Self Blood Sugar Testing

The following steps should be followed for self-sugar measurement:

• Wash hands with soap and warm water. Dry hands.
• Prepare the lancing device by inserting a fresh lancet.
• Prepare the blood sugar meter and insert a new test strip.
• Use the lancing device to obtain a small drop of blood from your fingertip and apply the blood drop to the test strip in the blood sugar meter.
• Dispose of the used lancet in a puncture-resistant sharps container.

Self-sugar monitoring is important for people with diabetes since it can help in closer follow-up and consequently better control of diabetes. Sugar values measured by home monitors should be between 70 mg/dL and 130 mg/dL (3,9 - 7,2 mmol/L) for fasting measurements, whereas postprandial values (2 hours after meal) should be less than 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L). The frequency of testing for patients with type 2 diabetes is based on factors such as type of treatment (diet, tablets, or insulin), level of glycated hemoglobin, and treatment goals and should be determined by your physician. Patients with type 1 diabetes need to test at least four times per day, in order to determine the dose of insulin, especially of prandial one. Frequent testing is also required in other cases, such as during pregnancy or infection.

Newer blood sugar meters are quite reliable. There are websites with lists of validated sugar meters that are recommended (http://www.medaval.org). The selection of the sugar meter is determined by criteria such as the cost, ease of use (smaller blood drop needed, quick result), and other available properties (entering events such as meals, exercising or downloading to PC). Occasionally, check the accuracy of a blood sugar monitor by bringing it to visits with a healthcare provider when blood work is done (when comparing sugar monitor results with those from a laboratory, there should be no more than a 15% difference).

Continuous sugar monitoring system uses a sugar sensor which determines the level of sugar in the fluid under the skin constantly. Currently, continuous sugar monitoring is used in selected cases of diabetic patients under treatment with intensified insulin regimen or insulin pump.