A glucose meter is an essential tool for people with diabetes. It allows you to regularly monitor your blood sugar levels, which is crucial for managing the condition. Unfortunately, there are mistakes that can be made when using a glucose meter that can affect the accuracy of your readings. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them.
1. Using the wrong test strips
One of the most common mistakes when using a glucose meter is using the wrong or expired test strips. Each glucose meter is designed to work with a specific type of test strip , and using an inappropriate type can lead to inaccurate results. In addition, test strips can become less reliable after their expiration date because the chemicals used to measure blood sugar levels can break down over time.
How to prevent: Always check the expiration date on your test strips and make sure you are using the correct strips for your meter. Store your strips in a cool, dry place and avoid exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures.
2. Incorrect hand hygiene
Another common mistake is not washing your hands before taking a blood sugar test. Dirt, food particles or other contaminants on your fingers can affect the results. Even a small amount of sugar or other substances on your skin can increase the reading, leading to inaccurate results.
How to prevent: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them well before taking a blood glucose test. Avoid using alcohol wipes, as they can dry out your skin and potentially affect your reading. If you don’t have access to water, make sure you wipe away at least the first drop of blood before taking the test.
3. Insufficient blood sample
One of the most frustrating mistakes is getting too small a blood sample for an accurate reading. If you don’t get enough blood on the test strip, the glucose meter can give an error or produce an inaccurate result.
How to avoid: Make sure your hands are warm and well-ventilated before you prick. Gently massage your fingers to stimulate blood circulation. Use a lancet of the appropriate thickness and prick the side of your fingertip for a better blood sample. If you find that you frequently have trouble getting enough blood, consider using an alternative site, such as the palm or forearm, depending on your meter's instructions.
4. Not calibrating the meter regularly
Some glucose meters require you to calibrate them periodically with a control substance to ensure that the readings remain accurate. Failure to perform this calibration can lead to inaccurate results, which reduces the confidence in your readings.
How to prevent: Read your glucose meter manual carefully to understand how and when to calibrate the meter. Perform a control test regularly with the recommended fluid and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Incorrect storage conditions for the meter and strips
Storage conditions can have a significant impact on the performance of the glucose meter and test strips. Exposure to extreme temperatures, moisture, or direct sunlight can reduce the accuracy of your readings.
How to prevent: Store your glucose meter and test strips in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing the strips in the bathroom or kitchen, where moisture and temperature fluctuations are common.
6. Not paying attention to symptoms in abnormal measurements
Many people blindly trust their glucose meter without taking their symptoms into account. Sometimes the meter gives an abnormal result that does not match how you feel, such as a very high or low value without you having symptoms of hypo- or hyperglycemia.
How to prevent: If a reading is unexpectedly high or low, repeat the test after washing your hands and using a new test strip. If you still get an abnormal result but are not experiencing symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for advice.
7. Lack of consistency in measurement
Many people make the mistake of not measuring their blood sugar at regular intervals. This makes it difficult to recognize patterns and manage your diabetes effectively.
How to prevent it: Establish a routine for your measurements, such as before meals and before bed. Keep a diary of your readings and times so you can better track changes in your blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
A glucose meter is a valuable tool for managing diabetes, but only if it is used correctly. By paying attention to proper procedures, calibration, storage and hygiene, you can avoid common errors and ensure reliable readings. This will help you better manage your health and prevent complications.