10 points to remember while checking blood sugar at home
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The document outlines important guidelines for home blood sugar monitoring, emphasizing the use of a glucometer and proper technique for obtaining blood samples. Key advice includes checking the expiration date of test stripes, maintaining hygiene, accurately logging results, and consulting with a doctor to set blood sugar targets. It highlights the importance of regular testing, especially during illness or routine changes, to effectively manage diabetes.
10 points to remember while checking blood sugar at home
- 1. Follow us on 10 Points to remember while checking blood sugar at home Just for Hearts Health, Heart, Lifestyle and more TM Regularmonitoringofbloodglucoseisthecornerstoneofdiabetesmanagement. Homemonitoringcanbedonewiththehelpofasimpledevice–'Glucometer' Blood glucose meters are reliable if used properly. Some people initially find pricking the finger uncomfortable, but the lancets(pricking needles) available today are very thin & short, making this less of anissue.Quantityofbloodrequiredisalsoverylittle. A small drop of blood obtained by pricking the skin of a finger is placed on a disposable stripe (which is usuallyinsertedintheglucometerfirst).Meterreadsthestripe&calculatesbloodsugarlevelsinjustafew seconds. Many meters now allow the blood to be drawn from alternate sites such as the arm or palm of thehand,whichmaybemorecomfortableforsomepeople. Followingaresomeimportantpointstorememberwhilemonitoringbloodsugarathome: 1.Checkexpirydateofthestripesbeforeusing.Old&outdatedstripesgivewrongresults. 2. Washing hands thoroughly before blood sugar checking is important. Spirit swab is not needed if hands arewashedproperly. 3. Washing hands in warm water before pricking the finger& holding hands below the waist line make obtainingabloodsampleeasier. 4.Prickonthesideofthefinger,nottooclosetothefingernail. 5.Lancetortheprickingneedleshouldbediscardedproperly.Sameneedleshouldnotbeusedbyanother person.
- 2. Follow us on Need a solution for your worry ? Send SMS Heart Health with your query or Call on 09266802992 Live Chat with Our Expert Connect with us through Skype Email your queries @ info@justforhearts.org Just for Hearts Health, Heart, Lifestyle and more TM 6. The stripe container must be closed immediately after the stripe is removed and should be stored in a cool, dry location; away from direct sunlight. 7. Though meters save some recent reports, blood sugar level must be noted in a log book with date, time, medication or insulin dose and food-exercise details. 8. Blood sugar level must be checked either before a meal or 2 hours later. 9. Testing frequency must be increased during illness or when activities vary from the usual routine. 10. Just checking blood sugar level won't serve any purpose. Blood sugar targets must be set in consultation with doctors. Interpretation of blood sugar level must be correctly done & appropriate action should be taken over the reports. Blood sugar testing helps decision making, indicates effectiveness of therapy, determines presence of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) etc. People with diabetes who test frequently soon learn how meals, specific food, activities, medications affect their blood glucose & thus can manage their diabetes very well.