How to Monitor Blood Glucose Before Meals & at Bedtime

If you're diabetic, such factors as the type of diabetes you have and how well your blood sugar is controlled will determine how often and at what time of day you should check your blood glucose. But whether you're told to check before meals, after meals, or before bed, the procedure is the same. The most accurate way to check is with a meter, according to the American Diabetes Association. Keep in mind, however, that while there are some general guidelines for glucose testing, you should always follow your doctor's instructions as well as those that came with your specific glucose meter.

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Water
• Towel
• Lancet
• Test strip
• Glucose meter
• Notebook

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands with soap, thoroughly rinse them with water, then dry them well with a clean towel. Washing will remove any food or residue from your hands that might affect the results. Rinsing your hands thoroughly washes away possible sugars from the hand soaps, lotions or gels you used that would cause an inaccurately high reading. Drying your hands well prevents dilution of the blood sample and makes the blood droplet easier to collect. If you have washed your hands carefully, the website dLife recommends that you don't follow up with rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol can dry out your skin and encourage callusing if used regularly.

• 2

  Prick your finger with the lancet (a special needle). Keep in mind, however, that while many meters will require a drop of blood from your fingertip, some allow you other options, like from your forearm or thigh. Ask your doctor what area you should use with the meter you have. Further, because your fingertips contain many nerve endings, always try to change the site where you prick. It might also be easier and less painful if you prick your fingertip on the side rather than on the pad.

• 3

  Hang your hand down to encourage a drop of blood to form. If you have difficulty getting a drop to form, dangle your hand below your heart for a time, then slowly squeeze the finger from the base to the tip.

• 4

  Touch the test strip to the drop of blood. Depending on the test strips you use, you might be required to apply the blood drop to a pad on the test strip. In either case, avoid touching your skin to the test strip or pad.

• 5

  Insert the test strip into the glucose meter, following the instructions that came with the meter, and wait for a reading. After several seconds, your meter should display your glucose reading.

• 6

  Record the results in a notebook. Ensure to include not only the test results, but also the date and time, diet and exercise information, and any medication you've taken as well as the dosage. This record will help you and your doctor track your glucose readings and determine what affects them.