It is no secret that diabetics have to keep tabs on their blood sugar levels several times a day. Blood sugar readings help you manage your diabetes day-by-day. This do-it-yourself test uses a blood sugar monitor and blood sugar test strip to keep tabs on how well food, medicine and exercise are working to keep your blood sugar at healthy levels.

But to record and keep test results, you have to have good test strips and know how to use them correctly. So, keep these tips in mind:

Always use a Fresh Test Strip

Blood sugar test strips are only good for three months after opening the vial. Using an expired strip may provide inaccurate results, so replace them frequently.

Tip: When opening a new vial, count forward 90 days and write that date on the vial. Throw away any remaining test strips after that date.

Code Your Meter

When opening a new container of test strips, be sure to code your blood sugar monitor by using control solution and a new strip. Make sure that the blood sugar test strip you are using is compatible with your meter (you'll find this information with your meter instructions and on the strip packaging). Note that some newer blood sugar monitors have no coding technology, and don't require you to manually enter a code.

Tip: When shopping for a meter, find out how much the test strips cost and take that into consideration.

Wash and Dry Your Hands

Before performing your test, wash your hands in warm water to clean the area and get the blood flowing.

Tip: Avoid using alcohol, which can cause your skin to dry and crack.

Use a Fresh Lancet

Among the blood sugar testing supplies you'll need are a supply of sterile lancets to get a drop of blood. Never reuse lancets. This can lead to calluses, infections and increased pain.

Tip: Try lancing the side of your finger, which may be easier and less painful than pricking the tip - especially if you test several times a day.

If you have trouble getting a sample, try dangling your hand below your heart for a minute then slowly squeeze from the base to the tip. When you have a large hanging drop of blood, apply it to the pad on the test strip. Or, if your strips are "sip-in" style, touch the strip to the blood droplet. When you apply the drop of blood to a diabetes strip for a test, do not allow your finger to touch the test spot area of the strip.

Tip: If you have a hard time getting enough blood for testing, consider changing to a glucose meter that requires a smaller sample.

Record Your Results

The blood sugar monitor readings you should aim for throughout the day include:

• Fasting and before meals: 80 to 120
• After meals (about 1 to 2 hours): Less than 160 to 180
• Bedtime: 100 to 140

These are just general guidelines and vary on an individual basis. Your blood sugar goals may need to be different. You'll need to work with your doctor to develop the goals that are best for you.

Tip: Remember that you may need extra tests before you exercise or when you're sick.

Watch for Bad Results

If the entire color spot area of the blood sugar test strip does not show full color development (not enough blood) or appears "wet" (too much blood), discard the strip and repeat the test with a new strip.

Tip: If your test results in an abnormally high or low reading (a number you feel does not match your symptoms), use control solution to check that your blood sugar monitor is coded properly. Then, retest.