Maintaining control over blood glucose levels requires regular testing and records of the results. Each body reacts differently to the introduction of glucose to the bloodstream, and blood glucose can reach dangerous levels at any time, even in healthy individuals. Records of these tests simplify the assessment of individual care plans and help make sure they are effective as possible. The traditional means for testing blood glucose levels is by using a glucometer. This handheld device uses strips to detect blood glucose levels.
Step 1
Wash your hands, then insert a test strip into the glucometer.
Step 2
Prick the side of your fingertip with the lancing instrument, then gently squeeze your fingertip to accumulate a small bead of blood on the surface of your finger.
Step 3
Touch the bead of blood to the test strip in the glucometer until a result appears on the meter's screen. The number that appears is the number of miligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood is in your bloodstream. Before a meal, your blood should contain between 70 and 130 mg/dl. Following a meal, your blood glucose level should be no more than 180 mg/dl.
Tips and Warnings
- Refer to your glucometer's instructions to verify blood bead size. Consult your physician about the levels you should consider "normal" for your condition.
Things You'll Need
- Glucometer
- Lancing instrument
