How To Check Blood Sugar Correctly At Home: A Complete Guide

Testing blood sugar levels is an essential part of diabetes management. Regular blood sugar testing helps individuals with diabetes manage the condition more effectively. It also helps prevent blood sugar spikes, further reducing the risk of complications associated with the condition.

Importance of monitoring blood sugars regularly

• Regular monitoring allows you to see how your diet, exercise, and medications affect your blood sugar levels, helping you stay within your target range.
• Keeping track of blood glucose helps address fluctuations in blood sugars promptly, helping prevent both short-term and long-term complications.
• Regular checks help you to make better decisions regarding your meals, physical activity, and medication. You can adjust your insulin doses or food intake based on your results.

How to check blood sugar levels at home

• Wash your hands and insert a test strip into the glucose meter
• Use a lancet device to prick the side of your fingertip (this area is typically less sensitive)
• Squeeze your finger gently and let a drop of blood form
• Touch the drop to the test strip and wait for the reading
• Note down your blood sugar level, time of the test, and any relevant notes about your diet, exercise, or feelings at that time
• Safely dispose of the lancet and test strip in a sharps container

Mistakes to avoid

• Do not use the same finger every day as it may cause pain or even a minor injury. Keep rotating the finger from either hand for blood sugar level testing.
• Discard the needle after every prick with proper safety measures to avoid infections.
• Adjust the needle depths of the lancing device to ensure a proper prick.
• Ensure your glucose meter is calibrated as per the manufacturer's instructions for accurate readings.
• Always sanitise your hands to ensure the area is clean and infection-free.
• Don't hurry to prick once you have sanitised the finger with spirits. Wait for the spirit to evaporate from the skin surface before pricking.
• Using too little blood can give inaccurate results. Make sure you have a sufficient drop for testing.

Home testing is an efficient way to manage diabetes. However, there can be variation between the readings of a glucometer and a laboratory test of blood sugar levels. Discuss your results with your healthcare provider and follow all recommended measures carefully.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.