Sign In | Sign Up | Help | Invite    
Advanced Search Ask A Question Community Recent Changes
My:             Contributions   
Contributors
{for ul in pageInfo.page}
${ul.nickName}
{var al = toBreakWord(ul.adUrl,18)} {if ul.adSentence !=''}${ul.adSentence}
{/if} {if ul.adUrl !=''}${al}
{/if}
 
{/for}
Earn Free Advertising   +   Earn Money By Writing What You Know at WISTEME.COM
Question Discussion History

Edit
    Question ID:   4479         Current Version: 1
Question: How do I get the most out of my blood glucose meters?
Category: Health & Beauty > Other
Keywords: tip, low, high, diabetes, use, test, maintain, blood glucose meters
Type: how
Rating:(0 ratings)    Views: 386    Discussions: 0   In Watch Lists: 1  

 
    Answer:
Testing Your Blood Glucose Accurately

It is important to test your blood glucose (sugar) accurately so you can manage your blood glucose levels. Keeping your blood glucose under control helps you feel better and lowers the risk of blindness, kidney disease, and nerve damage.

Tips for Using Your Blood Glucose Meter

Although blood glucose meters are simple to operate, many things can go wrong. Follow the tips below to get the most accurate results from your blood glucose meter.

Preparing to Test

  • Read and save all instructions for your meter and test strips.
  • Watch and practice with an experienced blood glucose meter user, a diabetes educator, or a healthcare professional. Don't be afraid to ask questions!
  • Wash your hands. Even small amounts of food or sugar on your fingers can affect your results.
  • Read the test strip packaging to make sure the strips will work with your meter.
  • Do not use test strips from a cracked or damaged bottle.
  • Do not use test strips that have passed their expiration dates.
  • Make sure you have entered the correct calibration code (if your meter requires one).
Testing Your Blood Glucose
  • Use the correct blood drop size. If there is not enough blood on the test strip, the meter may not read the blood glucose level accurately. Repeat the test if you have any doubts.
  • Let the blood flow freely from your fingertip; do not squeeze your finger. Squeezing your finger can affect the results.
  • Use a whole test strip each time you use your meter.
  • Insert the test strip into the meter until you feel it stop against the end of the meter guide.
Maintaining Your Blood Glucose Meter
  • Keep your meter clean.
  • Test your meter regularly with control solution.
  • Keep extra batteries charged and ready.
  • Store your meter and supplies properly. Heat and humidity can damage test strips.
  • Replace the bottle cap promptly after removing a test strip.
Following Up
  • Take your meter with you when you visit your doctor so you can compare it with your laboratory results.
  • Talk with your doctor or call the manufacturer's toll-free phone number if you are having problems with your meter. 
Recognizing Low and High Blood Glucose

Some people have recognizable symptoms of low or high blood glucose and some do not. The only reliable way to know when you have low or high blood glucose is to test it.

When your blood glucose is low, you may feel faint, shaky, dizzy, or confused. You may begin to sweat. You may have a headache, sudden behavior change, or seizure.

When your blood glucose is high, your symptoms may be similar to when your blood glucose is low. You may feel dizzy or have a headache. You may also feel thirsty or have an urgent need to urinate.

But many people have no symptoms with low or high blood sugar levels. Other people have symptoms that change over time, so they no longer recognize them. Often, older patients or people who have had diabetes for many years stop having symptoms.

Blood Glucose Meters Are Not Perfect

Although blood glucose meters are generally reliable and help to manage diabetes, they are not perfect. The technology used in blood glucose meters is not as accurate as testing done in a hospital or a doctor's office.

Your blood glucose meter may give a wrong reading if you are dehydrated, are going into shock, or have a high red blood cell count (hematocrit). Even a very low blood glucose level can cause an incorrect reading.

If you suspect your blood glucose is too low or too high, call your doctor or go to an emergency room immediately... even if your meter shows that everything is fine.

Reporting Problems With Your Glucose Meter

FDA encourages you to report any serious injuries, deaths or malfunctions you experience with medical products. FDA will take action when needed to protect the public's health.

Report the events to FDA at and to the product manufacturer.

Read more questions from WISTEME through
     Add to MSN Add to My AOL
 Rate this Question
   Add to Groups   Add to Watch Lists   Share Question
                          
 
    More Readings :
[QID:13]    How to keep good eyesight?  
[QID:2696]    How to use pool and spa test strips?  
[QID:3546]    What routine medical examinations and tests are needed for people with diabetes?  
[QID:3932]    What do I need to know about hypoglycemia?  
[QID:2096]    How will my doctor test me for diabetes?  
[QID:2038]    How do I know if I have high blood pressure?  
[QID:2420]    I bought a small bonsai and have had it in my living room for several months. It's failing fast. What should I do to save it?  
[QID:4346]    What do you do to maintain enthusiasm at work every day?   - No answer
[QID:2042]    Are there any tips for having your blood pressure taken?  
[QID:749]    What are the tips of saving water in kitchen?  
     Question ID:  ${question.id}         Current Version:  ${question.version}

{for qh in questionHistory} {if qh.status == 'r'} {else} {/if} {/for}
Version Contributor Date (ET) Voting
${qh.version} ${qh.nickName} ${qh.date} Rejected
${qh.version} ${qh.nickName} ${qh.date} {if qh.status != 'c'} {if qh.status == 'a'} Approved {else} {if qh.rstatus == 'c'} On-going {else} Pending {/if} {/if} {else}   {/if}
Start a New Topic
ID Topics Replies Latest Post (ET)
{if dlist!=null} {for d in dlist} {/for}
${parseInt(d_index)+1} ${d.sentence} ${d.replyNum} ${d.lastestDate}
{else}
No discussion topic.
{/if}
Label Name:
 
Group Name:
 
 
{else}
     You have no group.
{/if}
Advertisements
{if advertisements.length > 0} {else} {/if}
{for ad in advertisements}
${ad.adTitle}
${ad.adSentence}
${ad.adUrl}
{/for}

Home | About Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Browse Questions | RSS Feed

Copyright ©2010 WISTEME LLC. All Rights Reserved.