 1
Pick a blood glucose testing kit. There are many different blood glucose monitors which are commercially available, and they will all contain the testing strips, blood glucose monitor, lancets and alcohol wipes that you will need to measure your blood glucose levels. Different monitors have different features such as their ability to store past readings and the way that they work. If you have health insurance, check with your insurance company to see if you can be reimbursed if you purchase specific brands.
Step 2
Wash and dry your hands. This will help prevent the place where you draw your blood sample from getting contaminated, which can result in an infection.
Step 3
Remove one test strip from the container. After you do this, the Mayo Clinic recommends immediately closing the container so that you do not accidentally damage any other of the test strips.
Step 4
Clean the area where you will prick your skin with an alcohol wipe. This will sterilize the skin and further reduce your risk of infection.
Step 5
Prick your finger using the lancet. You will feel a sharp sting. If you are having trouble getting a drop of blood, squeeze the area around where you pricked to increase blood flow until you get a small drop of blood.
Step 6
Dip the test strip into the drop of blood, as per the instructions provided with the blood glucose testing kit. You only need a small amount of blood for most test strips.
Step 7
Insert the test strip into the monitor and allow the machine to determine the blood glucose level. If your blood glucose reading is more than 240 mg of glucose per dL of blood, you are at risk of having diabetic ketoacidosis, MedlinePlus explains.
Things You'll Need
- Blood glucose monitor
- Testing strip
- Lancet
- Alcohol wipe
