Where would you be without your blood glucose meter?
…All over the place?
Testing is a way of life.
If you fail to test, you lose control. It’s as simple as that.
Since I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes over 10 years ago there have been massive technological developments in blood glucose meters. Modern day devices are stylish, super convenient and pretty much pain free to use. However, many individuals fail to use their device properly and end up with false readings that jeopardize the management of their diabetes.
Check out these 10 useful tips to increase the accuracy of your blood glucose readings if you still use the traditional finger prick test.
- If you are struggling to get a blood sample, point your finger downwards and gently squeeze until the tip goes red. This is using gravity to your advantage and pooling the blood. Prick the red area and the sample should be easy to obtain.
- Make sure your hands are clean to prevent infection of the sample site.
- Let the blood touch the strip, not your skin.
- Residue from food or medication may affect test results, which can lead to unnecessary administration of medication and unwanted hypos.
- Close the bottle of test strips to avoid contamination with dirt or moisture.
- Use a clean lancet for every test. Re-using the same lancet can increase the risk of infection at your sample site.
- Rotate sample sites to avoid a build up of scar tissue.
- Test in public if you need to. Your health is more important than someone’s ignorance or curiosity.
- If you suspect your meter is wrong, test again, preferably using another meter.
- Make sure your test strips are used within their expiry date.
YOU MUST TAKE YOUR BLOOD GLUCOSE TESTING SERIOUSLY.
It pays to be accurate.
Be fussy about taking your blood glucose. Use the tips above everytime you test.
Accurate blood glucose testing will save your life and give you confidence in managing your diabetss. Also, make sure you carefully dispose of your test strips and lancets. Nobody likes to see these lying around, and it gives people with diabetes a bad name.