1. Timing is Everything
Knowing when to test blood glucose levels is an important part of keeping your diabetes stable. Most diabetics should test their blood glucose levels every morning before eating. People who are newly diagnosed diabetics should test their blood sugar more frequently until they are comfortable with using a glucose monitor. People who have a difficult time controlling blood sugar are called "brittle diabetics", and they should check their blood sugar at least four times a day. Blood glucose readings will change during times of illness or stress, if your medication has changed or if your diet has changed. If you're ill, don't assume your glucose readings will be either high or low; you should always check it.
2. Get It Together
Gather together the blood glucose monitor, test strips, lancets and pen. Depending on the brand of glucose monitor you have, either clean the finger you'll stick with an alcohol swab or wash your hands with warm soapy water and thoroughly rinse, then dry. If your glucose monitor instructions include alcohol swabs, make sure your finger is totally dry before sticking it. If the alcohol is still wet, your blood sugar reading could be inaccurate. If using soap, make sure the soap doesn't have honey or any sweet additives in it. Place the test strip in the glucose monitor according to the enclosed directions; make sure the test strip is inserted the whole way into the monitor.
3. Pokes and Pens and Lancets
Insert a new lancet into your pen. Some people have reused lancets to save money, however it's not recommended. If you have to reuse an old lancet, make sure you clean the tip of it with an alcohol swab to remove any residue of blood from previous use. If the lancet isn't cleaned, your blood sugar reading could be inaccurate.
4. Bad Blood
When you are ready to poke yourself, use the fingers on the hand that isn't your dominant one. If you are a "righty", stick the fingers of your left hand. Not only is it easier for you, but sticking a finger on your dominant hand would be painful every time you use it. If the pads of your fingers are thick, it may be difficult to get a good drop of blood. In that case, move the lancet pen slightly so you stick the side of your finger instead. Read the directions for your glucose monitor, but most need a hanging drop of blood (the first drop) to be placed on the test strip. Lightly touch the drop of blood to the test strip, taking care not to smear it.
5. Perfect Your Technique
Practice makes perfect, so take your time when testing blood glucose levels. Make sure the batteries are fresh and you calibrate the test strips when using a new bottle. If you get a crazy reading don't panic, just repeat the test. If the results are still off, call your doctor.
