Getting accurate and useful home blood glucose measurements

10 top tips

1. Make sure that you understand the relevance of blood glucose testing and why you have been asked to test your blood glucose
2. Ensure your testing strips and in date and stored in the original container or packaging, as recommended by the manufacturer. Once you have opened the packaging, the strips will have a limited shelf life. Please make sure that you check the manufacturers guidance
3. To keep the test strips in good condition, replace the lid on the test strip container if applicable, as soon as you have removed the strip
4. Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before testing. Do not use wet wipes or alcohol swabs as these could affect the blood glucose result
5. Make sure that you use an appropriate finger pricking device and a new lancet for each test. Some finger prickers offer adjustable penetration depth which can help reduce unnecessary discomfort
6. When testing:
   • Make sure that your hands are warm as this will help the blood flow and make testing less painful. Holding your hand towards the ground can also help blood flow
   • Use a different finger and a different area each time to minimise pain and help skin healing
   • Prick to the side of the fingertip to get the blood sample as this tends to be less painful than the fingertip
   • Gently squeeze the finger to get enough blood for the test and ask for help from your health care professional if you struggle to get enough blood
7. Do not leave the meter or strips in extremely hot or cold environments as this may cause an inaccurate reading
8. Always re-test if the blood glucose result does not match your symptoms
9. It is important that you test your blood glucose at variable times to understand how your current diabetes treatment is working and to enable safe treatment adjustment

You have been advised to test your blood glucose, Either:

• daily
• twice daily
• 2 to 3 times daily
• 4 times daily

Please include some measurements, Either

• Before breakfast or 2 hours after breakfast
• Before midday meal or 2 hours after midday meal
• Before evening meal or 2 hours after evening meal
• Before bed or during the night if awake

Please record your measurements in your blood glucose monitoring diary and bring your results and meter to all your appointments. Most meters offer computer software that can help you record and analyse your results

10. Remember to dispose of sharps safely in a suitable sharps container

Remember:

Always read the instructions provided with your meter, keep your user guide for future reference and complete and send the warranty card provided. A helpline is also provided by the meter manufacturer for any other meter-related queries.

Ask your diabetes health care professional for advice if you are having any difficulties testing your blood glucose levels.