You can test the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood with a blood sugar meter. Testing your blood sugar helps you know if you are in your target range. This can help you know when to take action. You can learn how things like exercise, stress, and certain foods affect your blood sugar.
Gather the things you need.
These often include the meter, needle (lancet) and lancet holder, test strips, and cotton balls. Check the expiration date of your test strips.
Learn how to use the glucometer.
Read any instructions you were given. Know how your meter works.
If your meter has numbers, make sure they match.
If the numbers on your meter and your test strips don't match, follow your meter's instructions for changing the code number. You may need to get different test strips.
Wash your hands.
Scrub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Dry your hands well with a clean towel.
Use a clean lancet.
If you use a lancet holder, place the lancet inside. The holder controls how deeply the lancet goes into your skin.
Get the test strip ready.
Follow the instructions to prepare your meter to receive the blood sample.
Poke the side of your finger with the lancet.
You can use any finger.
Test a small sample of your blood.
Touch the drop of blood with the correct spot of the test strip. Get enough blood to cover the test area on the strip.
Stop any bleeding.
If your finger keeps bleeding, use a clean cotton ball to apply pressure to your fingertip.
Record your results and when you did the test.
Some meters may save your results for you. Recording your results helps you and your doctor know how your treatment is working.
Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.