Meters, Testing Sites, Usage

 

 

For people living with diabetes, sticking their finger to test blood glucose levels is necessary to prevent the complications of poor glucose control. Use of the blood glucose monitors empowers the patient to better understand the effects of medication, food and exercise on their blood glucose readings. The meters are definitely the patients’ “BEST FRIEND”. Since treatment is based on blood sugar readings, if glucose readings are not accurate, then the treatment will not be appropriate. Inaccurate readings also may place the patient at risk for complications. Your blood glucose meter should be used as a tool, not a hammer, to manage blood sugar. The correct use of blood glucose meters allows the patient to learn what foods and what activities affect their blood glucose levels.

 

Over the last year, advertisements for glucose meters that don’t require patients to stick their finger are popping up across many different types of print and television media. The option is called Alternate Site Testing and can become confusing and misleading for people with diabetes. What they don’t know is that instead of sticking their finger, these meters’ require patients to stick and take blood samples from their forearm and other non-finger areas. The unfortunate and misleading part about the ads patients see on TV is that they leave this critical piece of information out. . Patients need to know why alternate site testing may not be an option for all diabetics.

 

When it’s OK, and not OK, to check from alternate sites

Alternate site testing should only be used when blood sugar is stable:

• Immediately before a meal
• When fasting
• Near bedtime

Always check from your fingertip, however, when blood sugar may be changing:

• Following a meal, when blood sugar is rising quickly
• Within two hours after an insulin dose
• After exercise
• Whenever you think your blood sugar might be low or falling

If you are considering alternate site glucose testing remember:

• Never ignore the symptoms of low or high blood sugar.
• If the results of a blood glucose test don't match the way you feel, confirm with a fingertip test. If the fingertip result still doesn't seem to reflect the way you feel, get in touch with your doctor.
• Talk to your Certified Diabetes Educator before using sites other than your fingertip for testing blood sugar.

 

 

Purchasing supplies for managing diabetes from a mail order or TV, while seemingly easy, is in fact, more difficult and confusing. If there is a question about the meter or its use, patients do not know who to contact for advice. May times the supplies come automatically, whether the patient needs them or not. Many of the meters sold from TV are of low quality and their data cannot be easily transferred to a computer for analysis. If cost is an issue, there are free, high quality meters and discount strip coupons available from your Certified Diabetes Educator, from your physician and even from some pharmacies.

The blood glucose meter should be the patient with diabetes best friend. It’s also their lifeline of communications on their blood glucose control. A poor quality meter, or one the patient does not know how to use properly, may compromise their control and complicate the management of their disease. Insist on a high quality, name brand meter to guide you in your testing,

 

Here are a few tips to get the most benefit from your glucose meter:

 

• Make sure the date and time are properly set on your meter, if not it will make it very difficult to interpret your blood glucose results.
• Keep a log book of your readings, along with notes for understanding readings out of the ordinary.
• If you do have a reading that is way out of your normal range, it may be wise to repeat the test.
• Use the control solution provided with your meter to test the accuracy of your meter. Use this control solution monthly or whenever the reading does not appear accurate. Clean your meter monthly.
• Have the data on your meter downloaded on a computer (some pharmacies have this service available at no charge) before your doctor’s appointment. The information can then be displayed in a graphic form which is very easy for you and your physician to understand and use.
• Make sure your heath care provider reviews your results at each appointment.

 

Testing Tips

 

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water before taking a blood sample; unless directed otherwise, do not use alcohol pads to clean your finger. Not washing your hands may cause reading to be high due to food or juice remaining on your finger.
• Hold your hand below you heart before testing to facilitate the flow of blood; squeeze or “milk” your finger before lancing your finger.
• Lance the sides of your finger, not the finger tips. This will ease the pain and give you 10 testing sites per hand.
• Adjust the lancing device to obtain the smallest sample size your meter can use. Many new meters require a very small drop of blood. Make sure the drop of blood is “rounded” and not smeared on your finger. Too much blood or a smeared blood sample can result in an “error” reading and will require an additional test.
• Record your results in a log book; note reasons for an unexpected reading.
• Dispose of your used lancets and strips in an approved container. Do not re-use the lancing devices.

 

If you have questions about your blood glucose meter, please consult with a specialist, such as a Certified Diabetes Educator. This individual can help you choose the right meter and assist you in understanding what your “best friend” can do for you.

 

John Motsko, Pharmacist

Certified Diabetes Educator

Apple Drugs Diabetes Center