Blood glucose levels measurements are critical for patients suffering from diabetes. Diabetic patients need regular monitoring of the glucose levels in their blood to make sure their diabetes is well controlled and that their blood sugar does not get too low. Most diabetics use home blood glucose monitors so that they can check their blood glucose levels themselves. These monitors come in kits that include materials for getting the blood sample and then reading it.
Step 1
Obtain your blood sample. Your blood glucose monitor will come with special single-use lancets that you can use to prick your finger and obtain a small drop of blood. Squeeze your finger to get a large enough blood sample.
Step 2
Place the blood sample on a "test strip" (which will also come with your monitor). These test strips (which again are single-use). One portion of the test strip is coated with chemicals that react with the sugar in the blood, so make sure that your blood sample covers all of that portion.
Step 3
Place the test strip into the glucose monitor. Some monitors monitor the way light reflects off of the test strip, whereas others measure electricity running through the strip. Regardless of the type of monitor used, the monitor will then display the amount of glucose in the blood on its readout (modern models have a digital readout). Blood glucose will be given out in milligrams per deciliter.
Step 4
Record your blood glucose levels after each reading. Although you should follow your doctor's directions as to when to measure your blood sugar, in general measure your blood sugar level when you wake up (before you eat anything in order to measure your "fasting" glucose) as well as shortly after each meal.
