Whether you are a diabetic or have diabetic patients at home, constant monitoring of blood sugar levels is very important. A glucometer is a device that helps you measure sugar levels on the go.
If you already have a glucometer at home or planning to take one, this article will help you.
In this ultimate guide, we will teach you how to use the glucometer in the right away. Also, we will provide usage instructions and a few quick tips.
Before that, let us learn what a glucometer is.
Table of Contents
What Is A Glucometer?
Glucometer is a blood sugar monitoring device that will help you measure whether it is high or low or controlled. Also known as a glucose meter, this medical equipment helps provide the results of blood sugar levels instantly. It is a sophisticated device that helps you measure sugar levels anytime and anywhere on-the-go, and at your comfort.
It is portable, and you can carry it with you easily everywhere. All you require is just a drop of blood, and it gives you the measure of your current sugar levels in the blood. Start with putting your fingertip on the strip to allow the blood to touch the chemicals in the strip. Once it does, you can see the numerical results appearing on the screen. It is as simple as you can think. And the best part, it just takes a few seconds.
Let us know learn who all can use this blood sugar meter.
Who All Can Use a Glucose Meter?
Are you a diabetic? Irrespective of what type of diabetes you have, you can use a glucometer to measure the fluctuating blood sugar levels. You can use this device if you fall under any of the categories mentioned below:
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- LADA (Latent Auto-Immune Diabetes in Adults)
- Gestational Diabetes
Although you will be under a daily treatment plan, testing the sugar levels in your blood regularly should be a crucial part of that plan. Below are the benefits of using a glucometer frequently:
- It will help you measure whether the blood sugar level is low or high or controlled.
- It will help you identify the patterns beforehand and will let you know if your glucose levels are going to increase or crash down.
- You can measure your blood sugar levels after a workout or physical activity or when stressed out to see how they are responding.
- If you are under medication, it helps you monitor the after-effects of your blood sugar levels.
- You can always assess if you are meeting your treatment goals.
When Should You Take the Blood Sugar Test?
The right time to take the test and the frequency of doing it will be prescribed by the healthcare professional. Get complete information about the same from the doctors and start your testing, accordingly. Furthermore, they will also suggest to you what to do if the levels are high or low. Depending on their suggestions, you can carry out your treatment plan.
The frequency of taking the blood sugar test is dependent on the type of diabetes you have. Let us discuss that in detail below:
Type 1 Diabetes
For a patient with Type 1 diabetes, doctors generally recommend the testing about four to ten times a day. You may have to check the glucose level before consuming any food, before and after your workouts, and before going to bed at night. This is a recommended scenario, and you have to do it without fail. In your condition, your body will not be able to produce insulin that is required to stabilize the blood sugar levels. You need to keep a check on it as often as possible. Hence, keep testing frequently. You may have to do it even more often all through the day or night if you are sick or have had any changes in your routine changes.
Type 2 Diabetes
For a patient with Type 2 diabetes, doctors generally recommend the testing about 2 to 4 times a day. However, it is also dependent on if you are taking insulin. The ideal time for testing is before your meals and before going to bed at night.
If you are not using insulin for medication, you do not require testing even once a day. This is because you will be aware of the patterns.
What Are The Target Ranges For Glucose Levels In Our Body?
There are certain target glucose levels that our body should maintain. Anything below or above this range is a clear indicator of some conditions that need to be taken care of. However, these levels are not the same for everyone and vary based on age, gender, activity level, etc.
The American Diabetes Association has come up with some prescribed ranges for individuals. These values will help you identify where you belong. However, remember that this target range is mostly applicable the non-pregnant adults.
|
Marker |
Target Value |
|
Preprandial plasma glucose (Before Meal) |
80 to 130 mg/dL |
|
Postprandial plasma glucose (After Meal) |
Below 180 mg/dL |
|
A1C Test |
Above 7% |
What Is The Right Procedure For Using a Glucometer?
