The Top 8 Mistakes People Make When Checking Blood Glucose (BG) Managing diabetes effectively requires diligent blood glucose (BG) monitoring. Regular...

The Top 8 Mistakes People Make When Checking Blood Glucose (BG)

Managing diabetes effectively requires diligent blood glucose (BG) monitoring. Regular testing provides critical insights into how your body responds to food, exercise, medication, and stress, enabling you to make informed decisions about your health. However, even with the best intentions, mistakes can creep into your BG monitoring routine, leading to inaccurate readings and potentially impacting your diabetes management. In this article, we'll explore the top 8 mistakes people commonly make when checking their blood glucose and offer practical tips to avoid them, ensuring you get the most accurate and helpful results.

1. Not Washing and Drying Your Hands Thoroughly

Why it matters: This is perhaps the most common and easily avoidable mistake. Our hands come into contact with countless substances throughout the day – food particles, lotions, dirt, and more. These contaminants can significantly skew BG readings, either artificially raising or lowering them.

The solution: Before every BG test, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap. Ensure you scrub all surfaces, including between your fingers and under your nails. Rinse well and dry completely with a clean towel or paper towel. Avoid using hand sanitizers right before testing, as some may contain ingredients that interfere with results. Wait until hands are fully dry.

Example: A study published in the Diabetes Care journal demonstrated that contaminated hands could falsely elevate BG readings by as much as 20%.

| Contaminant | Potential Impact on BG Reading | | ------------------- | ------------------------------ | | Sugar-containing food | False high | | Fruit juice | False high | | Lotion | False low (depending on ingredients) |

2. Using Expired or Improperly Stored Test Strips

Why it matters: Test strips contain chemicals that react with glucose in your blood. These chemicals degrade over time, especially when exposed to humidity or extreme temperatures. Expired or improperly stored test strips can produce unreliable readings, leading to incorrect insulin dosages or treatment adjustments.

The solution: Always check the expiration date on your test strip vial before using them. Store test strips in their original, tightly sealed container, in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in the bathroom or other areas with high humidity. Never use test strips that are past their expiration date, even if they appear to be in good condition. Once the vial is opened, make sure you follow manufacturer guidelines to how many days you have before disposal.

Data: A 2018 report by the FDA highlighted instances where expired test strips yielded BG readings that were up to 40% different from actual values.

3. Not Coding the Meter Correctly (If Required)

Why it matters: Some blood glucose meters require coding to match the specific batch of test strips you're using. This coding calibrates the meter to account for slight variations in the manufacturing process of each batch of strips. If the meter isn't coded correctly, the readings can be significantly inaccurate.

The solution: Check your meter's user manual to see if it requires coding. If so, carefully follow the instructions for entering the code, which is usually found on the test strip vial. Many newer meters auto-code themselves, but it's still essential to verify that your meter is compatible with your test strips and that auto-coding is active. Check the code number on the test strip vial before starting.

Example: Imagine using a box of strips that requires a code of '123' but your meter is set to '456'. This mismatch could lead to consistent under- or over-estimations of your BG levels.

4. Using Too Little or Too Much Blood

Why it matters: Blood glucose meters are designed to work with a specific blood sample size. Applying too little blood may result in an error message or an inaccurate reading. Conversely, applying too much blood can also flood the test strip and produce an erroneous result.

The solution: Ensure you apply the correct amount of blood to the test strip according to your meter's instructions. Most meters have a visual indicator on the test strip to guide you. Avoid squeezing your finger excessively, as this can dilute the blood sample with tissue fluid, leading to a false low reading. Let the blood drop form naturally. If needed, gently massage your finger towards the puncture site.

Practical tip: If you consistently have trouble getting enough blood, try warming your hands before testing to improve circulation.

5. Puncturing the Finger Incorrectly

Why it matters: The location and technique of the finger prick can impact the accuracy of the reading and your comfort. Puncturing the pad of the finger, where there are more nerve endings, can be painful. Also, consistently using the same spot can lead to calluses and reduced blood flow.

The solution: Prick the side of your fingertip, slightly off-center. Rotate fingers for each test. Use the lancing device provided with your meter and adjust the depth setting to the lowest level that consistently produces an adequate blood sample. Change lancets with each test or regularly to reduce the chance of infection and ensure a cleaner puncture. Make sure you are using the least painful site.

Data: Studies have shown that side-of-fingertip punctures are generally less painful than punctures on the finger pad, while still providing accurate BG readings.

6. Testing at Inconsistent Times or Without Context

Why it matters: Isolated BG readings provide limited information. To effectively manage your diabetes, it's crucial to test at consistent times and to consider the context of each reading – what you ate, how much you exercised, any medications you took, and your overall health status.

The solution: Work with your healthcare provider to develop a testing schedule that meets your individual needs. Common testing times include before meals, two hours after meals, before bedtime, and during exercise. Keep a log of your BG readings, along with relevant information about your activities, food intake, and medications. This will help you identify patterns and make informed decisions about your diabetes management.

Example: If you consistently find that your BG is high two hours after eating a particular meal, you may need to adjust your insulin dosage or modify your diet.

7. Ignoring Error Messages or Unusual Readings

Why it matters: Blood glucose meters are designed to provide accurate readings. If you encounter an error message or a significantly high or low reading, it's essential to investigate the cause rather than simply dismissing it.

The solution: If your meter displays an error message, consult the user manual to troubleshoot the issue. Repeat the test, ensuring you follow all the recommended procedures. If you get an unusually high or low reading, confirm it by retesting. If the reading persists, contact your healthcare provider immediately, especially if you're experiencing symptoms of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. It is important to know when your meter is displaying LO or HI results.

Warning: Never ignore symptoms of severe hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, even if your meter reading appears normal. Always trust your body and seek medical attention if necessary.

8. Failing to Maintain Your Meter Properly

Why it matters: Like any electronic device, blood glucose meters require regular maintenance to ensure accuracy and longevity. Dust, dirt, and debris can interfere with the meter's sensors and affect its performance.

The solution: Clean your meter regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Store it in a protective case to prevent damage. Check the control solution periodically to ensure that the meter is working correctly. Replace the batteries when needed. If you suspect your meter is malfunctioning, contact the manufacturer or your healthcare provider.

Table: Meter Maintenance Checklist

| Task | Frequency | Importance | | ------------------------- | -------------- | ---------- | | Clean meter | Weekly | High | | Store in protective case | Daily | High | | Check control solution | Monthly | Medium | | Replace batteries | As needed | High |

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve the accuracy of your blood glucose readings and gain better control over your diabetes management. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and support. Regular and accurate BG monitoring, combined with informed lifestyle choices and appropriate medical treatment, is key to living a healthy and fulfilling life with diabetes.