Glucose testing is a constant activity for diabetics. Testing the blood sugar level helps the diabetic maintain a safe glucose level and continue on living a happy and healthy life. Monitoring the blood sugar can help the diabetic take better control of his or her condition. The diabetic will then be more knowledgeable on how his or her various lifestyles are all interconnected and affect their condition. This way, the diabetic can make healthier choices to properly manage this chronic condition.

For diabetics to properly check their blood sugar levels, they will need the following tools and supplies:

1. A glucose meter

2. Alcohol pads

3. Sterile finger lancets

4. Sterile test strips

Glucose meters in the market nowadays provide the complete set of tools for the diabetic to use. Various glucose meters have different prices and features. It is recommended for the diabetic to check with his or her doctor in advising a specific type and brand for the diabetic’s use. Different glucose meters cater to different diabetics’ needs. Some are more portable, have more memory, etc. But every added convenience comes with a price. The doctor can help you choose the perfect glucose meter for you. Before actually conducting a self-test, the diabetic must follow these SOPs-

1. Wash your hands carefully and completely with soap and water.

2. Use an alcohol pad to wipe the area to be pricked.

3. Prick the finger using the sterile lancet.

4. Place a drop of blood on the sterile test strips.

5. Follow the glucose meter for proper testing and checking.

It may be a good idea for the diabetic to keep a notebook to monitor his or her glucose levels at different intervals of the day or week. The frequency of testing should be given by your doctor. Blood sugar testing can be a painful experience for the diabetic due to the pricking involved. Here are some tips on how to make the pricking less painful-

1. Do not prick the tip of the finger. This is really painful. Always prick the side of the finger. Another thing to remember, only prick fingers. Never prick your toes. Not only is this inconvenient, this will also increase the possibility of infection.

2. Do not ever squeeze your fingers if the blood refused to come out. Let the blood come out naturally. If it does not, let gravity do its work. Never force the issue. Ask your doctor what you can do to encourage sufficient blood flow.

3. Do not prick the same finger every time. This will stress the area out making that specific finger sore.

4. Do not use the same finger lancet over and over again. This is unhygienic and incredibly stupid. Bacteria have already accumulated in the used lancet. Reusing the same lancet encourages infection.

Do not fool yourself by not eating and exercising more when you know you will check your blood glucose level that day. This will lead to inaccurate results and is not really helpful in helping you control diabetes.