Monitoring your blood sugar (also called
glucose) level can help you take better care of your diabetes.
Checking your blood sugar will help you learn how food, activity
levels, stress and medicine and insulin change your blood sugar
level. This information will help you stay healthy and prevent or
delay diabetic complications such as blindness and kidney failure
or other complications.
How do I measure my blood
sugar level?
Follow your doctor's advice and the
directions that come with the test strips (and the glucose meter
if you're using one). In general, you will follow the steps below.
Check with your doctor for advice specifically for you.
Get out 1 test strip.
Clean the finger that you're going
to prick with an alcohol pad.
Prick your finger with a sterile
lancet to get a drop of blood. (It may be easier and less
painful to prick your finger tip on one side, not on the
pad.)
Place the blood on the test strip.
Wait the specified time for the strip you are using.
When the strip changes color,
compare it to the color chart on the box or bottle that
the strips came in. This will give you a number for your
blood sugar level. (If you are using a glucose meter, skip
this step.)
If you are using a glucose meter,
put the strip in the meter. The meter will give you a
number for your blood sugar level.
What if I can't get a drop of
blood?
Try washing your hands in hot water to get
the blood flowing. Then dangle your hand below your heart for a
minute. Prick your finger quickly and then put your hand back down
below your heart. You might also try slowly squeezing the finger
from the base to the tip.
What do I do with the
results?
Write down the results in a record book. You
can use a small notebook or ask your doctor for a blood testing
record book. You may also want to keep track of what you have
eaten, when you took medicine or insulin, and how active you have
been during the day. This will help you see how these things
change your blood sugar. Talk with your doctor about what is a
good range for your blood sugar level and what to do if your blood
sugar is not within that range.
How often do I measure my blood
sugar level?
It is important to monitor your blood sugar
on a regular basis. Ask your doctor how often you should check
your blood sugar level and at what time of the day. Many people
check their blood sugar 2 - 3 times a day: before each meal and
before bedtime. I have personally gotten into the habit of
checking mine at least 5 times per day.
What supplies do I need?
You will need alcohol pads, sterile finger
lancets and test strips. You may also want to get a glucose meter.
You can buy these supplies at a drug store. Check with your health
insurance plan to see if they will pay for these supplies.
Most of today's meters come with a small supply of strips, lancets
and a control solution to test the meter. I personally use
the LifeScan
Ultra Meter which has been one of the best meters I've had.
