How to Check Your Blood Sugar Correctly: A Step-by-Step Guide Checking your blood sugar is a crucial part of managing diabetes or prediabetes. But doi...

How to Check Your Blood Sugar Correctly: A Step-by-Step Guide

Checking your blood sugar is a crucial part of managing diabetes or prediabetes. But doing it correctly is just as important as doing it regularly. Inaccurate readings can lead to incorrect medication dosages, poor dietary choices, and overall compromised health. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to ensure you’re getting reliable results every time.

Related reading: What Happens When Your Blood Sugar Level Spikes

Gathering Your Supplies

Before you even touch your finger, make sure you have everything you need readily available. This will minimize distractions and potential for error.

Blood Glucose Meter: Ensure it's properly calibrated and the batteries are fresh. Refer to your meter’s manual for specific instructions.
Test Strips: Use the correct type of test strips for your meter. Check the expiration date – expired strips can produce inaccurate readings.
Lancing Device: This holds the lancet and controls the depth of the puncture.
Lancet: A small, sterile needle used to prick your finger.
Alcohol Swabs (Optional): For cleaning the puncture site. While not always necessary, they can help ensure a clean sample.
Clean, Dry Cloth or Cotton Ball: For wiping away excess blood.
Sharps Container: For safe disposal of used lancets and test strips.

Step 1: Washing Your Hands – The Most Important Step

This is arguably the most important part of the entire process. Residue on your hands (food, lotions, soaps) can significantly alter your blood sugar reading.

Wash Thoroughly: Use warm water and a mild soap. Avoid scented or heavily moisturizing soaps.
Dry Completely: Pat your hands dry with a clean, dry cloth. Make absolutely sure your hands are completely dry before proceeding.

Step 2: Preparing the Lancing Device

Insert Lancet: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for inserting a new lancet into the lancing device.
Adjust Depth Setting: The depth setting controls how deep the needle will penetrate your finger. Start with a lower setting and adjust as needed to obtain a sufficient blood drop. Factors like skin thickness and hydration levels can influence the ideal setting.
Prime the Device (If Required): Some lancing devices require priming before use. Refer to your device's instructions.

Step 3: Selecting Your Finger and Preparing the Site

Choose a Finger: The sides of your fingertips are generally less sensitive than the pads. Rotate fingers to avoid soreness. Avoid using the tip of your thumb or index finger, as they are more sensitive.
Clean the Puncture Site (Optional): If using an alcohol swab, clean the chosen spot gently and allow it to air dry completely.

Step 4: Obtaining a Blood Sample

Press and Prick: Press the lancing device firmly against the chosen fingertip and press the button to prick your finger.
Massage Gently (If Needed): If the blood doesn't flow readily, gently massage your finger from the base towards the puncture site. Avoid squeezing too hard, as this can dilute the sample and affect accuracy.
Sufficient Blood Drop: You need a large enough blood drop to fill the test strip's sample area.

Step 5: Applying the Blood Sample to the Test Strip

Insert Strip: Insert the test strip into the meter as directed by the meter's instructions.
Apply Blood Drop: Allow the blood drop to flow onto the designated area of the test strip. The meter will typically indicate when the sample is sufficient. Don’t smear the blood onto the strip.
Wait for Results: The meter will display your blood sugar reading within seconds.

Step 6: Cleaning Up and Disposing of Materials

Wipe Away Excess Blood: Use a clean cotton ball or cloth to wipe away any excess blood from your finger.
Dispose of Lancet and Strip: Immediately discard the used lancet and test strip into a sharps container. Never throw these items in the regular trash.
Record Your Reading: Record your blood sugar reading, the date, and time in a logbook or tracking app. This helps identify patterns and trends.

Important Considerations

Meter Calibration: Regularly calibrate your meter according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Test Strip Expiration: Always check the expiration dates on your test strips.
Hydration: Dehydration can affect blood sugar readings.
Temperature: Extreme temperatures can also impact results.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Discuss your blood sugar goals and any concerns with your doctor or diabetes educator.

By following these steps diligently, you can ensure the accuracy of your blood sugar readings and take proactive steps toward better diabetes management.