Steps to check blood glucose using a glucometer (blood glucose meter):

1. Do not insert the test strip into the meter until you are ready to poke the finger. Inserting too early may cause the meter to time out and give an error message.
2. Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol swab prior to poking the finger.
   1. If there is food residue on the fingers, the blood glucose result may be higher than actual blood glucose because you are also testing the residue on your finder. If you get a result that is higher than anticipated, wash hands thoroughly then test again before using the blood glucose result for treatment decisions.
3. Twist cap off the lancing device (finger poking device) and insert lancet (needle for lancing device). Put the cap back on the lancing device. Choose desired depth by moving the number on the lancing device dial. The higher the number, the deeper the lancet will poke.
4. Insert the testing strip into the meter and make sure the meter screen indicates it is ready for a blood sample (often indicated by a blood drop on the screen).
5. Poke finger and place blood drop against the line on the test strip. Do not swipe at the strip - this will often lead to an error.
6. Once the meter has a large enough sample, the screen should show that is is reading the sample. This may be indicated by a countdown or a moving circle on the screen (each meter is different so read the manual to find out what your meter will show).
7. The blood glucose meter should show a result within a few seconds. If you receive an error message, look at the manual to determine the meaning of the error message.

Troubleshooting meter problems:

• Common problems:
  • Finger not clean and dry
  • Not following meter directions
  • Meter parts are dirty or have dried blood on them
  • Not enough blood on test strip
  • Test strips are expired or were not stored properly
• If troubleshooting does not fix the issue, contact the manufacturer by phone or check their website. Meters may need to be replaced after 4-5 years. Contact our office if your meter is not working.
• You may be able to check the accuracy of the meter by using a control solution. If your meter did not come with control solution, check the manual that came with your meter or the meter manufacturer's website to fiund out if a control solution is available and how to use it if it is available.
• Please make sure the date and time are always set correctly. If either of these are not correct, the report we review may be interpreted incorrectly.

Best practice: Use the same meter all the time and do not let anyone else check their blood glucose using this meter. If you must use more than one meter, bring all meters to every appointment.

Continuous Glucose Monitor:

• A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a device worn on the body that gives real time blood glucose readings. Depending on the brand, glucose will be measured automatically every 1-5 minutes. These readings will be updated and displayed ona reader/receiver that can be prescribed or on a smartphone app.
• The CGM measures glucose in interstitial fluid (fluid between cells). There will be a slight delay in this measurement compared to a blood glucose meter result so the two readings will not be the same.
• Use of a CGM reduces the need to do finger sticks. However, the blood glucose meter readings is considered to be most accurate so when in doubt, get the meter out.
• Users can set alerts to be notified if blood glucose is high, low, rising fast, or falling fast.
• If the person wearing the sensor is able to use a smartphone app or is near a smartphone with the app, other caregivers can use a different app to receive glucose reading updates and alerts.
• For more information on different CGM's see below:
  • Dexom: https://www.dexcom.com/
  • Freestyle: https://www.freestyle.abbott/us-en/home.html