Monitoring your blood sugar levels daily allows you and your doctor to know how well you're controlling your diabetes. These tips can make blood sugar testing more manageable.
If you have diabetes, regularly testing your blood sugar levels will let you know how well you’re controlling the condition and whether your doctor needs to make adjustments in your medications or treatment plan.
“Testing gives us an objective idea of how you’re doing,” says Sunshine Shahinian, RN, a diabetes educator at the Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey, Calif. “If you don’t test, we may not have the opportunity to intervene if you’re not controlling your blood sugar well.”
As essential as glucose testing is to tracking your blood sugar levels, it can be a daunting and confusing habit to develop. Here are answers to common questions about blood sugar testing questions.
Q: What’s the best time to check my blood sugar levels?
A: Work with your doctor to determine when and how often you should test your blood sugar. Your testing schedule will depend on your medications, mealtimes, and how well you're controlling your condition.
Shahinian recommends varying your daily testing times. One day check it after you get up and before lunch. The next day, do it after breakfast and after lunch. The following day, test before lunch and before dinner. “Vary it so we know how you’re doing throughout the day and so we can do something about it if your numbers are off,” she explains.
You’ll also want to test your blood sugar whenever you have symptoms of high blood sugar. These include dry mouth, increased thirst, blurry vision, frequent urination, and dry skin.
Q: Should I use the same finger every time?
A: Try to use different fingers and test sites because your fingers can get sore if you prick them in the same spot every time. You have more nerves in the center, or pads, of your fingers, so you may want to use the sides. Establishing a pattern of which day you use which fingers will help you remember to use different test sites.
Q: Can I get the blood sample from somewhere other than my fingers?
A: It’s best to use your fingers because any changes in your blood glucose levels will appear most readily in the blood from your fingers, Shahinian says. However, some blood glucose meters can be used on other parts of the body, such as the palm, forearm, or thigh. Read the instructions to see where your device can be used, or ask what your doctor recommends.
Q: How do I prepare for blood sugar testing?
A: Wash your hands with warm, soapy water. Washing serves two purposes: It cleans the test site, which reduces the risk for infection, and the warm water brings more blood to your fingers. Dry your hands well before testing.
Another way to bring blood to your fingers is to dangle and shake your hands below your heart. You can also massage your finger, pushing blood toward the tip. Shahinian recommends not using rubbing alcohol to clean the test site because it can dry your skin. “You’re less likely to test if your fingers are dry and hurt,” she says.
Q: How much blood do I need?
A: “Try to get just enough,” Shahinian says. Most meters today require only a small drop of blood. Usually a quick prick works fine. If you lance your finger, you may bleed too much.
Q: Where can I learn how to test properly?
If you’re unsure about how to do a proper test, ask the caregivers in your doctor’s office to show you what to do. Don’t be afraid to speak up. It’s important that you use the proper technique so the results are accurate.
Q: What do I do with the results?
A: Keep a record of the results and the time of each testing. You should also make notes about what you ate or did before you tested and if you were experiencing any symptoms at the time. This will help you identify trends for when your blood sugar is high or low.
Q: When should I talk with my doctor about the results?
A: One high reading is nothing to be alarmed about. But when the readings are high or low for consecutive testings, you need to pay attention.
“If your blood sugar is higher than your target level for at least two consecutive days, let your doctor know,” Shahinian says. “You could have an infection, or you could need to adjust your medication.” Everyone is different, so you and your doctor need to decide what your individual target level is.
Also talk with your doctor if your blood sugar levels fall below 70 mg/dL for two or three consecutive readings or if you have more than one low blood sugar reaction in a week that you can’t explain.
With guidance and experience, you’ll get the hang of blood sugar testing. Work with your healthcare team until you’re comfortable with the process on your own. Making regular blood sugar testing a priority is an important part of managing your condition.
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