Using a glucose meter the right way helps in getting accurate results. Most of the time, your certified diabetes professional can prescribe you to use a glucometer. He may not explicitly explain how to use the device. Nevertheless, you can always refer to the user manual for instructions to follow. Most of these manuals are easily understandable. However, if you still feel it challenging to perform this task, do not worry! We will describe each step in the process in detail. Make sure you follow the guidelines listed below religiously for a safe testing process.
A step-by-step process for using a Glucometer:
This is all you need:
- Alcohol swab
- Lancet
- Test strip
- Glucometer
- A book to note down the readings
Instructions For Using a Glucometer:
Step 1: Preparing the Lancet Device.
The first step in the testing process is to prepare the lancet device. You will need it hygienically pierce your skin from the sides of your fingertips for a blood sample. You need to adjust it in the correct position for proper penetration. Below are the instructions for the same.
- Firstly, take out the mounting part of the lancet by twisting it a bit.
- Now, mount the lancet needle on the device. You can look at the visual illustration provided in the instructions manual to do it properly.
- After mounting the lancet needle, ensure it is ready to use by slowly rotating the lancet tip cover.
- Now, reattach the mounting cap and adjust the lancing device as per the thickness of your skin. Most devices have settings between 1 to 5 where 1 denotes sensitive skin and 5, thick skin.
- The lancet device is almost ready. Ensure that you pull the needle slowly and slide the barrel until you hear a click sound. When you get the sound, it means the lancet is ready for penetration.
Step 2: Washing Your Hands Properly to Prevent The Risk Of Infection
The next step is to clean your hands and ensure you are ready for testing. Follow the below instructions.
After you set the lancet device in place and it is ready for use, start preparing yourself. Wash your hands properly to prevent infection. You can use an alcohol swab to rub across the palms. If it is not available, you can even use water and soap (handwash) to ensure your hands are clean.
After washing your hands, dry them thoroughly. See that there is no trace of water on your hands, as it may dilute your blood sample. In such a case, you may not give an actual reading and may have to repeat the test.
Step 3: Turn On The Glucometer
The next step is to prepare your glucometer device and place the testing strips. This is how you can do:
- After you washed your hands and are ready for the test, switch on the glucose meter.
- After turning it on, place the testing strip inside and allow the device to detect it. Make sure that the detecting strip is outwards when mounting it.
- After the glucometer detects, it gives an indication that the device is now ready to use. All you need to do now is take the blood sample.
Step 4: Give The Blood Sample and Finish The Test
Now that the device is ready, give your blood sample. Follow the below instructions on how to do it safely:
- Firstly, pierce the skin on the sides of your fingertip using the lancing device.
- Collect the blood sample on the testing strip by placing a drop of blood on the strip.
- After the strip collects the blood, the glucose meter will take a few seconds to calculate the reading of sugar levels in the blood. (You may wipe away the blood on your fingertip, if any, using an alcohol swab.)
- After it measures, it displays the numeric results on the screen. Make sure you note it down in a book. Keep recording the results every time to maintain track of your glucose level readings. Some glucometer models come with a memory that stores all your results for easy reference.
- Remove the testing strip from the device and keep the glucometer ready for the next use.
- Repeat this testing as often or as recommended by the doctor.
Having a record of the readings helps you maintain track of your blood sugar levels. Furthermore, it helps you manage the typical patterns and lets you know how your body responds to some foods, exercises, and medicines. Thereby, you can assess if you are in alignment with your treatment goals.
How to Remove and Discard the Lancet Needle?
Let us now see what is the best way to remove the lancet needle and discard it. Usually, you can do it in two ways based on the type of lancet you are using – manual needle extractor and one-touch needle extractor.
1. Manual Needle Extractor
In this type, you generally put the used needle into the needle cover. After covering it, you will have to activate the extractor manually using your thumb. Pull out the needle and the case carefully and then dispose of them.
