Common Mistakes People Make When Checking Their Blood Sugar

Checking your blood sugar is a vital part of managing diabetes or prediabetes, but even experienced individuals can fall into traps that lead to inaccurate readings and flawed decision-making. Here's a breakdown of common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Incorrect Hand Washing

One of the most frequent errors is failing to thoroughly wash your hands before testing. Residue from food, lotions, or even sweat can contaminate the test strip and falsely elevate your reading.

Solution: Wash your hands with warm water and soap. Dry them completely with a clean towel before pricking your finger.

Using Expired Test Strips

Test strips have an expiration date for a reason. After this date, the chemicals degrade, leading to inaccurate results.

Solution: Always check the expiration date on your test strips before each use. Store them properly (usually in a cool, dry place, and tightly closed) to prolong their shelf life.

Using the Wrong Test Strip for Your Meter

Different meters use different test strips. Using the wrong strip will result in an erroneous reading and can damage your meter.

Solution: Double-check that you are using the correct test strips for your specific meter model.

Insufficient Blood Sample

Not getting enough blood on the test strip is a common cause of error messages and unreliable readings.

Solution: Prick your finger deep enough to obtain a generous drop of blood. Hold your finger below your meter so the blood flows downward onto the strip. Avoid squeezing your finger, as this can dilute the sample and affect the result.

Squeezing Your Finger

Squeezing your finger after pricking it can dilute the blood sample with fluid from the tissue, artificially lowering the reading.

Solution: Allow the blood to flow naturally onto the test strip. Avoid squeezing your finger.

Using a Damaged Lancing Device

A damaged or improperly calibrated lancing device can result in inconsistent finger pricks and varying blood droplet sizes.

Solution: Regularly inspect your lancing device. Adjust the depth setting as needed to ensure consistent and adequate blood collection.

Reusing Lancets

Lancets are single-use items. Reusing them increases the risk of infection and can blunt the needle, making it harder to draw blood.

Solution: Always use a fresh lancet for each test.

Ignoring Error Messages

Your meter displays error messages for a reason. Ignoring them can lead to incorrect readings and potentially dangerous decisions.

Solution: If you receive an error message, consult your meter’s manual to understand the cause and how to resolve it. Do not record a result if an error message is displayed.

Not Rotating Finger Prick Sites

Repeatedly pricking the same spot on your finger can lead to soreness, calluses, and even infection.

Solution: Rotate your finger prick sites around your fingertip and use different fingers each time.

Failing to Record and Analyze Results

Testing is only helpful if you track and understand the data.

Solution: Keep a log of your blood sugar readings, noting the time, food intake, medication, and any relevant factors. Analyze the results to identify patterns and make necessary adjustments to your management plan.

Relying Solely on a Single Reading

A single blood sugar reading provides a snapshot in time, but it doesn’s give the whole picture.

Solution: Consider trends in your readings over time, rather than focusing on individual numbers. Pay attention to fasting levels, post-meal readings, and A1C results.

Not Calibrating Your Meter Regularly

Some meters require occasional calibration.

Solution: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for calibration and maintenance.

Ignoring Your Meter's Instructions

Each meter operates slightly differently.

Solution: Read and understand your meter's user manual. Keep it handy for reference.

By being mindful of these common mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, you can ensure the accuracy of your blood sugar readings and make informed decisions about your health.