Portable glucose meters such as the FreeStyle Flash offer diabetics the convenience of monitoring blood sugar levels continuously and conveniently. Frequent monitoring allows you to maintain your diabetes without constant medical assistance. Your doctor may have recommended this monitor and instructed you on how frequently to test your blood. Some of the features of the FreeStyle Flash include its small size, speed of results, a backlight and ease of use. The Mayo Clinic suggests meters with a backlight option for use in the middle of the night. With practice, you will improve your skills in using the FreeStyle Flash glucose meter.
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and water. Select a test area. You can choose from your forearm, upper arm, hand, thigh, calf and fingers.
Step 2
Insert a new test strip into the base of the FreeStyle Flash Glucose Meter. This will signal the device to turn on.
Step 3
Rub the test site for several seconds until it becomes warm. Lance the skin with the FreeStyle lancing device.
Step 4
Touch one edge of the test strip to the blood droplet. Hold it there until the device beeps or a "working" line begins moving in a clockwise manner on the screen.
Step 5
Wait about 7 seconds for the results to appear. Remove the test strip and power the meter off.
Tips and Warnings
- Review the error codes in the consumer manual found at AbbottDiabetescare.com (see Resources).
Things You'll Need
- FresStyle Flash glucose test strips
- FreeStyle lancing device
