How to Check Your Blood Glucose

The most essential thing you can do to keep your sugar in control is check your blood glucose regularly. This act is particularly important if you are a diabetic. If that sounds easier said than done, learn what you must do to make it part of your daily routine.

Things You'll Need

• Blood glucose meter
• Lancet
• Test strips
• Diabetic log

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Assemble the necessary items, which are a blood glucose meter, test strips and a lancet.

• 2

  Code your meter, if necessary, to match the test strips. An easy way to do this is to check the side of your test strip container. If you see a large code number, read the manufacturer's instructions on how to use it.

• 3

  Wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol pad to clean the area of the finger stick. Dry thoroughly before sticking.

• 4

  Place a single test strip into the meter with the single marked edge outward. Pull back the lancet holder to load it. Press the end of the holder and allow the lancet to prick your finger.

• 5

  Press your finger a few times to allow blood to come out of the pricked area. Hold the meter with the test strip close to your finger. Gently press the test strip into the small dot of blood. The blood will travel up the line of the test strip.

• 6

  Look down at your meter when it beeps to see the number that shows your blood glucose reading.

• 7

  Track your blood glucose reading in a log so that you can keep track of what it runs on average. Discard the lancet and test strip into a sharps container.