Blood Sugar Monitoring -
How and Why

By Teri Champigny

Checking your blood sugar is an important part of managing your diabetes.  The results are used by your doctor to determine the amount of medication you need to take each day.   It is necessary that you obtain accurate results.   Not only should you learn to check your own blood sugar, but a family member or friend should learn as well.  Should there be an emergency it is important to know what the result is so that the correct treatment can be given.

You will need a blood glucose monitor.  There are many types of monitors on the market today.  Together you and your doctor or nurse educator can determine which is best for you.  Monitors have greatly advanced; you can even get them with large type or voice activated for vision impaired diabetics.  Ask your physician to write a prescription for your monitor, the testing strips, lancets and all other diabetic supplies as most insurance will pay a portion of these costs.  You will need to have the correct test strips for the machine you are using. 

To test your blood sugar you will need to gather your supplies before beginning.  You will need the blood glucose monitor,   test strip, lancet, dry cotton ball and an alcohol pad.  If you choose you can simply wash your hands with soap and water instead of using alcohol.  Make sure your hands are completely dry before you begin.   Most monitors come with a finger stick device that you place the lancet into.  This enables you to prick your finger with just the click of a button.  It also controls the depth of the prick.

 Make sure your hands are clean and dry.  Place the test strip into the blood glucose monitor according to the manufacturers’ instructions.  Load the lancet into the device and place it flat against your finger.  Press the button causing the lancet to prick your finger.  Allow a drop of blood to form at the prick site.  Apply the drop of blood to the test strip as instructed and the monitor will display the results after the test is complete.   Apply a dry clean cotton ball to the puncture site to stop the bleeding.  As with any puncture site for a diabetic, you will need to observe and report any signs of infection. 

Normal blood glucose ranges between 70 – 110 mg/dL.  This can vary among different machines so check your manual carefully.  Discuss the range your doctor wants your blood sugar to be in so you can make adjustments in your diet and exercise or your doctor can adjust your medications as needed.