Step-by-step: checking your blood sugar - abc27 WHTM

By Jenilee Matz, M.P.H., Staff Writer, myOptumHealth

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You may think you can't live without your BlackBerry or iPod. But if you have diabetes, a blood glucose meter is truly the one gadget your life depends on.

What is a blood glucose meter?

A blood glucose meter is a device that measures the amount of glucose in your blood. It is a portable, battery-powered tool that calculates your glucose level quickly - usually in less than a minute.

Most require you to prick your skin with a skin-pricking device called a lancet and place a droplet of blood onto a test strip. The test strip is inserted into the glucose meter and the meter measures your blood sugar level. Your blood glucose reading will then appear on the screen of the meter.

It's important to purchase a good meter, use it correctly, and check your blood sugar as often as your doctor directs. Keep a record of your blood sugar levels. This will help you and your doctor see if your diabetes treatment plan is working.

1. How to use the meter correctly

To use your meter, follow these steps:

• Wash your hands and dry them well. Also wash the skin surface where you will do the testing.
• Get your glucose meter ready. Each meter works differently, so make sure you follow the directions carefully to get accurate results. Practice with your doctor or diabetes educator before you bring the meter home.
• Find out where on your body you can use your meter. Some only work on the fingertip. Others allow you to test on other places as well, such as the hand, arm or thigh.
• Prepare your lancet. Again, each type is different so read the directions and practice before you use it.
• Place the lancet on your skin and push the button. Do not prick the same place each time. When using the fingers, aim for the side of the fingertip, not the top. The side is usually less sensitive and does not bruise as easily.
• Place the top of blood on the test strip.
• Follow the rest of the instructions that come with your meter.
• When the blood glucose result appears, record it in your log or journal.

2. Check your blood sugar as often as your doctor directs you

Your doctor will let you know how often you should check your blood sugar. You may need to check it more frequently at first until your glucose levels are better controlled. Checking your blood sugar is a vital part of diabetes management. Your blood sugar levels tell you if your treatment plan is working. Based on the reading, you can determine if you:

• Need to eat
• Should adjust the amount insulin or medication you take
• Can start, continue or should stop exercising
• Need to treat a low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) reaction

Ask your doctor what your target range is. Usually "good" blood glucose levels are considered to be:

• Less than 126 mg/dL after eight to 10 hours without food
• Below 200 mg/dL right after eating

Also, ask your doctor about what blood glucose level is considered to be too low.

3. Have a plan for when to call the doctor or seek emergency help. Ask your doctor what you should do if you:

• Have a very low blood glucose reading and your low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) treatment plan does not bring your blood sugar up to "target" levels. Your doctor will let you know ahead of time what a "very low" reading is for you.
• Have a high blood glucose reading and your high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) treatment plan is not working. Ask your doctor what a "high" blood sugar reading is for you.
• Test positive for ketones. Check for ketones as directed by your doctor. Some doctors suggest checking when you have a blood sugar reading of 300 mg/dL or higher.
• Notice a pattern in your journal of high blood sugar or low blood sugar readings. This could be a sign that your diabetes care plan is not working.
• Become ill.Your doctor may want you to check your blood sugar more often when you are sick. A sick day plan is an essential part of your entire diabetes management.
• Need help using your glucose meter.

View the original Step-by-step: checking your blood sugar article on myOptumHealth.com 

SOURCES:

• American Diabetes Association. Checking your blood glucose.

• American Diabetes Association. Ketoacidosis.

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Glucose testing devices.

• American Diabetes Association. Checking blood glucose.