How to Accurately Check Your Blood Glucose (BG) at Home Related reading: Severe Hypoglycemia An Emergency Plan To Manage Dangerously Low Blood SugarMa...

How to Accurately Check Your Blood Glucose (BG) at Home

Managing diabetes effectively requires regular blood glucose (BG) monitoring. Accurate home testing provides valuable insights into how your body responds to food, exercise, stress, and medication, allowing you to make informed decisions about your health. However, inaccurate testing can lead to poor management and potentially dangerous health outcomes. This article will guide you through the essential steps to ensure you’re accurately checking your blood glucose levels at home.

Why Accurate Blood Glucose Monitoring Matters

Accurate blood glucose readings are the foundation of effective diabetes management. These readings help you and your healthcare team:

Adjust Medication: Understand how your medications are working and make necessary dosage adjustments.
Make Dietary Changes: Identify which foods raise or lower your blood sugar levels, enabling better meal planning.
Manage Exercise: Monitor the impact of physical activity on your glucose levels, helping you adjust your exercise routine.
Detect Hypoglycemia or Hyperglycemia: Identify potentially dangerous low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar events early.
Reduce Long-Term Complications: By maintaining stable blood sugar levels, you can minimize the risk of long-term complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, and heart disease.

Failing to obtain accurate readings can lead to mismanagement, resulting in swings between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, increased risk of complications, and decreased quality of life.

Preparing for Accurate Blood Glucose Testing

Proper preparation is crucial for getting reliable results. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Gather Your Supplies:
- Blood Glucose Meter: Ensure it's the meter your healthcare provider recommends and that you understand how to use it.
- Test Strips: Use only the test strips designed for your specific meter and check the expiration date. Expired strips can provide inaccurate results.
- Lancet Device and Lancets: Use a fresh, sterile lancet for each test to minimize the risk of infection and ensure optimal blood flow.
- Alcohol Swabs or Soap and Water: Clean your hands thoroughly before testing.
- Cotton Balls or Gauze: To stop the bleeding after testing.
- Sharps Container: For safe disposal of used lancets and test strips.
Wash Your Hands:
- Use warm water and soap.
- Wash for at least 20 seconds, ensuring you clean between your fingers and under your nails.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry your hands completely. Moisture can dilute the blood sample and affect the results.
Prepare Your Lancing Device:
- Insert a fresh lancet into the lancing device according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Adjust the depth setting on the lancing device. Start with a lower setting and increase it if you're not getting enough blood. Deeper settings can be more painful.

Performing the Blood Glucose Test: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps meticulously to ensure accurate blood glucose measurement:

Insert Test Strip: Insert the test strip into your meter. Make sure it's oriented correctly and the meter is turned on. Some meters turn on automatically when the strip is inserted.
Choose a Lancing Site: The sides of your fingertips are generally less sensitive than the pads. Rotate fingers each time you test to avoid soreness.
Clean the Lancing Site: Use an alcohol swab or soap and water to clean the chosen fingertip. Let it air dry completely.
Puncture Your Finger: Use the lancing device to puncture your finger. Apply gentle pressure.
Obtain an Adequate Blood Sample:
- Gently squeeze your finger near the puncture site to encourage a small drop of blood to form. Avoid excessive squeezing or “milking” of the finger, as this can dilute the blood sample with tissue fluid and affect accuracy.
- The blood drop should be large enough to completely cover the test strip's sample area, as indicated by the meter's instructions.
- If the blood drop smears or runs, wipe it away gently with a clean cotton ball and try again on a different spot.
Apply Blood to the Test Strip:
- Hold the test strip to the blood drop, allowing it to be absorbed into the designated area. Do not smear the blood onto the strip.
- Ensure the sample area is completely filled with blood, according to the test strip's requirements.
Wait for the Result: Your meter will display your blood glucose reading in a few seconds. The reading is typically displayed in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L), depending on your region and meter settings.
Record Your Results: Immediately record the reading, along with the date, time, and any relevant information like meals, exercise, or medication. This helps track patterns and manage your diabetes effectively.
Dispose of Materials Safely: Properly dispose of used lancets in a sharps container. Remove the used test strip from the meter and discard it in the trash. Clean your meter regularly as recommended by the manufacturer.

