This guide shows you how to use a blood sugar meter. It’s a tool used by people with diabetes to check their blood sugar levels. You need a lancing device (used to prick your finger for a blood sample) and test strips. Also, obtain a meter to read the test strips, a sharps container, and a cotton swab.
Wash your hands with warm water and soap before using a lancing device. Use a new lancet every time you use the device to avoid dull needles and possible infection.
Prick the side of your finger, not the pad, for less pain. Gently squeeze the sides of your finger after pricking to get a drop of blood. Wipe away the first drop and use the second drop for testing.
Use test strips once and put them in a sharps container. It’s important to use one blood glucose meter at a time to track trends in your blood sugar levels. There’s also a control solution – a fluid to ensure the meter works properly. Test your meter with a control solution whenever you open a new box of test strips. Do the same if you think your meter might not be working correctly.
Don’t forget a monitoring diary to jot down your readings. That’s important whenever you use cash for test strips. Once you have all your tools, it’s time for the main event: getting that blood sample and seeing what your glucose level is. Watch this video to see how to do it step by step.
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