How to Use a Glucose Monitor

Last updated 1 year ago

No two glucose meters are designed or operated in the exact same way. However, there are a few rules of thumb to remember before operating any glucose meter.

Basic Use Guidelines: Remember to wash your hands and disinfect your draw point to avoid infection. Apply careful and direct pressure to prick your finger with limited discomfort. Collect a drop of blood to place on your test strip and follow the instructions on your meter. The U.S. Food and Drug administration requirements guarantee your glucose meters and strips will include easy-to-follow instructions. Learning a bit more about your glucose meter’s functions will help you eliminate false readings and extra testing. Using your glucose monitor correctly will make managing diabetes much easier.

Important Features: Glucose meters read glucose in terms of milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), but not all meters include the same ranges. If you are concerned, then ask your doctor for more information. A functional glucose meter should also tell you the plasma equivalent of your white blood glucose reading. This allows for greater consistency between the readings you receive at the lab and at home. Using the instructions to help interpret readings is also another important part of getting an accurate report.

Troubleshooting Tips: If your glucose meter still isn’t reading correctly, then a number of simple strategies may quickly rectify the issue. An overabundance of chemicals like vitamin C or uric acid may interfere with glucose results. Temperature and humidity may also interfere with test strips. Third-party test strips are another common source of problems. Your instruction manual should include tips for ensuring your glucose meter functions properly.

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