Glucometers only need a drop of blood. They're compact enough to travel with or fit in a purse, allowing you to use one anywhere.
Each device includes an instruction manual, and typically a healthcare provider, such as an endocrinologist or a certified diabetic educator (CDE), will guide you on using it.
Using a Glucometer: Step-by-Step
- Before You Start
Prepare what you need and wash up before drawing blood:
1.Set out your supplies.
2.Wash your hands or clean them with an alcohol pad. This helps prevent infection and removes food residue that might alter your results.
3.Allow the skin to dry completely. Moisture can dilute a blood sample taken from the finger. Don't blow on your skin to dry it, as that can introduce germs.
- Getting and Testing a Sample
This process is quick, but doing it right will help you avoid having to re-stick yourself.
1.Turn on the glucometer. This is usually done by inserting a test strip. The glucometer screen will tell you when it's time to put blood on the strip.
2.Use the lancing device to pierce the side of your finger, next to the fingernail (or another recommended location). This hurts less than lancing the pads of your fingers.
3.Squeeze your finger until it has produced a sufficient-size drop.
4.Place the drop of blood on the strip.
5.Blot your finger with the alcohol prep pad to stop the bleeding.
6.Wait a few moments for the glucometer to generate a reading.
If you have trouble getting a good blood sample, warm your hands with running water or by rubbing them briskly together. Be sure they are dry again before you stick yourself.
- Recording Your Results
Keeping a log of your results makes it easier for you and your healthcare provider to build a treatment plan.
You can do this on paper, but smartphone apps that sync with glucometers make this very easy. Some devices even record readings on the monitors themselves.
Follow your doctor's orders for what to do based on the blood sugar reading. That may include using insulin to bring your level down or eating carbohydrates to bring it up.
Source: https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-use-a-glucometer-1087304
