Do I likely need a new monitor?

[GinAndGooseberries]

Disclaimer - I don't have a diabetes diagnosis but have previously had diagnosed blood sugar issues and have risk factors so am trying to be proactive and learn moreabout how I can minimise type 2 or gestational diabetes risk. (Aware placenta does it's own thing and can't always be avoided)

Morning, hoping you can help. Does this sound like I need a new monitor? It's my own one and I have been testing as I previously had issues with high blood sugar when I was on long term steroids and have also been extreemly overweight before so know I am at risk for developing type 2 and want to keep on top. My bmi is currently 30 and I am very much following a diet that's conscious of blood sugar/carbs etc etc.

I am not currently preg (sadly lost a baby earlier in year) but due to transfer another embryo very soon and so wanting to really be on right footing for that as we don't have many embryos.

I've been keeping an eye on my bloods every so often and am trying to get my BMI down a bit and just eat in a more mindful way about blood sugars than I had been in the years prior- comfort food due to infertility nightmare tbh!

This morning I decided to do a fb test. Washed and dried hands. First test 5.7. I was quite disappointment with that as last few times had been lower - although not testing every day. I decided after 5 mins to repeat and it was 5.2. I thought it was funny it was such a difference and then in the same sitting I did multiple strips and the results I got were -
5.7
5.2
5.3
5.6
5.2
the test strips are new and in date. I'm not sure how old my monitor is. It might be really old I cant rememeber if I replaced it when I had a second batch of high blood steroid issues. If I post a photo would anyone be able to tell if it's old? Is it worth me buying a new one? If so any tips welcome on what to buy.
I'm honestly so confused. And I just want to be as healthy as possible for our wee miracle embryos that took years to have.

Thanks so much

Firstly, I'm sorry to hear about the baby you lost 💐

You're doing exactly the right thing trying to keep your bloods as even as possible in preparation for your next pregnancy.

Blood sugar is changing constantly so I wouldn't be too concerned about the differences in the numbers after the point. If it was the numbers before the point that were different that would be more concerning.

I'd do a few more tests over the next few days and see what the figures are then take it from there.

All my good wishes to you 💐

I work in diabetes, and those are perfectly acceptable variations on a fingerprick test. They will never be exactly the same.

They are also normal capillary glucose levels for someone without diabetes

Those are fine as mild variation in finger prick testing.

If you contact the meter company they can send you some control solution for you to check that your meter is testing in range. They should sent it out for free.

Thanks I think it's difficult as in Gestational Diabetes land a few 5.7s would cause you to be put on medication and 5.2 would be fine. So when it comes to GD it really matters between those specific numbers.

I'm sorry to hear about your loss... In case you are getting inflammation, I could recommend a monitor that detects early signs of inflammation feetsee.us I do use it myself and find it very helpful.