Common Mistakes to Avoid When Checking Your Blood Sugar at Home Managing blood sugar levels is a critical aspect of diabetes management, and for many,...

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Checking Your Blood Sugar at Home

Managing blood sugar levels is a critical aspect of diabetes management, and for many, this involves regular home blood glucose monitoring. While it seems straightforward, incorrect techniques or oversights can lead to inaccurate readings and potentially affect your health. This article will outline common mistakes people make when checking their blood sugar at home and provide guidance for achieving accurate results.

Why Accurate Blood Sugar Monitoring Matters

Before diving into the mistakes, let's emphasize the importance of accurate blood sugar monitoring. Reliable readings are crucial for:

• Adjusting insulin or oral medication dosages.
• Making informed dietary choices.
• Tracking the impact of physical activity on your glucose levels.
• Preventing hypo- and hyperglycemic episodes.
• Understanding how stress, illness, or other factors affect your blood sugar.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Using Expired or Improperly Stored Test Strips

Related reading: Your Guide To The Blood Sugar Levels Chart Mg Dl And Mmol L

Problem: Blood glucose test strips have an expiration date, and improper storage can compromise their accuracy. Heat, humidity, and direct sunlight can degrade the chemicals on the strip.

Solution:

• Always check the expiration date: Discard expired strips, even if the container seems full.
• Store strips properly: Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Tightly seal the test strip container after each use.
• Heed manufacturer instructions: Some strips require specific storage conditions or coding procedures. Follow them closely.

2. Incorrect Coding of the Meter

Problem: Some blood glucose meters require coding, which involves matching a code on the test strip container to the meter. Failure to do so, or using an incorrect code, can result in inaccurate readings. Modern meters are increasingly "no code," but this remains relevant for older models.

Solution:

• Check if your meter requires coding: If so, carefully match the code on the test strip container to the meter display.
• Recode with each new container: Every new container of test strips might have a different code.
• Refer to the meter's user manual: The manual will explain the coding procedure for your specific meter.

3. Using Too Little Blood

Problem: Not applying a sufficient amount of blood to the test strip is a common error that can lead to inaccurate readings or error messages. Many meters have specific fill requirements that must be met for a valid result.

Solution:

• Ensure adequate blood sample size: Follow the meter's instructions regarding the amount of blood needed. Don't be afraid to gently "milk" your finger (massaging towards the puncture site) to get a bigger drop if needed, but avoid excessive squeezing which can introduce contaminants.
• Proper lancing technique: Using the correct depth setting on your lancet device can help produce an adequate blood drop without excessive pain.
• Do not reapply used strips: Once a strip has been used, discard it, even if the initial sample was insufficient.

4. Neglecting to Wash and Dry Hands Thoroughly

Problem: Traces of food, lotions, or other substances on your fingers can contaminate the blood sample and affect the accuracy of your blood sugar reading. Water alone might not be enough to remove all potential contaminants.

Solution:

• Wash hands with soap and warm water: Scrub thoroughly to remove any potential contaminants.
• Dry hands completely: Any residual moisture can dilute the blood sample.
• Avoid alcohol-based sanitizers before testing: While they disinfect, they can also interfere with some test strip chemistries. Soap and water are the best choice.

5. Using Old or Dull Lancets

Problem: Reusing lancets or using dull lancets can make it more difficult to obtain a sufficient blood sample, leading to the need for excessive squeezing, which can affect accuracy. Additionally, reusing lancets increases the risk of infection.

Solution:

• Use a fresh lancet for each test: Replace the lancet every time you test your blood sugar.
• Choose the appropriate lancing device and depth setting: Experiment to find the setting that produces a sufficient blood drop with minimal discomfort.
• Dispose of used lancets safely: Use a sharps container to prevent accidental needle sticks.

6. Testing From an Inappropriate Site

Problem: While some meters allow alternate site testing (AST) on areas like the forearm or thigh, these sites might not reflect current blood glucose levels as accurately as fingertip testing, especially after eating or exercising. This is because blood glucose changes more slowly in these areas.

Solution:

• Use fingertip testing when rapid changes are expected: Fingertip testing provides the most accurate reflection of current glucose levels.
• Understand the limitations of AST: If using AST, be aware that readings might lag behind fingertip readings. Consult with your healthcare provider for guidance on when AST is appropriate.
• Avoid testing on areas with poor circulation: Damaged or scarred areas can yield inaccurate results.

7. Ignoring Control Solution Testing

Problem: Control solutions contain known amounts of glucose and are used to verify that your meter and test strips are working correctly. Failing to perform regular control solution tests can lead to undetected errors.

Solution:

• Perform control solution tests regularly: Test: (1) when you open a new vial of test strips, (2) if you suspect your meter or strips are damaged, (3) if your blood sugar readings don't match how you feel, and (4) if you drop your meter.
• Follow the meter's instructions: Use the appropriate control solution and follow the specific testing procedure outlined in your meter's manual.
• Record your control solution results: Compare the control solution readings to the expected range printed on the test strip container. If the results are outside the range, troubleshoot the problem before using the meter for blood glucose testing.

8. Failing to Calibrate the Meter Regularly (If Applicable)

Problem: Some older blood glucose meters require periodic calibration. Failing to calibrate the meter or improper calibration can lead to inaccurate results.

Solution:

• Refer to your meter's user manual: Determine if your meter requires calibration and follow the recommended procedure.
• Use the correct calibration solution: Use the specific solution recommended by the meter manufacturer.
• Keep a log of calibration dates: Record when you calibrate your meter to ensure you are doing it regularly.

9. Not Understanding the Meter's Error Codes

Problem: Ignoring error codes displayed on your blood glucose meter or misinterpreting their meaning can lead to incorrect assumptions about your blood sugar levels.

Related reading: What Should My Blood Sugar Be A Guide For Adults Without Diabetes

Solution:

• Familiarize yourself with your meter's error codes: Read your meter's manual to understand the meaning of each error code.
• Take appropriate action: Follow the troubleshooting steps recommended in the manual to resolve the error.
• Contact customer support: If you are unable to resolve the error, contact the meter manufacturer's customer support for assistance.

Best Practices for Accurate Blood Sugar Monitoring

To summarize, here are some best practices for accurate blood sugar monitoring:

Related reading: A1C Vs Fasting Glucose What S The Difference And Which Test Do You Need

• Use fresh, properly stored test strips.
• Code your meter correctly (if applicable).
• Apply an adequate amount of blood.
• Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
• Use a fresh lancet for each test.
• Use fingertip testing when rapid changes are expected.
• Perform control solution tests regularly.
• Calibrate your meter regularly (if applicable).
• Understand your meter's error codes.
• Consult with your healthcare provider about your blood sugar monitoring schedule and goals.

By avoiding these common mistakes and following these best practices, you can ensure more accurate blood sugar readings and better manage your diabetes. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your blood glucose monitoring technique.

To easily reference the key mistakes, here's a table summarizing them: