Doctor reminds: To test blood sugar at home, you must not make these common mistakes, otherwise the test will be vain!
"My blood sugar was normal yesterday, why is it so high today?" Mr. Li said confusedly. This condition is not uncommon in home blood glucose monitoring. Correct measurement is crucial for diabetic patients, as any small mistake can lead to a large deviation in the results, which can affect the management of the condition.
When measuring blood sugar, many people may not realize that the cleanliness of their fingers directly affects the accuracy of blood glucose values. If there is food or other substance left on your finger before the measurement, especially sugary foods, even a small amount can be enough to interfere with the blood glucose result. Therefore, washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water and then drying them with a clean paper towel or dry cloth is an essential step before each measurement.
Another common mistake is the use of inappropriate blood collection techniques. Some people may squeeze their fingers to get more blood in order to get the measurement done as quickly as possible. Not only does this practice cause pain, but it can also cause the blood to mix with the tissue fluid, which can distort blood sugar readings. The correct way to do this is to gently massage your fingers from palm to fingertip and then prick a small hole in your fingertip to let the blood drip out naturally.
The use of expired or improperly stored test strips is also an issue that is often overlooked. Test strips that are exposed to extremely high or low temperatures, or are directly exposed to air, can cause them to lose their sensitivity to chemical reactions, resulting in inaccurate readings. Ensuring that the test strips are stored according to the manufacturer's instructions and that the expiration date is checked is an important part of ensuring the accuracy of the measurement.
The calibration of the test instrument is also critical. Many people may have never calibrated their blood glucose meter or don't know how. In general, the meter should be calibrated whenever you start using a new box of test strips. This ensures the accuracy of the device readings and avoids data bias caused by equipment errors.
In addition to these technical details, the timing of the measurement is also very important. Blood sugar levels fluctuate with diet, exercise, and other activities. In order to obtain the most accurate daily map of blood glucose, measurements should be taken at a fixed time, such as two hours after a meal, which allows for a more accurate assessment of the effect of food on blood glucose.
By avoiding these common mistakes, everyone who needs to monitor their blood sugar at home can manage their diabetes condition more accurately. Proper measurements can not only help you better understand your blood sugar levels, but also help your doctor recommend more effective treatments.
In diabetes management, accurate data is the key to adjusting treatment options and lifestyles. Therefore, taking the time to learn and practice proper blood glucose measurement techniques is essential to ensure that you can effectively manage your diabetes.
Keeping a blood glucose reading is also an often overlooked link. Irregular recording or failure to record other important information related to blood sugar can cause blood glucose readings to lose their value as they should. Establishing a systematic approach to recording can help you and your doctor better understand patterns of blood sugar fluctuations and adjust treatment accordingly.
Many people neglect the maintenance of their equipment when measuring their blood sugar. Equipment such as blood glucose meters and lancets also need to be cleaned and maintained regularly. Dust or residual blood stains on the surface of the meter may affect its performance and the accuracy of the measurement results. Regularly reviewing the maintenance and cleaning guidelines on the equipment manuals and following the recommended steps can extend the life of the equipment and ensure the accuracy of the data.
In addition, it is equally important to change the needle of the lancet frequently. Using a blunted needle not only increases the pain of blood collection, but may also affect the quality of the blood sample. It is recommended to change the needle after each use to ensure the hygiene of the blood collection process and reduce the risk of infection.
Understanding the principles behind blood glucose measurements can also help avoid common mistakes. The working principle of a blood glucose meter is based on the electrochemical determination of the amount of glucose in a blood sample. Knowing this can help the user better understand why the test must be performed by following specific steps, such as why the instrument must wait for the blood droplets to completely fill the test area of the test strip before the instrument begins the analysis.
Consciously avoiding these common blood sugar measurement mistakes in your daily life will not only improve your quality of life, but also ensure that your blood sugar management strategy is as effective as possible.
With the right measurement techniques and good equipment maintenance habits, every diabetic patient can have a more accurate grasp of their blood sugar status and effectively avoid possible health risks caused by measurement errors. This attention to detail and proper approach is an integral part of the daily management of everyone who needs to monitor their blood sugar.
