Regular monitoring of your blood glucose is the main tool you have for managing your diabetes. This is recommended for anyone who takes insulin, has a difficult time controlling their blood sugar, experiences low blood sugar without warning or who is pregnant, as pregnancy can increase your risk of gestational diabetes. Most people test three to four times a day. However, this may vary according to what your doctor feels is right for you.
Step 1
Write down your target glucose range. Your doctor will determine what your target range is -- keep this with your testing supplies so you know whether your results are too high or low. Your glucose levels vary according to testing times; fasting, before meals and after meals.
Step 2
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before you begin. This ensures that anything you touch remains sterile.
Step 3
Gather the supplies you need. These include a testing strip, alcohol wipes, your lancet -- the needle -- your lancing device and a glucose monitor.
Step 4
Prepare to test. Insert a lancet into the lancing device and a test strip into the glucose monitor. Choose the finger you will use for testing and wipe it with an alcohol swab; this gives you the cleanest blood sample possible.
Step 5
Go for the blood sample. Prick the side of your finger; this prevents sore spots from developing on the tip, making it difficult for you to use the finger later. Hold your hand down by your side to encourage blood flow to the area. If necessary, gently massage your finger, pushing blood up toward the area until a drop of blood appears. Carefully touch the test strip to the blood, avoiding contact with your skin.
Step 6
Write the results down in a log. Once the result of your test appears, write it in a log. Do this each time you test, including other pertinent information such as the time of the test, the last time you ate, any physical activity you participated in and any stress you may be under. Also list the times you take your medication. These variables may contribute to any changes in your glucose levels. Show this log to your doctor each time you have an appointment.
Things You'll Need
- Lancet
- Lancet device
- Testing strips
- Alcohol swabs
- Glucose meter
- Testing log
