Working...
Working...
Learning how to check your blood sugar level can help you make good daily decisions about managing your diabetes. This brochure will teach you how to check your blood sugar level.
Swollen or damaged airways can make it difficult to breathe. When these conditions are progressive, understanding the symptoms and treatment options is important. If you have any questions about your condition, talk to your healthcare provider.Learn more
Over time, damage to the heart and blood vessels may lead to health problems like high blood pressure, high lipids, acute coronary syndrome and heart failure. If you have any questions about your condition, talk to your healthcare provider.Learn more
Over time, damage to the kidneys may lead to health problems like hyperkalemia and anemia. If you have any questions about your condition, talk to your healthcare provider.Learn more
Maintaining a healthy level of glucose (sugar) in the blood and understanding the symptoms and complications when the levels are too high or low is essential to managing diabetes. If you have any questions about your condition, talk to your healthcare provider.Learn more
If you've been diagnosed with cancer, you will likely have questions about the disease, how it may be treated and what outcome you might expect with your health condition. It can be hard to understand what cancer means and difficult to talk about. If you have any questions about your condition, talk to your healthcare provider.Learn more
If you are a health care professional affiliated with an employer, institution, or committee, or practicing in a state that restricts what items you may receive from manufacturers, we ask that you not accept or download any restricted items from this site. If you are a health care provider practicing in Vermont, we are required by state law to deny you permission to download any items or review any journal articles made available on this site.
This information is intended for US Consumers
Checking Your Blood Sugar Level
Checking your blood sugar level can help you make good daily decisions about managing your diabetes. It requires you to stick your finger with a lancet and test your blood with a glucose meter.
Your health care provider will tell you when and how often to check your blood sugar. They will also give you a blood sugar target range.
Try to keep your blood sugar within your target range.
Things You Will Need:
Getting Ready
Step 1 Wash your hands with soap and water, and then dry them; or use an alcohol wipe to clean the finger you will use for the testing site, and let it dry.
Step 2 Remove a test strip from the container and put the cap back on to protect the strips.
Be sure to use a new test strip each time you check your blood sugar.
Step 3 Insert the test strip into your glucose meter.
Step 4 Place a new lancet in your lancet device.
Always use a new lancet every time you check your blood sugar.
Sticking Your Finger
Step 5
Squeezing your finger too hard may give an inaccurate reading.
Testing Your Blood
Step 6
Recording Your Numbers
Step 7 Write the number into your logbook.
Be sure to record:
Follow Up With Your Doctor
Make sure to follow up with your doctor regularly and bring your logbook to all of your doctor appointments.
You and your doctor may need to discuss:
