A blood sampling device
If you have diabetes, unlike many other illnesses, you play an integral role in monitoring your disease via your blood sugar levels. For example, eating too much or exercising too little can throw your metabolism off in a heartbeat. Doctors provide you with equipment that allows you to see what your blood sugar is periodically and verify that your diet, oral medication or insulin are all doing their jobs to keep your levels normal. It is important to understand the correct way to take your blood sugar so you'll know if you ever need medical attention.
Instructions
1. Create a schedule with your doctor for routine blood sugar readings, which will be done at meals. Work with your doctor to create a testing procedure for random readings.
2. Check the battery in the test meter. It will power off in about 20 seconds.
3. Load the lancet into the lancet launcher--the device that pricks your finger. Set the penetration at four or five depending on the "toughness" of your skin. Set at five if your skin is rough because it will penetrate deeper.
4. Choose a finger for the test. Rub a spot on your finger--the target area--with an alcohol wipe. Turn the test meter on.
5. Place the lancet launcher against the target area and push the button. The lancet will penetrate your skin, drawing blood. Hold the indented end of the test strip up to the blood and let it absorb the blood. Place the other end into the test meter.
6. Place a cotton ball on the spot that's bleeding until the bleeding stops.
7. Wait for the test meter to read the strip. It should take less than 15 seconds. If your result does not appear within about 20 seconds, the meter will go off automatically and you'll have to try again. A reading under 100 represents normal readings; over 130 is cause for concern.
8. Dispose of lancet, alcohol rub and cotton ball in the hazardous waste receptacle provided by your doctor. This specifically designed receptacle prevents other people from coming into contact with your blood.
Tags: test meter, blood sugar, with your, your blood, your doctor
