Tips for using, maintaining your blood glucose meter
When you have diabetes, you need to test your blood glucose levels several times throughout the day. To do this, you need a glucose meter.
Getting a glucose reading
Most meters require you to do a finger stick with a special needle called a lancet. You get a drop of blood from your finger and place it on a strip that reads the blood glucose level. The meter shows the result on a tiny screen that's like a pocket calculator.
Some meters allow you to get blood from your arm or thigh, which is less painful than a finger stick.
Most people with diabetes test their sugar levels before meals and at bedtime, but your doctor may recommend a different schedule for you.
Good meter maintenance
When using your meter, keep in mind these tips:
- Wash and dry your hands well before doing the test.
- Keep track of test strip expiration dates.
- Keep the meter clean.
- Make sure the drop of blood you use is large enough.
- Keep a record of your test results, and show them to your doctor.
Meters for special needs
Many kinds of meters are geared to different needs.
- For people who don't see well, there are meters that speak the results or that have large screens.
- Other meters have colorful test strips that appeal to children.
- And there are meters that can measure blood ketones in addition to blood glucose. This is helpful for people who have diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a chemical imbalance in the blood.
What's the best meter for me?
The easier a meter is for you to use, the more likely you'll be to test your blood often enough to keep your blood glucose in a healthful range.
New meters are always being developed, so it can be hard to know if you have the best kind for you. Talk with your diabetes educator on a regular basis to find out whether there's a new meter that might suit your needs better than the one you're using now.
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How to check your blood sugar Allina Community Pharmacies: Diabetic supplies Diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism specialists
Source: Diabetes eMagazine, Jan./Feb. 2003; American Academy of Family Physicians; United States Food and Drug Administration
First published: 01/01/2003
Last updated: 10/29/2007
Reviewed by: Mary Frederick, RN, diabetes program manager, Allina Medical Clinic
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