2. One-touch Needle Extractor
In this type, you generally put the used needle into the needle cover. After covering it, you will have to press the one-touch button to push the needle out. After you remove it, you can dispose of the needle carefully.
Ensure that you are not throwing the needles anywhere in the house. Since you have diabetic patients at home, it is advisable to store these used needles in a container and dispose of them when it is almost full.
What is Continuous Glucose Monitoring?
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is a medical device that helps in continuously monitoring the glucose levels of the patient. This medical equipment eliminates the need for finger pinching or picking several times to collect blood samples for testing. Instead, they contain sensors that you can attach directly to your upper arm, belly, or thigh.
These sensors attached to your skin monitor have a small transmitter connected to them. The sensor continuously monitors the glucose levels in your body and transmits the real-time readings to a monitoring device with the help of these transmitters. The data will be sent in predetermined intervals. This CGM is a helpful equipment ideal for people with type 1 diabetes who need to check their levels frequently. You can ask your diabetes professional to suggest if he would prescribe a CGM for you or not.
What Are The Tips for First-Time Testers?
Are you a first-time user? Are you a little worried about how to test using a glucometer? Do not worry! We are here with some easy tips that will make the testing process easy and safe for you. But make sure you follow them religiously. Below are the tips:
- Always refer to the user manual for instructions. Although it can be a long document to read, do not skip this step. Read it thoroughly to ensure correct usage of glucometer and, also, accurate readings from your tests.
- When taking the blood sample, if you feel the process is painful, you can try this. Adjust the settings of the lancet thickness and try for a blood sample.
- You should always use only those testing strips that are specified for your glucometer.
- When using the testing strips, ensure that they are not past the expiry date. Otherwise, you will not get accurate readings.
- Do not let the test strips of your glucometer get exposed to moisture or extra light. In such a case, it would damage the strips and give you inappropriate results.
- Make sure you follow the regular cleaning practice for your device to ensure effective functioning. Also, you can go for quality checks in between to ensure precision and accuracy.
- Always dispose-off the lancet needles and test strips carefully. Use either a plastic bag or container to pack them properly before disposal. Avoid any human contact with the used needles or test strips after testing.
How Can I Avoid Common Problems With Glucometers While Testing?
There are certain things you need to be mindful of in order to avoid some problems. This includes cleaning your device at regular intervals. Here are a few useful tips that ensure the best functioning of your device:
- It is always a good idea to have the batteries for your glucometer in stock. Make sure there are handy whenever you need them.
- Always check for the expiry date on your test strips. Avoid using the expired test strips, as they will not give you accurate results.
- After you take out the test strip, make sure you close the lid tightly. Do not let it get exposed to too much light or moisture. It would damage the strips and give you inappropriate results.
- Make sure you clean your device regularly to ensure effective functioning. Also, go for quality checks in between, if necessary.
How To Do The Glucose Testing On-the-Go?
Testing your glucose levels when travelling can be challenging to many. With a glucometer in your hand, it should not be a hassle anymore. However, ensure that you are taking more supplies and extra care when using a glucose meter. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when you are using the device while travelling:
- It is always advisable to carry testing strips and lancet needles in double portions than you think you need. This ensures peace of mind concerning the testing when traveling and you need not worry about falling short of the supplies.
- When traveling, always store your glucometer and the test strips in place that is clean and dry. Also, see that you are not leaving them in the car that may have exposure to the sun, more light, heat, or cold.
- When disposing of the lancets, make sure that you use a puncture-proof sharps disposable container. These items are exclusively designed for that purpose that is easily available in the pharmacy. You can get one from the medical store and use it for disposal.
- If you do not have a sharps disposal container handy, you can make use of an empty laundry detergent bottle at home. Because of its thickness and the screw-on cap, it is safe for disposing of the needles. Furthermore, it prevents any accidents of getting in contact with the needles.
- Here is another option you can try. Once your container is full, bring it to the pharmacy or hospital that has the sharps drop-off program for disposal.
