Self blood glucose testing is a method of measuring how much sugar is
in your blood. It is done by using a drop of blood from a finger. The
blood is applied to a test strip, which is read by a blood glucose
machine.
There are many types of machine available. It is recommended you get
some advice from your doctor or Diabetes nurse to select the best one
for you. You need instruction on using the machine from a qualified
person.
Why should I test?
- It allows you to be in control of your diabetes.
- It shows if the treatment is working.
- You can see if your blood sugar level is too high or too low.
- It shows the effects of food and physical activity on your blood
sugar level
This gives you and your health team the information needed to help
manage your diabetes.
When Should I Test?
Blood glucose tests may be done before meals or two hours after
meals. Ask your doctor or diabetes nurse for advice on when and how
often you need to test.
Test more often:
- If you are sick increase to 2-4 hourly
- When adjusting tablet or insulin doses
- When blood glucose levels are high for example over 15 mmol/l
What should my blood glucose level be?
The normal range for blood sugar is about 3.5 to 8 mmol/l. Aim for
less than 8 mmol/l most of the time.
These results are a guide only. The range you should aim for should
be discussed with your doctor or diabetes nurse.
Getting accurate blood sugar results
Accurate results depends on your machine working properly, doing the
test correctly and using strips which are not out of date or damaged.
This can be checked by doing a test with a special solution. This is
called a control test. Ask your doctor or diabetes nurse to show you how
to do this.
Common reasons for incorrect results
- Using the wrong strip for the machine
- Using strips that have expired or stored incorrectly
- Using the machine incorrectly
- Not washing hands before testing (handling sweet foods such as jam
or fruit can give higher results)
- Incorrect calibration/ set up
- Not enough blood on the strip will give lower results with some
machines
Care of strips
- Store in a dry place
- Replace the cap immediately after use
- Check the expiry date is valid
- Discard any discoloured strips
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