Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled glucose (sugar) levels in the blood. The body usually produces a hormone (chemical) called insulin to lower blood sugars. If glucose levels get too high, a person can get extremely sick and enter a diabetic coma. If glucose levels get too low, a person can faint and have a seizure. It is important to check blood sugar levels to prevent such occurrences. There are specific steps on how to monitor blood glucose levels.
Step 1
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry them well.
Step 2
Clean the area you are going to puncture with an alcohol swab. The area may be the fingertip, forearm or thigh. Check that your skin is dry after applying alcohol because alcohol can affect a blood sugar reading.
Step 3
Attach a test strip to the glucose meter.
Step 4
Hold the lancing device in your dominant hand and turn the dial at the end of the device. This controls how far the needle will prick the skin.
Step 5
Attach the lancing device cap to the lancing device. Choose the appropriate cap for the site you selected.
Step 6
Press the lancing device against the selected site (fingertip or thigh) at a 90 degree angle to your skin.
Step 7
Press the button at the far end of the device near the dial to dislodge the needle.
Step 8
Hold your hand, arm, or leg down to encourage blood flow. Squeeze the skin if blood does not emerge.
Step 9
Place a drop of blood onto the test strip attached to the glucose meter.
Step 10
Load the test strip into the glucose meter and wait for the glucose results to appear on the glucose monitor.
Step 11
Record your blood sugar levels in a notebook so that you can track your blood sugar trends.
Step 12
Repeat Steps 1 to 11 to check your blood glucose levels. Ask your doctor how often and when you should take your blood glucose.
Things You'll Need
- Glucose monitor
- Lancet
- Lancing device
- Lancing device cap for fingersticks
- Lancing device cap for alternate-site sticks
- Vial containing test strips
- Alcohol pads
- Notebook
- Pen
