7 Blood Sugar Testing Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

If you’re receiving error messages from your meter or simply getting false readings, don’t worry- we’ll let you in on a little secret… it’s not your fault! Some understandable mistakes may be getting you frustrated and there are easy ways to avoid them. 

Getting in the habit of regular blood sugar testing will help maintain control of not only your glucose levels, but also your life… so, take an active role in maintaining your diabetes and your health with these 7 blood sugar testing tips.

1. Avoid your fingertip!
   • The most sensitive part of your fingers are the tips, due to the amount of nerve endings there- so testing there will hurt.
2. Clean your fingers correctly
   • In lieu of alcohol, use old fashioned soap and water to wash your hands. Any residue that could be on your fingers is likely to give you false blood sugar readings- especially sugary fruit.
3. Switch fingers each day
   • If not every day, switching fingers every time you check your blood sugar will give you consistent readings and prevent soreness and calluses from forming.
4. Use proper testing materials
   • To improve effective results, make sure your supplies are up to date and stored in a clean location. Cheating on dull or expired supplies will only hurt yourself.
5. Understand your meter
   • With improving technology, you must be caught up on the ins and outs of your device such as: testing your meter’s accuracy and checking instructions.
6. Wait to test after a meal
   • Sometimes testing too soon after eating will give you false high results, so be sure to “fast” test or wait at least 2 hours after a meal to insure correct results.
7. Be a mindful tester
   • Test on a schedule and remember that your results let you see how your body reacts to different fascist of your life, such as: exercise, diet, and sleep.

Source: https://www.everydayhealth.com/diabetes/living-with/blood-sugar-testing-mistakes-avoid