Testing blood sugar is critical for diabetics. There are several dozen different types of glucose meters available, but most work in a similar fashion. The following are some generic instructions for using a glucose meter:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water, or rub them clean with alcohol. Be sure to dry your hands well; moisture or traces of alcohol can affect your reading.

  • Touch the lancing device against your skin -- usually the fingertip -- and press a button, which releases a spring that injects the lancet. The prick will hurt less if you lance the side of your fingertip, where there are fewer nerve endings. Also, it may help to squeeze the finger you're testing first to bring blood to the surface before lancing.

  • Hold your hand down until a bead of blood forms on the finger.

  • Dab the blood onto the test strip.

  • Insert the test strip into the glucose meter and take a reading.

    Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before testing your blood sugar.
    ©2007 Publications International, Ltd.
    Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before testing your blood sugar.

And what number should you hope to see -- that is, what should your glucose goals be? That depends on a lot of things, including your age, what form of diabetes you have (and how long you have had it), and other factors. Your doctor will likely give you a range of pre- and post-meal blood-sugar levels to aim for. However, the American Diabetes Association has established standard goals for people with diabetes:

  • Before a meal: 90 to 130 mg/dl

  • After a meal: Less than 180 mg/dl
Although we've given some general instructions on how to test your blood sugar, make sure you read the directions on your glucose meter -- and consult your doctor.

For more information on blood sugar and diabetes, try the following links:

  • Read Blood Sugar for valuable information about blood glucose and its link to diabetes.
  • To learn why it is important for you to test your glucose levels, read Benefits of Monitoring Blood Sugar.
  • For more information on the machines that test your blood sugar, read Glucose Meters.
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  • To learn more about diabetes in general, including diagnosis, causes, symptoms, and treatment, visit our main Diabetes page.
  • For a description of treatment options for diabetics, read Diabetes Treatment.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Timothy Gower is a freelance writer and the author of several books. His work has appeared in many magazines and newspapers, including Prevention, Health, Reader's Digest, Better Homes and Gardens, Men's Health, Esquire, Fortune, The New York Times, and The Los Angeles Times.

ABOUT THE CONSULTANTS

Dana Armstrong, R.D., C.D.E., received her degree in nutrition and dietetics from the University of California, Davis, and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. She has developed educational programs that have benefited more than 5,000 patients with diabetes. She specializes in and speaks nationally on approaches to disease treatment, specifically diabetes.

Allen Bennett King, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.E., C.D.E. is the author of more than 50 papers in medical science and speaks nationally on new advances in diabetes. He is an associate clinical professor at the University of California Natividad Medical Center and cofounder and medical director of the Diabetes Care Center in Salinas, California.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.