Common Mistakes in Checking Your Blood Sugar Level at Home Checking your blood sugar at home is a vital part of managing diabetes or pre-diabetes. How...

Common Mistakes in Checking Your Blood Sugar Level at Home

Checking your blood sugar at home is a vital part of managing diabetes or pre-diabetes. However, even small errors in technique can lead to inaccurate readings, potentially impacting your treatment decisions. This article highlights 20 common mistakes people make when checking their blood sugar and provides tips for ensuring accurate results.

1. Not Washing Your Hands Properly

Dirty hands transfer oils and residue onto the test strip, interfering with the reaction and potentially skewing results. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before checking your blood sugar.

2. Using Expired Test Strips

Test strips have an expiration date for a reason. After expiration, the chemicals degrade, leading to unreliable results. Check the expiration date on the vial before each use.

3. Storing Test Strips Incorrectly

Exposure to heat, moisture, or sunlight can damage test strips. Store them in their original, tightly closed container in a cool, dry place.

4. Using the Wrong Meter for Your Test Strips

Different meters use different test strips. Using the wrong combination can lead to inaccurate readings or damage to the meter. Double-check compatibility.

5. Not Using Enough Blood

Insufficient blood sample can cause the meter to produce an error message or give a questionable reading. Ensure a large enough drop of blood is applied to the test strip.

6. Applying Blood to the Strip Incorrectly

Different meters have different requirements for how blood is applied to the strip. Some require a specific angle or position. Follow the meter’s instructions carefully.

7. Reusing Lancets

Lancets are designed for single use. Reusing them dulls the needle, making it more painful and potentially increasing the risk of infection.

8. Not Rotating Puncture Sites

Repeatedly puncturing the same spot on your finger can cause soreness and calluses, making it harder to get a good blood sample. Rotate between different fingers.

9. Not Pressing Hard Enough After Puncture

A gentle, but firm pressure after the puncture is necessary to ensure a sufficient blood drop forms. Avoid squeezing excessively, which can affect the results.

10. Squeezing Your Finger Too Hard

Excessive squeezing can dilute the blood with tissue fluid, leading to falsely low readings.

11. Not Wiping Away the First Drop of Blood

The first drop of blood may contain tissue fluid and can affect the accuracy of the reading. Wipe it away with a clean gauze pad.

12. Using a Damaged or Dirty Lancing Device

Ensure your lancing device is clean and in good working order. A damaged device may not penetrate the skin properly.

13. Not Calibrating Your Meter (If Required)

Some meters require periodic calibration. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for calibration procedures.

14. Ignoring Error Messages

If your meter displays an error message, don't ignore it. Consult the user manual for troubleshooting tips.

15. Interpreting Results Without Context

A single blood sugar reading doesn't tell the whole story. Consider the time of day, what you're eating, and your activity level.

16. Not Recording Your Readings

Keeping a log of your blood sugar readings is essential for tracking trends and making informed decisions about your treatment.

17. Not Discussing Readings with Your Healthcare Provider

Regularly share your readings with your doctor or diabetes educator. They can help you adjust your medication and lifestyle choices.

18. Making Adjustments to Medication Without Guidance

Never change your medication dosage or timing without consulting your healthcare provider.

19. Assuming All Meters are Equally Accurate

Different meters have different levels of accuracy. If you're concerned about accuracy, consider having your meter compared to a lab test.

20. Ignoring Physical Factors Affecting Readings

Certain factors like stress, illness, or changes in medication can impact your blood sugar levels. Be mindful of these factors and discuss them with your healthcare team.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure more accurate blood sugar readings and better manage your diabetes or pre-diabetes.