A blood sugar meter, or blood glucose monitor, is a vital part of a diabetic's everyday medical supplies. It allows people with diabetes to read their blood glucose levels, giving them the information they need to keep their blood sugar as close to normal as possible.

Originally, a blood sugar meter was a bulky device that was often difficult to use. But thanks to modern technology, today's blood sugar meters can fit in the palm of your hand. Many blood glucose monitors also include bonus features, like the ability to track your blood sugar levels over time or transmit relevant data into your computer.

Most diabetics choose to test their blood glucose before meals, first thing in the morning, and prior to going to bed. However, if your physician recommends using a blood sugar meter more or less often, you should follow her directions accordingly.

How to Use a Blood Sugar Meter

While blood glucose monitors may differ from one another in small ways, most operate according to the same basic principles. A standard blood sugar meter can be used by following these, or very similar, steps:

1. Insert Blood Glucose Test Strip: A blood glucose test strip is a small tab that inserts into the blood sugar meter. Strips are coated with a chemical that reacts to glucose, such as glucose oxide. This provides the foundation for the chemical reaction that your blood sugar meter will eventually measure. Inserting a blood glucose strip into an operating blood sugar meter begins the testing process, and should only be done immediately before drawing blood in order to avoid contamination.
2. Draw a Drop of Blood: Using a lancet, you can prick your skin to draw a small drop of blood. Older lancets were made so that you could only draw blood from the sides of your fingers, but today drops can also be taken from your arms. Most lancets can be set to certain depths too, so you can control how deeply the needle penetrates your skin.
3. Apply Blood to Test Strip: Once you have a drop of blood prepared, gently place it onto the test strip. Try to avoid letting the strip touch your skin, as this may disrupt the reading. Once sufficient blood is available, your blood sugar meter will begin measuring your glucose levels. The length of time this requires varies, but most meters can read blood sugar levels in well under ten seconds.
4. Read Your Blood Glucose Level: Unless there has been an error, your glucose level will appear on the screen of your blood sugar meter. Depending on how high or low your glucose level is, you can then choose to take insulin, attempt to raise your blood sugar, or proceed normally. Some meters can store your blood glucose reading for up to several weeks, so that you can review the information later and monitor changes.

Despite the fact that most blood sugar meters follow these steps, some models may have special requirements. A blood sugar meter may, for example, require you to code your strips first or insert multiple strips at once. If you're unsure of exactly how to use your blood sugar meter, ask a physician or medical professional to walk you through the process and answer your questions.

Getting a Free Blood Sugar Meter

Times are tough, and getting the medical supplies you need may be challenging. Fortunately, there are ways to receive a free blood meter. You may, for example, be eligible to receive a free blood meter through Medicare or Medicaid. If neither of those programs is able to help, local and regional charities may also still be able to supply you with a free blood meter and test strips. To find out about these -- and other -- choices talk to your physician or social services representative to discuss your options.