Common Mistakes That Can Affect Accuracy and How to Avoid Them

Several common errors can lead to inaccurate blood glucose readings. Awareness and avoidance are key:

| Mistake | Why it Matters | How to Avoid It | | ----------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Expired Test Strips | Chemicals in the strip degrade, leading to false readings. | Check expiration dates before each use. Store strips in their original container, tightly sealed, and away from extreme temperatures/humidity. | | Dirty Hands | Contaminants can affect the blood sample and skew results. | Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Ensure hands are completely dry before testing. | | Insufficient Blood Sample | Incomplete readings occur if the test strip doesn't get enough blood. | Gently encourage blood flow by squeezing the finger. If needed, try a deeper setting on the lancing device. | | "Milking" the Finger | Dilutes blood sample with tissue fluid, leading to inaccurate results. | Gently encourage blood flow. Avoid excessive squeezing or pressure. | | Incorrect Meter Coding | Meter must be coded correctly for the specific batch of test strips. | Verify the code on the meter matches the code on the test strip vial. | | Improper Storage of Supplies | Extreme temperatures and humidity can degrade test strips. | Store test strips in their original container, tightly sealed, in a cool, dry place. | | Not Allowing Alcohol to Dry | Residual alcohol can interfere with the test. | Allow the alcohol to air dry completely before lancing. | | Meter Calibration Issues | Meters need to be regularly calibrated against a control solution. | Use control solution periodically to verify meter accuracy. Refer to the meter’s instructions. |

Choosing the Right Blood Glucose Meter

Selecting an appropriate blood glucose meter is crucial. Consider these factors:

Accuracy: Look for meters with proven accuracy through independent studies or certification.
Ease of Use: Choose a meter with a large display, easy-to-handle strips, and simple navigation.
Features: Consider features like data storage, Bluetooth connectivity for syncing with apps, and audible alerts.
Cost: Evaluate the initial cost of the meter and the ongoing cost of test strips and lancets.
Insurance Coverage: Check if your insurance plan covers specific meters and test strips.
Individual Needs: If you have visual impairments or dexterity issues, select a meter designed to accommodate these needs.

Table: Comparison of Popular Blood Glucose Meters

| Meter | Accuracy | Ease of Use | Features | Cost | Notes | | ----------------- | --------- | ----------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | OneTouch Verio Reflect | Excellent | Very Easy | ColorSure technology, Bluetooth connectivity, PatternAlerts | Moderate | User-friendly, ideal for seniors | | Accu-Chek Guide | Excellent | Easy | Spill-resistant vial, Bluetooth connectivity, target range indicator | Moderate | Good all-around meter | | Contour Next One | Excellent | Easy | Second-Chance sampling, Bluetooth connectivity, smartLIGHT target indicator | Moderate | Great accuracy, useful for reducing strip waste | | Freestyle Libre 2 (CGM)| N/A | Very Easy | Continuous Glucose Monitoring, alarms for highs and lows | Higher | Requires a prescription, no finger pricks needed for routine monitoring |

Note: Costs and features can vary depending on the retailer and insurance coverage. A CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) like the Freestyle Libre 2 offers readings without routine fingersticks but requires a prescription and may not be suitable for all individuals.

Understanding Blood Glucose Targets and What to Do With Your Readings

Understanding your target blood glucose ranges is key to interpreting your results. General guidelines are as follows, but individual targets should be discussed with your healthcare provider:

Before Meals (Fasting): 80-130 mg/dL (4.4-7.2 mmol/L)
2 Hours After Starting a Meal: Less than 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L)

Based on your readings:

If your blood glucose is too high (hyperglycemia):
- Drink water to stay hydrated.
- Check your medication dosage and administration technique.
- Consider light exercise (if appropriate).
- Contact your healthcare provider if levels remain high despite adjustments.
If your blood glucose is too low (hypoglycemia):
- Follow the 15-15 rule: Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates (e.g., glucose tablets, fruit juice) and recheck your blood glucose after 15 minutes.
- Repeat if necessary until your blood glucose is above 70 mg/dL.
- If symptoms persist or worsen, seek immediate medical attention.

Regularly Calibrating and Maintaining Your Blood Glucose Meter

Proper maintenance ensures your meter remains accurate over time. Key steps include:

Control Solution Testing: Use control solution periodically (as directed in your meter's manual) to verify meter accuracy. If the results are outside the control range, contact the manufacturer.
Cleaning: Clean the meter regularly with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid getting liquid inside the meter.
Storage: Store your meter in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Battery Replacement: Replace the batteries as needed to ensure reliable performance.
Software Updates: If your meter has software, keep it updated to ensure compatibility and optimal functionality.

When to Seek Professional Help

While home blood glucose monitoring provides valuable data, it's crucial to know when to seek professional assistance:

Frequent Unexplained High or Low Readings: Discuss these patterns with your doctor for medication adjustments or further evaluation.
Symptoms of Severe Hypoglycemia or Hyperglycemia: Seek immediate medical attention for severe symptoms like confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, or persistent vomiting.
Changes in Medication or Health Status: If you experience significant changes in your diabetes management or overall health, consult your healthcare provider.
Meter Malfunction: If you suspect your meter is not working correctly, contact the manufacturer or your healthcare provider for guidance.

By following these guidelines for accurate blood glucose monitoring at home, you can gain valuable insights into your diabetes management, enabling you to make informed decisions and live a healthier life. Remember to always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment plans.