How to check blood sugar with a meter
checking blood sugar · glucose meter · home blood sugar test · finger prick test
A glucose meter shows your blood sugar from one drop of blood from your finger. You can do it yourself at home.
For diabetes, to adjust treatment and to catch blood sugar that is too low or too high in time.
⏱ Duration: about 1 to 2 minutes; the result shows in a few seconds
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Hands. Wash your hands with warm water and soap, and dry them well. Anything sweet on your fingers will change the result.
- Test strips. Check the expiry date. Keep strips in a closed container, away from moisture and sunlight.
- When to check. Your doctor will tell you how many times a day and when: before meals, after meals, or at bedtime.
What to bring
- Your meter, test strips, and lancets
- A log book or your phone for notes
How it goes
- Put a test strip into the meter
- Put a new lancet into the lancing device
- Prick the side of your fingertip. It hurts less there
- Gently massage the finger until a drop forms. Do not squeeze hard
- Touch the strip to the drop. The meter draws in the blood by itself
- After a few seconds, a number appears. Write it down with the time
What you'll feel
- A quick prick in the finger
- If you always prick the same spot, it can get sore. Switch fingers
Afterwards
- Press a cotton pad to your finger
- Throw away the lancet and strip
- Show your log to your doctor at every visit
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Low sugar and you feel unwell, with shaking, sweating, or confusion: eat something sweet and check again
- Very high sugar with strong thirst, vomiting, or drowsiness: call emergency services
Common questions
Why does my meter show a different number than the lab?
A small difference is normal. If the difference is big, check your strips and ask your doctor.
Do I need to wipe my finger with alcohol?
Washing your hands is usually enough. If you used alcohol, let your finger dry first.