- Let us say you have to travel for several days. In such a case, carry a hard plastic pencil case for storing the used lancet needles and test strips. You can dispose of them properly after you are back from your vacation.
- It is always advisable to carry fast-acting carb foods that help in quickly raising your glucose levels. Also, do carry extra insulin and more medicines that you regularly case. These can help you if there is an emergency.
What Are The Tips for Kids?
We all know that some kids fall prey to diabetes. Even such young lads can use a glucometer to check their sugar levels. Here are some useful tips for such children suffering from type 1 or type 2 diabetes. These would help them benefit during their treatment course and further instil the confidence in them to lead a normal like other kids.
- Encouraging your children to use a glucometer regularly will help them troubleshoot any problems they are likely to face in the treatment plan.
- It helps them to have control over their food habits.
- It helps them understand how certain foods, exercises, and medication can have an impact on their sugar levels.
If your children are taking insulin, they need to test their glucose levels more often than the adults. Comparatively, their target ranges are also higher than the latter. It is essential for parents to discuss the same with their child’s healthcare professional.
Some toddlers or young children may have episodes of hypoglycemia. Such kids need to test their glucose levels even during the middle of the night, and in their days of sickness.
Also, it is essential to keep a record of the children’s glucose levels. This helps them in identifying the trends beforehand. Furthermore, it will let them know about the increase or crash in their glucose levels after eating certain foods, exercise, and medications.
Some Frequently Asked Questions:
Ans. No, you can only use the lancet needle once. Even the lancet and needle manufacturers recommend the same. Changing a lancet after each use is not only a hygienic practice but also ensures an accurate reading. The advantage of using a new lancet during every test is that it helps in taking a proper blood sample and skin penetration.
Ans. Yes. Lancets come with an expiration date which you can find written on the side of the lancet box. Let us say you already have a glucometer available at home but want to purchase a lancet box. Check with the doctor regarding the same and then proceed with the purchase.
Ans. Squeezing your fingers hard near the penetration spot to get more blood drops does affect your blood sugar levels. It is advisable to keep your hands warm by rubbing them against each other for some time. This makes the blood flow easier, and you can gently press to collect the blood sample.
Ans. No. You should never use expired testing strips, and it is not recommended to do so. Research states that using expired strips will give you inaccurate results.
Ans. Usually, it is accurate. However, if there is too much or too little blood for the sample, the glucometer readings can be wrong.
Ans. As recommended by the WHO, you can use middle or ring fingers for blood sugar testing.
Ans. Glucometers from an established brand last for up to 5 years and give accurate results. And common generic glucometers are accurate for a fairly less time. However, if you suspect wrong readings, you should buy a new one.
Ans. Well, it depends on which one you have bought. Some do not even work fine for a year, while some even function well for around ten years.
Ans. Yes. It’s not weird if you find different readings of blood sugar from different fingers. There’s a difference of around 15-20 percent when you switch fingers. However, this is not an issue to worry about. It’s because this is an industry-standard for glucose meters.
Ans. If you notice ‘HI’ or ‘LO,’ it means blood sugar level is either above or below the normal levels as per the ACCU-CHECK inform two systems, respectively.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You can check blood sugar glucose at home | The results are sometimes not accurate |
| It’s a long-term investment. A good glucometer can be used for over 5 years | The device is hard to master |
| Unbiased & accurate results | One has to take to many precautions |
| Chances of any emergencies are reduced | Could be a painful experience if not taken care of |
Conclusion:
If you want your blood sugar level readings to be accurate, you will have to use the glucometer in the right way. If you are using it for the first time, you can refer to this article to learn how to test using a glucose meter. If you have been using the device for quite some time, make sure you are doing it correctly, as mentioned in this article.
I hope this article answered all your questions on using a glucometer. If you find this write-up helpful, do share this information with your friends to help them in their diabetic journey.
Let us know if you have further questions or need more information on using a glucometer. We will answer all your queries and clarify all your doubts at the earliest.
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Stay healthy and stay safe!!!
