How to use a Glucometer?

Isn’t it magical that the device called glucometer can tell you the estimated blood sugar level in your blood while sitting in your drawing room? Read on to know how to use this device properly to get the most precise value.

What is a glucometer?

Glucometer is a medical device that is used to measure blood glucose level at home. A glucometer is must to have for a diabetic patient as regular blood sugar monitoring is needed to keep a check on too high or too low blood sugar level. One can’t rush to lab every time to get one’s blood sugar tests done.

This very easy to use medical device contains a test strip which is inserted into the device. A drop of blood from finger tip has to be put on the test strip to get the estimated blood sugar reading

The strip is loaded with some chemicals that react with glucose in the blood to estimate the amount of sugar in the blood (Isn’t it magical?)

Know how to use a glucometer?

Before testing your blood sugar, make sure to read and understand the instruction manual carefully. Here I will be explaining simple steps to follow while using a glucometer to get the accurate reading :)

1. Wash your hands - Before pricking your finger with a lancet for blood, wash your hands with a mild soap and let them dry to get a trustworthy reading. There might be some residue from eating a fruit or some other food or things left on your hands that can affect the sugar value. You can also use an alcohol swab to clean the finger before testing. But make sure you always clean and dry your hands before testing!

Now what if you are stuck somewhere and need to check your blood sugar level but there is no soap or alcohol swab available nearby? Don’t worry! I have a solution for that as well. In case of such an emergency, prick your finger and wipe the first drop of blood away and take the second droplet for testing which is likely to be less contaminated :)

2. Insert the test strip - Your glucometer comes with a pack of test strips which contains chemicals that react with the glucose to estimate the amount of glucose in your blood. Insert the strip carefully in your meter. Don’t carry the strips loose in your pocket and withdraw a strip from air tight container only before starting the test because light and air can cause invisible damage. Also make sure that the strips are not expired and keep a check on the date

3. Prick your finger with lancet - The best and recommended site to take blood for home testing is a finger (especially the middle one). Some advanced blood glucose monitor also allows you to take blood sugar reading from alternate sites such as palm or forearm. But results from such sites are not accurate. Also doctors at Zyla suggest to keep alternating your hands and fingers for testing the blood sugar (except your little finger). And before pricking your finger, massage your fingertips to pump blood and relax the area making it easier for blood to be drawn.

4. Place the blood droplet on test strip- Next and final step after pricking your finger is to place the blood drop on strip inserted in the meter. Wait for few seconds till you see a reading (value) on the screen of glucometer and here is your blood sugar value! Easy, right?

People suffering from diabetes should always take good care of their glucometer device as it allows you to actually monitor your blood sugar level on a daily basis. To avoid the complication of diabetes, one must keep a regular check on blood glucose level to plan the adjustment in treatment/ intervention and manage too high or too low blood sugar episodes!

Manage diabetes at home and prevent its complications. Download Zyla app (http://bit.ly/2BftxyE-defeatingdiabetes) to get continuous and personalised care for diabetes.

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