Diabetics need to test blood sugar (glucose) on a regular basis. This is crucial to manage your diabetes so you know when to change your diet, and how to keep blood sugar levels where they need to be for you. This blood testing helps keep you healthy, and avoids problems that can occur down the road.

The most popular and practical (to my way of thinking) is pricking your finger tip with what is called a lancet, then putting the blood drop on a test strip. Once you have done the hard part (ouch!) the strip goes into a meter that reads your blood sugar level. Before you attempt to test yourself, make sure your hands are clean, match the code on the meter with the code on the strips. Some of the newer meters do not require you to do this procedure called “coding” the meter. Check the expiration date on the strips, and make sure batteries are good. Make sure you go through all these steps when you are first learning how to test your blood. Not checking any or all of these can affect the reading you get. In my experience, the worst thing you can do is test yourself after you have been handling food and not wash your hands. I once tested myself after putting some sugar in a friend’s tea. I forgot to wash my hands afterwards. My blood was reading over 300! You want to avoid this, because it can scare you badly. For your own sake, always make sure you at least wash your hands.

In diabetic blood testing there are different types of meters. Some meters have a larger display, some talk to you and explain what you need to do. Some meters are small and easy to take any where. Some read quickly. It depends on your needs and what you want to spend.

There are meters that let you test other areas including your thigh, upper arm, or the base of your thumb. Just remember these different test areas can give you different results from the tried and true fingertip prick test. If you are testing the fingertip, your blood sugar levels show very quickly any changes, especially if you just exercised or had a meal.

Another diabetic blood test is done with a laser. It is beamed onto your finger, and supposedly is less painful. Then there is the Gluco Watch. In tiny amounts of fluid from your skin, this watch puts out a small electric current to read your blood sugar levels. It works for up to 12 hrs, at 3 times per hr. It does not hurt, but it has some short comings, but I don’t want to Shock you with those. (ha ha)

The most important goal in diabetic blood testing is to reach a sugar level close to non diabetic. Just as important is keeping a good record of all tests, this will help you to discuss with your doctor what changes in diet and exercise you need to make. It takes time and lots of effort to get your numbers under good control. Do not despair if you are struggling to get your numbers low. We all struggle with this disease!

Stay positive, and get healthy!