Common Mistakes and Tips on Blood Sugar Testing

Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to testing your blood sugar.

Testing your blood sugar regularly shows how different important factors, such as diet and exercise, affect your health. It’s not always easy and mistakes can happen, but with a little practice, testing your blood sugar can be painless and easy. Let’s start by learning the 10 most common mistakes that occur when testing one’s blood sugar…

Top 10 Common Blood Sugar Testing Mistakes:

1. Buying an unrealistic blood sugar meter: Different age groups may prefer different meters to fit their personal preference, such as: a smaller and portable size or larger screen font. Purchase a meter that is right for your daily life!
2. Picking a device your insurance doesn’t cover: Keep in mind diabetes supplies are covered under medical supplies and not prescription benefits. Many insurance companies have a preferred meter, so be sure to check before you buy!
3. Setting the wrong time and date on your meter: It would be hard to see different blood sugar trends on a meter that is not programmed correctly, be sure to check before use.
4. Testing at the wrong time: The most accurate readings are two hours after a meal, checking too soon can give you false high numbers.
5. Not developing a routine: Managing your diabetes means checking your blood sugar regularly. If you have trouble remembering to check, try setting a reoccurring alarm or reminder on your phone.
6. Not washing your hands before checking your blood sugar: Instead of using hand sanitizer to clean your hands, use soap and water instead! If there is any residue from sugary foods or something you’ve touched, the meter reading may be incorrect.
7. Misusing your testing supplies: Correct results require correct equipment! Before use, make sure your lancets aren’t too dull and your test strips aren’t expired.
8. Testing your fingertip in the wrong spot: The center of your finger tip is the most sensitive to pain, so testing on the side of your finger and in different areas each time is recommended. Testing in the same spot or finger can cause calluses to develop.
9. Not staying hydrated: Stay clear of alcohol and drink more water if you suspect your readings are inaccurate from dehydration.
10. Not tracking your results: To understand what causes your blood sugar to increase and decrease, you should keep track of your results and talk to a doctor about them if changes need to be made.

These tips were collected from Everyday Health, see original article.