If you’re a newly diagnosed diabetic, you are probably being flooded with a mass of new information. What to eat, when to eat, exercise, carbohydrates, and that’s just to name a few. Your doctor has provided you with a new blood sugar meter and wants you to check your blood sugar several times today. But what does this mean and how do you do it?
Your doctor will want to monitor your blood sugar levels throughout the day so they can determine what types of medicines you need to be on, help you plan your meals and activities, and monitor any changes or high levels to help you prevent future complications. Many patients test 2 times a day, but some are required to test more frequently. Your doctor will help you determine how many times you need to test your level.
Blood sugar meters are relatively small and convenient to carry. Most come in a zippered pouch that allows you to carry extra supplies. The first thing you need to do is read through the directions. This will tell you how to code your meter, if the machine needs to be. Some meters will automatically do this for you. Some meters have testing strips in a cartridge in the machine. Again, your directions will help.
But for most all of us, the directions are basic. You will need to prepare your lancing device but inserting a small lancet. This is used to stick your skin to bring blood to the surface for testing. Then you need to insert a testing strip into the machine. Use an alcohol swab to clean the surface of your skin that you are going to poke. Take the lancing device and stick the side of your finger, although some of the new machines allow a smaller sample of blood, letting you use your forearms or thighs to get the sample from. Some advise that you wipe the first sample of blood away and then squeeze another small droplet out to be tested. You will then place the blood on the testing strip and the machine will read the sample and give you your blood sugar reading.
Most meters are relatively inexpensive today. Some healthcare providers are provided with machines that they can supply you if money is a problem. Be sure to ask if there are any programs available that will help defray the cost.
