How to use a glucose monitor

Blood sugar is one of the most important healthcare issues for diabetics, but what exactly is it? How do you use a glucose monitor ? What type of device is this? This is what we will find out, dear reader, in this article, follow us.

sugar test device

It’s a small electronic device that measures the amount of sugar in a small sample of blood, usually with a prick in your fingertips. You can put it on a disposable test strip. Your doctor can recommend a suitable device for you. Your doctor can also help you learn how to use the meter.

How to use a blood glucose meter

In general, follow the directions that came with your blood glucose meter and your doctor can help you use it.

How to use the glucose monitor step by step

1. Wash and dry your hands well.
2. Insert the test strip into the device.
3. Prick the side of your finger with the needle.
4. Gently press or rub your finger until a drop of blood forms.
5. Touch the drop of blood to the edge of the strip while holding the device.
6. The meter will show your blood glucose level on the screen after seconds.

If the meter is able to measure blood drawn from another location such as the forearm or palm, these readings may not be as accurate as readings from a finger prick, especially after eating or during exercise when the blood sugar level changes frequently.

Tips after using a glucose monitor

Now that you are familiar with using a glucose monitor, there are some tips that you should follow after using it:

• After the examination, record your results, talk to your doctor about how often your blood sugar levels are recorded, and now you can download several devices to one computer.
• When you manually log results, write down the date, time, test results, medication, dosage, diet, and exercise information.
• Bring a scorecard with you when you see your doctor and talk to your doctor about what to do and when to call if you are not getting your normal results.

When do you do a blood sugar test?

Your doctor will tell you how often to check your blood sugar levels; In general, the frequency of tests depends on the type of diabetes and treatment plan.

Type 1 diabetes Your doctor may recommend that you measure your blood sugar four to 10 times a day. If you have type 1 diabetes, you may need to use a blood glucose meter at the following times:

• Before main meals and even before snacks.
• Before and after training.
• before sleep.
• Sometimes during the night.
• When you are sick.
• When you change your daily routine.
• If you are taking a new medicine.

Type 2 diabetes : If you take insulin to treat type 2 diabetes, your doctor may recommend that you measure your blood sugar several times a day, depending on the type and amount of insulin you use.

Tests are usually recommended before meals and at bedtime if you take several injections per day, and you may only need to test twice daily, before breakfast and dinner, if you are using only long-acting insulin.

If you treat type 2 diabetes with medications other than insulin, or just diet and exercise, you may not need to measure your blood sugar every day.

Finally, dear reader, after you know how to use a glucose monitor , always make sure to constantly monitor your blood sugar and inform your doctor in case of unusual risks or increases,