Common Mistakes When Using a Blood Glucose Meter Using a blood glucose meter is an essential part of managing diabetes, but it's also an area where mi...

Common Mistakes When Using a Blood Glucose Meter

Using a blood glucose meter is an essential part of managing diabetes, but it's also an area where mistakes can easily happen. Inaccurate readings can lead to improper medication dosages, affecting your health and well-being. This article will walk you through the most common mistakes people make when using a blood glucose meter and provide guidance on how to avoid them. Understanding these errors will help you obtain accurate results and maintain better control over your diabetes.

Why Accurate Blood Glucose Monitoring Matters

Before diving into the common mistakes, let's quickly review why precise blood glucose monitoring is so crucial:

• Medication Dosage: Insulin and other diabetes medications are prescribed based on blood glucose levels. Inaccurate readings can lead to under- or over-dosing.
• Dietary Adjustments: Understanding how different foods affect your blood glucose helps you make informed dietary choices.
• Exercise Planning: Monitoring helps you understand how exercise affects your blood glucose and when you need to adjust your insulin or consume carbohydrates.
• Early Detection of Problems: Consistent monitoring helps you identify trends and catch potential problems like hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) early.

1. Incorrectly Coding or Calibrating the Meter

Related reading: Hypoglycemia Symptoms 9 Warning Signs Your Blood Sugar Is Too Low

One of the most fundamental mistakes is failing to properly code or calibrate your blood glucose meter. Coding ensures that the meter recognizes the specific batch of test strips you’re using.

• What is Coding? Some meters require manual coding, where you enter a code number that matches the code on the test strip vial. Other meters automatically code when a new batch of strips is inserted.
• The Risk: Using the wrong code or failing to calibrate means the meter won't interpret the electrical current from the test strip correctly, leading to inaccurate glucose readings.
• The Solution:
  • Read the Manual: Always refer to your meter's manual for instructions on coding or calibration.
  • Verify the Code: Before each test, double-check that the code on the meter matches the code on the test strip vial.
  • Automatic Coding: If your meter automatically codes, ensure it's working correctly and that the code matches the strips.

2. Using Expired or Improperly Stored Test Strips

Test strips are sensitive to environmental conditions, and using expired or improperly stored strips is a common source of error.

• The Risk: Expired or damaged strips may react differently with the blood sample, leading to false high or low readings.
• The Solution:
  • Check Expiration Dates: Always check the expiration date on the test strip vial before using a strip. Discard any expired strips.
  • Proper Storage: Store test strips in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the vial tightly closed when not in use.
  • Avoid Contamination: Never touch the test strip where the blood sample is applied.

3. Insufficient Blood Sample Size

Applying an insufficient amount of blood to the test strip is a common mistake that often results in inaccurate readings or an error message.

• The Risk: Insufficient blood may not completely cover the reactive area on the strip, leading to the meter misinterpreting the glucose level.
• The Solution:
  • Know the Required Size: Check your meter's manual to determine the minimum blood sample size required.
  • Adequate Lancing: Use a lancing device with an appropriate depth setting to obtain a sufficient blood droplet.
  • Avoid Squeezing: Gently apply pressure around the puncture site to encourage blood flow, but avoid excessive squeezing, as this can dilute the sample with tissue fluid.

4. Improper Cleaning and Preparation

Inadequate hand washing and failure to properly clean the puncture site can introduce contaminants and affect the accuracy of the blood glucose meter.

• The Risk: Dirt, food residue, or other substances on your fingers or the puncture site can contaminate the blood sample, leading to inaccurate readings.
• The Solution:
  • Wash Hands Thoroughly: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before testing. Dry them completely.
  • Clean the Puncture Site: Clean the intended puncture site with an alcohol swab and allow it to air dry completely. This prevents alcohol from mixing with the blood and affecting the reading.
  • Avoid Using Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers: Hand sanitizers can leave residue on your fingers. Soap and water are preferable.

5. Incorrect Lancing Technique

The technique you use to lance your finger can significantly impact the amount and quality of the blood sample obtained.

