Testing yourself at home after being diagnosed with diabetes can be a bit tricky as it must be done correctly for accurate readings. The more accurate your readings are, the better you will be able to maintain a good blood glucose level.
Diabetic Testing Tips: Newly diagnosed diabetes patients can be overwhelmed with the whole concept of eating differently, testing themselves at home for medical problems, and the symptoms that come with it. Make it a little easier by knowing a few basics that relate to the home testing process. You will be testing your blood glucose readings at least daily or according to your health care provider’s instructions.
Newly diagnosed diabetes patients can be overwhelmed with the whole concept of eating differently, testing themselves at home for medical problems, and the symptoms that come with it.
First, know that the blood glucose monitor can be expensive but is usually available relatively cheaply since the monitor companies make their profits from the test strips that you must buy for testing. Some companies even give their monitors away for free, and you simply buy the strips from them. It’s important to buy strips that are specifically designed for the particular monitor brand and model that you will be using. Different strips won’t give an accurate reading.
Second, the expiration dates and coding are very important. Use your strips in the order in which you buy them and according to the dates on the packaging. Keep the strips protected from heat, humidity, and any moisture and always at room temperature. Open the strip you’ll use only when you are ready as dust and air can skew the readings. Clean your hands, but make sure they are dry when you handle the strips.
First, know that the blood glucose monitor can be expensive but is usually available relatively cheaply since the monitor companies make their profits from the test strips that you must buy for testing.
Second, the expiration dates and coding are very important.
Pay attention to the coding for every new batch.
Finally, use the test strips correctly to get the best and most accurate readings from your monitor
Pay attention to the coding for every new batch. The newer monitors don’t require coding for each batch of strips, but many models still in use do require that you have properly coded strips for testing. The use of incorrectly coded test strips can mean that your readings won’t be accurate and that would defeat the purpose of testing in the first place.
Finally, use the test strips correctly to get the best and most accurate readings from your monitor. A few things to keep in mind are: strips should be straight and undamaged. Bent strips don’t work and may give a false reading. Too much or too little blood on the strip will cause either the test to stop or give you an error message. Your doctor can assist you if necessary in getting a good reading at home. They are the experts and are accustomed to fielding questions from their patients. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The better you become at self testing, the easier it will be for you to control your diabetes.Pay attention to the coding for every new batch.