Regular blood glucose testing is essential for individuals with diabetes. It is important to learn how to test blood glucose levels on your own. So, how can you test your blood glucose levels and what precautions should you take?
Purchase a blood glucose meter
If you want to test your blood glucose levels on your own, you can buy a small blood glucose meter from a pharmacy or supermarket. There are various types of meters available, including those that require blood samples from a finger prick and those that use blood droplets. Both types are convenient to use and come with instructions for self-testing.
Choose a finger for blood sampling
There is no difference in blood glucose readings between the left or right hand, or between different fingers. However, healthcare professionals often recommend using the ring finger, middle finger, or little finger for blood sampling. These fingers are less active, have a lower risk of infection, cause less pain, and do not interfere with daily activities. The thumb and index finger, which are more flexible, sensitive, and frequently used, should be avoided. The ring finger is considered the optimal choice as it has the advantage of being rich in blood vessels, with one branch located at the tip.
Preparing for blood sampling
Prior to puncturing the selected finger, massage the finger from the base to the tip 5-6 times to promote blood circulation and ensure adequate blood flow. Additionally, position the arm below heart level to enhance blood circulation.
Disinfect the sampling site
Thoroughly disinfect the finger that will be punctured prior to blood sampling. You can use iodine complex or 75% alcohol for local disinfection. Wait until the disinfectant has dried before collecting the blood sample (sampling with wet disinfectant may dilute the specimen and lead to inaccurate test results).
Correct blood sampling
After puncturing the finger with a disposable lancet, gently apply pressure to the sides of the finger towards the front, about one-third of the way from the tip, to allow blood to slowly flow out. Once a small blood drop appears at the wound site, gently wipe away the first drop with a cotton swab. The first drop often contains more tissue fluid, which may affect the accuracy of the test results. Then, squeeze out another drop of blood onto the test strip and insert the strip into the blood glucose meter for measurement.
Precautions for blood glucose testing
1. If the finger to be punctured has any cuts, infections, scars, or rashes, it is best to choose another finger. In such cases, the finger should be disinfected with alcohol before blood sampling. Therefore, it is important to carefully examine the finger before collecting the blood sample to ensure it does not have any of the mentioned issues.
2. Prolonged use of the same finger for blood sampling can cause dehydration, dryness, roughness, and calluses on the skin. This can make future blood sampling more difficult. Therefore, before blood sampling, it is recommended to wash the finger with warm soapy water. Warm water can also promote blood circulation and improve blood flow. Regardless of the cleaning method, the skin must be dry before blood sampling to avoid compromising the accuracy of the results.
3. After blood sampling, keep the fingers moisturized using hand cream or specialized creams for diabetic hand and foot protection. This can reduce the formation of calluses.
4. If the finger becomes red, swollen, and painful, be aware of the possibility of infection. Apply antibiotic ointment and bandage the finger. If symptoms persist after initial treatment, seek medical attention promptly.