• The Risk: Improper lancing can result in insufficient blood flow, causing you to squeeze the finger excessively, which can dilute the sample and lead to inaccurate readings.
• The Solution:
  • Use a Lancing Device: Lancing devices provide a consistent depth and reduce discomfort.
  • Adjust Depth Settings: Adjust the depth setting on the lancing device to ensure adequate blood flow without causing excessive pain.
  • Puncture on the Side of the Fingertip: Puncture the side of the fingertip, as this area has fewer nerve endings and better blood flow.
  • Rotate Puncture Sites: Rotate puncture sites to prevent soreness and calluses.

6. Not Regularly Cleaning the Meter

Just like any electronic device, a blood glucose meter can accumulate dirt and debris over time. Failure to clean the meter regularly can affect its accuracy and functionality.

• The Risk: Accumulated dust, blood, or other contaminants can interfere with the meter's sensors, leading to inaccurate readings.
• The Solution:
  • Follow Manufacturer's Instructions: Consult your meter's manual for specific cleaning instructions.
  • Use a Soft, Dry Cloth: Gently wipe the meter with a soft, dry cloth to remove any visible dirt or debris.
  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use harsh chemicals or solvents to clean the meter, as these can damage the device.

7. Neglecting Regular Meter Quality Control Checks

Many people overlook the importance of running regular quality control checks on their blood glucose meter.

Related reading: The Mindful Approach To Managing Your Blood Sugar

• What is Quality Control? Quality control involves using control solutions (available from the meter manufacturer) to ensure that the meter is functioning correctly. These solutions have known glucose levels that the meter should accurately measure.
• The Risk: Failure to perform quality control checks means you might not realize if your meter is malfunctioning, leading to consistently inaccurate readings.
• The Solution:
  • Follow Manufacturer's Guidelines: Perform quality control checks according to the meter manufacturer's instructions. This typically involves running a test with control solutions at least once a week, whenever you open a new vial of test strips, or if you suspect the meter is giving inaccurate readings.
  • Record Results: Keep a record of your quality control results to track any trends or inconsistencies.

8. Not Understanding Error Messages

Blood glucose meters often display error messages to indicate problems with the test or the meter itself. Ignoring or misunderstanding these messages can lead to incorrect actions.

• The Risk: Ignoring an error message can lead to inaccurate readings or failure to correct a problem that affects future tests.
• The Solution:
  • Consult the Manual: Refer to your meter's manual for explanations of common error messages.
  • Troubleshooting Steps: Follow the recommended troubleshooting steps for each error message.
  • Contact Customer Support: If you're unsure about an error message or how to resolve it, contact the meter manufacturer's customer support for assistance.

9. Temperature and Humidity

Extreme temperature or humidity can affect the performance of blood glucose meters and test strips.

• The Risk: Exposure to high or low temperatures or excessive humidity can damage the test strips and cause the meter to produce inaccurate readings.
• The Solution:
  • Store Properly: Store your meter and test strips in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
  • Allow to Acclimate: If the meter or strips have been exposed to extreme temperatures, allow them to acclimate to room temperature before use.
  • Check Operating Conditions: Be aware of the operating temperature range specified by the manufacturer and ensure the meter is used within these limits.

10. Lack of Regular Maintenance

Related reading: What Are Normal Blood Sugar Levels The Definitive Chart By Age

Like any device, a blood glucose meter requires periodic maintenance to ensure optimal performance.

• The Risk: Lack of maintenance can lead to undetected issues that affect the accuracy and reliability of the meter.

• The Solution:

• Regular Inspections: Check the meter regularly for any signs of damage, such as cracks, loose parts, or damaged buttons.

• Battery Management: Replace the batteries as needed to ensure the meter has sufficient power.
• Professional Checkups: Consider having your meter professionally checked and calibrated periodically, especially if you suspect it's not functioning correctly.

Key Takeaways:

To ensure accurate blood glucose monitoring, remember these key points:

• Read the Manual: Always refer to your meter's manual for specific instructions on usage, coding, calibration, and maintenance.
• Proper Storage: Store test strips in a cool, dry place and avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and humidity.
• Hygiene Matters: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before testing.
• Quality Control: Perform regular quality control checks using control solutions to ensure your meter is functioning correctly.
• Address Errors: Pay attention to error messages and follow the recommended troubleshooting steps.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can significantly improve the accuracy of your blood glucose readings and gain better control over your diabetes management. Regular monitoring, coupled with accurate information, empowers you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being. If you ever have concerns about your meter's accuracy, consult your healthcare provider.