The Basics of Using a Blood Glucose Meter

If you have been diagnosed as having diabetes, you are going to have to use a blood glucose meter to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels. In most cases you will be doing this for the rest of your life and it is one of the most important tools in managing your diabetes so that you can live a long and healthy life. Depending on what stage of diabetes you are at, you may have to test several times a day; this is a very simple process and takes just a few minutes,

If you are taking insulin for your diabetes, you will most likely test before each meal and once more before you go to bed at night. Those who can control their diabetes with diet and exercise or are taking an oral medication may only have to test in the morning before breakfast and in the evening before dinner.

Using a blood glucose testing meter is a very simple process that takes less than 10 minutes for most people. You will need to clean the tip of one finger with an alcohol swab to make sure it is sterile before you start. From here you will take a lancet, which is a small metal needle or blade that comes individually packed in a sterile package and prick the tip of the clean finger. You can use any finger and should rotate to avoid unnecessary injury.

You only need to prick your finger enough to get a single drop of blood. This drop of blood is placed on the test strip. This test strip is then inserted directly into the blood glucose meter where it will be scanned and analyzed. This takes just a few seconds and the results, your current blood sugar level will be displayed on the digital readout. That is all there is to using the average blood glucose testing meter, it not a very complicate or drawn out process.

Depending on the model of blood glucose meter you buy, it may be able to keep digitally stored records that you can use to track your blood sugar level over several days or weeks. This can help you manage your blood sugar levels far more efficiently and can provide a record that you can use to show your doctor should the need arise.

Some words of caution, you should always wash your hands thoroughly with hot water and soap before you start or you may contaminate the sample. Depending on the meter you have, you may be able to use other sites, check the instructions and wash that area thoroughly and use an alcohol pad to sterilize the area before beginning. Gather all of your supplies together before you get started so that you do not end up running around with a dripping finger. Last but not least, make sure you read the instruction manual that comes with your particular meter so that you understand exactly how it works before you try to use it.

Call us today at (877) 990-3838 or fill out the form on this page for your Free* Speaking Meter!