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Writer's pictureAbraham The Pharmacist
Jun 11, 20183 min read

How To Test Blood Sugar | How To Use Glucometer | How To Check Blood Glucose | (2018)

Updated: Apr 14


How To Test Blood Sugar | How To Check Blood Glucose | How To Check Blood Sugar Levels | Blood Sugar Test Procedure | How To Check Sugar Level | Blood Sugar Test Procedure | How To Use Lancet | How To Use Glucose Meter



Hey all, this weeks video is a thorough guide on how to test your blood sugar levels properly. I've also included some really useful tips which I believe everyone should know.


Let me know how you get on with my guide by leaving a comment below. If you have any friends or family who would also benefit from this video then feel free to spread the word. Thanks for watching.



BLOOD GLUCOSE TESTING:

Blood glucose testing, also known as blood glucose monitoring, is one of the main tools involved in controlling diabetes.


Not everyone with diabetes will test their blood glucose levels but it is regarded as being very beneficial for helping to make diet and medication dosing decisions.


If you are on any medication that can lead to hypoglycaemia (most notably insulin), you should test your blood glucose levels.



WHAT IS A LANCING DEVICE:

Lancing devices are used to obtain samples of blood for glucose testing using a lancet.


A variety of lancets are on the market, the most common of which are automatic lancing devices (Used in the video).



TESTING BLOOD GLUCOSE METER & TESTS STRIPS:

Control solutions are used to check that the meter and test strips are working together properly and that the test is performing correctly. Most control solutions last 90 days after opening, please check yours for the actual date. The acceptable range of glucose for that solution is listed on the back of your test strip vial or control solution.



USEFUL TIPS:

Please watch the full video for all of them but here are some important ones,

• Use a new lancet every time you use your lancing device. I know it's time consuming but if you don't change, it's going to hurt more and you're at risk of a skin infection.

• Diabetic patients tend to build a collection of different blood glucose meters over time. It’s really important that you only ever use one meter to build up a trend of results because different meters will give slightly different results.



HOW TO TEST BLOOD GLUCOSE:

• Prepare your kit for testing.

• This should include: your meter, test strip, lancing device, cotton wool, monitoring diary and sharps bin.

• Ensure that the lancing device is primed with a new lancet.

• Wash and dry your hands - to ensure that the result is not influenced by any sugars that may be present on your fingers.

• A fuller drop of blood will be obtained if your fingers are warm, so it’s worth warming your hands by washing with warm water and rubbing them for 10 seconds.

• Put a test strip into your meter, make sure it switches on and is ready.

• Prick your finger with the lancing device at the sides of the finger as there are less nerve ending here than at the tips or the ‘pads’. Switch fingers regularly to prevent thickening of the skin. You may want to avoid using your little finger due to the skin being thin.

• If your hands are warmed up you shouldn't need to squeeze your finger for a blood drop, if necessary apply light pressure to the surrounding area until a blood drop appears. Squeezing too hard can interfere with results.

• Wipe away the first blood drop with clean cotton wool and use the second blood drop for testing (careful not to smear the drop).

• Gently touch the blood drop with the test strip in the meter, wait a few seconds for result to appear.

• If the test is successful, clean any blood off your finger – with the cotton wool if necessary.

• Record the result/details in a monitoring diary.

• Dispose of the test strip and ensure that the lancet used is put into a sharps bin.


If you have any further questions please speak to your pharmacist.


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About Me:

Prescribing Media Pharmacist | Extreme Optimist | Bringing Science Through New Videos Every 2 Weeks - Monday 4PM(GMT) YouTube.




Disclaimer:

This video is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Abraham The Pharmacist has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Always consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.

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