When you have diabetes, your body isn't able to properly regulate your blood sugar levels on its own. This means that you have to test your blood glucose regularly, so that you can make sure your blood sugar stays within the normal range.
If your blood sugar test indicates that your glucose levels are too high, you may need to have an insulin injection. Or, if testing your blood sugar tells you that your glucose is running low, you may need to eat or drink something in an attempt to raise it.
Exactly how often you have a blood sugar test depends on your medical needs and doctor's orders. However, the Mayo Clinic recommends that people with Type 1 diabetes test 3 or more times a day, while anyone with Type 2 diabetes check 1-3 times. A periodic fasting blood sugar test may also be recommended, in order to determine how your blood sugar averages without recent dietary influence.
How a Blood Sugar Test Works
A blood sugar test can sound intimidating, but it's actually a very quick and easy process. Almost anyone can check their blood sugar independently once they've been taught how, and modern technology means the process only gets easier as the years go by.
While there may be minor variations, these are the basic steps you take to test your blood sugar:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before pricking your fingers. If you plan on drawing blood from your arm, use an alcohol swap to clean your skin
before inserting the lancet.
- Remove a blood test strip and place it into your blood glucose monitor. If your test strip needs to be coded, your monitor should alert you.
- Using a lancet, draw a drop of blood. If you plan on pricking your fingers, try and draw blood from the side of your fingertip where there are lessnerves.
- Apply the drop of blood to your test strip. Only attempt to apply blood once, and try to avoid touching the strip with your skin. Once the blood touches the strip, it will begin a chemical reaction that's measured by the monitor.
- Read the results of your blood sugar testing that appear on the monitor. If this information appears incorrect or strange for any reason, you can repeat the test to make sure there wasn't an error.
Getting Supplies for Blood Sugar Testing
To check your blood sugar, you need a few basic supplies: a blood glucose monitor, test strips, and a lancet with a sharp needle. These medical supplies can be purchased at most pharmacies and medical supply stores.
However, if you are having difficulty paying for the tools you need, you may be able to receive assistance through Medicare or other programs. Certain online diabetic medical suppliers can help you obtain testing kits through these services, which can then be delivered to your home.
If you have any questions about blood sugar testing or supplies, consult your physician to learn more about your options.