by Christian Killian

Created on: December 08, 2008

As a diabetic, it is important to know how to take care of yourself, and while it sounds trivial, the most important thing to understand is how to properly test your blood glucose level. If you are like most people, you have more than likely seen a blood glucose meter in your local Target or Wal Mart. There are plenty of them out there.

The first step in this process is to find a meter that will work properly, fit into your lifestyle, and be cost effective. You will have plenty to choose from, and while all of them do pretty much the same thing, some have added features, like the speed at which they give a result or a large memory to track you reading right in the meter.

Now that you have chosen your meter, let's look at how to use it. You will need a few things before you get started. With the meter, you need to have test strips and a lancing device. Most meters come with 10 or so strips to get you started, but be sure to check yours. Most meters also include 10 or so lancets to use in the lancing device. Again, be sure to check this and if your meter did not come with them, purchase some where you bought the meter.

Along with the meter, test strips, lancing device and lancets, you will need to have some alcohol pads, soap and water, and a clean, dry towel. Now that you have all of these things, let's check that glucose level. Start by using the soap and water. Go wash your hands well. If there is anything on your fingers it may obscure the reading. Towel dry your hands with a clean towel. Now pick a finger tip. The best spot for most people is near the tip on the side of your finger.

Clean the chosen site with an alcohol pad and let it dry. Insert a test strip into the meter and set it down. Now place the tip of the lancing device against the skin with light to moderate pressure and trigger the device. Lightly squeeze your finger below the site to encourage some blood to flow out of the site. The amount of blood needed with vary by meter and you will need to check yours to see what you will need.

Wipe the first drop of blood off with the alcohol wipe and let it dry slightly. Then, squeeze the finger again to express a new drop of blood. Carefully place the test strip from the meter against your finger and the blood droplet. The strip should suck the blood into itself and the meter will beep to let you know it has enough for the reading. Set the meter down and let it perform the test. While it is working, you can use the alcohol wipe to clean the blood off of your finger and, if needed, apply a little pressure to help it stop bleeding.

That is really all there is to it. Check the reading on the meter and make note of it for your records. Replace the lancet for the next use and throw away all the miscellaneous trash you have just generated. If you have any concern about the steps or use of your meter, check with your doctor or diabetic educator for help.

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