Blood sugar testing

[Mindycindy]

I know the blood test is the most accurate overview but now I am diagnosed with type 2 I want to test at home but am finding the readings wildly inaccurate sometimes, it's very frustrating. Last night I took it once and it was 9.2 then again in a few minutes and it was 5.4, is there a reliable machine out there and a good tip with how to clean hands before hand please?

A finger prick blood glucose meter is just testing that one drop of blood, at that one moment in time, so will vary. You need to wash your hands well and make sure they are properly dry before testing. Prick the top side of your finger, rather than your finger tip. Don’t squeeze too much after pricking, it’s better to make sure your hands are nice and warm before you prick, prick, wait a second and then squeeze (if you need to).

If you are testing after a meal 2 hours after is the best time to test. If you are testing outside of that range you might be in the middle of a quick rise/drop in levels.

Meter companies make control solution so that you can test that their meter is working within range. Some supply this with the meter, others you need to call to request it (it’s free). Always good to do this and register your meter with the company, that way they will keep you up to date with new products (some will ask if you want a free, updated meter, as the strips is where they make their money, so they want you to stick to their brand.