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How to Calculate Glucose in Blood Samples

Diabetes is a disease characterized by the body's inability to produce or effectively use insulin for the purposes of glucose (sugar) metabolism. Controlling blood glucose levels is the primary method for diabetic patients to avoid dangerous complications of the disease. Regular glucose testing allows patients and their physicians to effectively manage diabetes. Calculating glucose in blood samples can be accomplished by tests performed by the patient, as well as laboratory tests ordered by physicians.

Things You'll Need

  • Blood glucose monitor (glucometer)
  • Soap and water
  • 1 alcohol pad
  • 1 glucose meter test strip
  • 1 lancet
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Instructions

  1. Using a home blood glucose meter

    • 1

      Wash hands and insert the test strip into the glucometer. Hand washing is one of the most important steps in preparing the skin surface for the needle prick. It also helps to prevent the spread of infections.

    • 2

      Verify that the blood glucose meter displays the correct test strip code, and change as necessary. For most glucometers, the user must input a code into the meter that corresponds with a code on the test strip canister.

    • 3

      Wipe the finger with an alcohol pad, and use a lancet to prick the side of the finger. Milk the finger to produce a blood drop.

    • 4

      Touch the blood drop to the tip of the test strip in the glucometer, and wait for the results.

    • 5

      Read and evaluate the test results on the blood glucose meter screen, and follow the physician's instructions according to the results. Typically if the results are within an acceptable range, no further action is required. Insulin dependent diabetics may use glucose test results to determine the appropriate amount of insulin to administer.

    Getting professional lab test results

    • 6

      Make an appointment to see a physician, and the appropriate glucose-related tests will be ordered. These tests may include a fasting glucose, glucose tolerance test, or hemoglobin a1c. The fasting glucose test is a blood test taken after 12 hours of not eating. During the glucose tolerance test, sugar is administered, followed by lab tests to determine how well the body tolerates sugar. The hemoglobin a1c test is a blood test that provides the average blood sugar levels over the past three months. This test is a good indicator of overall glucose management.

    • 7

      Review the results of the lab tests with the physician. Depending on the results, appropriate guidance for lifestyle changes and/or prescription medication modifications will be made by the physician.

    • 8

      Implement the physician's recommendations into a daily routine. Some of these recommendations may include reducing carbohydrate intake and following a weight loss regimen.

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