Common Mistakes People Make When Checking Their Blood Glucose (BG)

Checking your blood glucose (BG) is a crucial part of managing diabetes. Accurate readings help you make informed decisions about your diet, medication, and physical activity. However, mistakes can easily creep in, leading to inaccurate results and potentially impacting your health. This article will explore the common pitfalls people encounter when checking their BG and provide practical advice to avoid them.

Why Accurate Blood Glucose Monitoring Matters

Accurate blood glucose readings are essential for effective diabetes management. These readings inform:

Medication Dosage: Insulin and oral medications are often adjusted based on BG levels. Inaccurate readings can lead to incorrect dosages, potentially causing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Dietary Choices: BG levels help you understand how different foods affect your body. Monitoring helps you make informed decisions about meal planning and portion sizes.
Exercise Adjustments: Physical activity impacts blood sugar levels. Monitoring helps you adjust your routine to maintain healthy glucose levels.
Overall Health: Consistent monitoring and accurate readings contribute to better long-term health outcomes and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.

Example: Let's say someone consistently gets lower-than-actual readings because they're not using enough blood in the test strip. This person might increase their carbohydrate intake or reduce their medication dosage, mistakenly thinking their blood sugar is too low. Over time, this could lead to chronically high blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of complications such as nerve damage, kidney problems, and heart disease. The Role Of Insulin In Your Body More Than Just Diabetes Management

Top Mistakes to Avoid When Checking Blood Glucose

Here are some of the most common mistakes people make while checking their blood glucose, along with actionable solutions:

1. Improper Hand Washing

Mistake: Neglecting to wash your hands before testing can introduce contaminants, like food particles or lotions, that skew results. Residues from fruits, sugary drinks, or even hand lotions can elevate BG readings.
Solution: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, then dry them completely before testing. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, ensuring it’s completely dry before testing.
Example: A study published in "Diabetes Care" found that unwashed hands contaminated with sugar could lead to an overestimation of blood glucose levels by as much as 30 mg/dL.

2. Using Expired or Incorrect Test Strips

Mistake: Using expired test strips can result in inaccurate readings as the chemicals degrade over time. Additionally, using test strips designed for a different meter can give incorrect readings.
Solution: Always check the expiration date on the test strip vial before using. Ensure the test strips match the specific blood glucose meter you're using. Store test strips in a cool, dry place, and keep the vial tightly closed. Discard expired test strips properly. Note: Test strips usually have an expiration date printed on the container. Expired strips may give inaccurate results.

3. Insufficient Blood Sample Size

Mistake: Not using enough blood can lead to an error reading on the meter. Some meters require a larger sample size than others, so inadequate blood application often leads to unreliable outcomes.
Solution: Ensure you obtain a sufficient blood drop to cover the test strip's sample area. If the first drop is too small, gently massage your finger to encourage more blood flow. Avoid squeezing the finger too hard, as this can introduce tissue fluid that dilutes the sample.
Example: Imagine you prick your finger and only a tiny bead of blood appears. Rather than applying this insufficient amount to the test strip, gently massage from your palm to your fingertip to encourage a larger drop to form before testing. What To Eat To Maintain A Normal Blood Sugar Level All Day

4. Incorrect Lancing Technique

Mistake: Poking the fingertip instead of the side of the finger can cause unnecessary pain. Also, repeatedly using the same puncture site can lead to calluses and discomfort.
Solution: Use the side of your fingertip for testing, as it has fewer nerve endings and is less sensitive. Rotate your puncture sites to avoid overuse and callus formation. Adjust the depth setting on your lancing device to minimize discomfort.
Example: Instead of aiming for the center pad of your fingertip, aim slightly to the side, closer to the nail. This area is generally less sensitive. Vary which finger you use each time you test.

5. Neglecting Meter Maintenance and Calibration

Mistake: Meters can become inaccurate over time if they are not properly maintained or calibrated. Dirt, dust, and extreme temperatures can affect the meter's performance.
Solution: Regularly clean your meter according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most meters have control solutions you can use to check their accuracy. Perform a control solution test periodically and whenever you suspect your meter might be giving inaccurate readings.
- Clean your meter with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
- Store your meter in a place where the temperature is relatively constant.
- Use control solutions to verify the accuracy of your meter.

Table of Common Mistakes and Solutions

| Mistake | Solution | |-----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Improper hand washing | Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use hand sanitizer. | | Expired/incorrect test strips | Check expiration date; use strips matching meter model; store in a cool, dry place. | | Insufficient blood sample | Gently massage finger; ensure adequate drop size before testing. | | Incorrect lancing technique | Use side of fingertip; rotate puncture sites; adjust lancing device depth. | | Neglecting meter maintenance| Clean meter regularly; use control solutions to check accuracy. |

Understanding Control Solutions

Control solutions are specially formulated liquids containing a known amount of glucose. They're used to check the accuracy of your blood glucose meter and test strips. Here’s how to use them effectively:

Obtain Control Solution: Purchase control solution recommended by the manufacturer of your meter.
Perform the Test: Follow the instructions in your meter's user manual to perform a control solution test. This usually involves applying the control solution to a test strip just like you would a blood sample.
Compare Results: Check if the reading falls within the range printed on the test strip vial or in the meter’s manual. If the reading is outside the specified range, the meter or test strips might be faulty.
Troubleshooting: If your control solution test consistently yields inaccurate results, contact the meter manufacturer or your healthcare provider for assistance.

Environmental Factors Affecting Blood Glucose Readings

Environmental factors can influence the accuracy of blood glucose readings. Consider these points:

Temperature: Extreme temperatures (very hot or very cold) can affect both the meter and the test strips. Store your meter and test strips at room temperature as recommended by the manufacturer.
Humidity: High humidity can affect test strips, potentially causing them to degrade more quickly. Keep test strips in their original, tightly sealed container.
Altitude: Altitude can affect blood glucose readings. Studies have shown that blood glucose readings might be slightly lower at higher altitudes, particularly if the meter isn't adjusted accordingly. If you live at a high altitude, discuss this with your healthcare provider.

How to Communicate Blood Glucose Results with Your Healthcare Provider

Sharing accurate blood glucose readings with your healthcare provider is vital for effective diabetes management. Here's how to communicate effectively:

Keep a Record: Maintain a log of your blood glucose readings, noting the date, time, and any relevant factors like meals, exercise, or medication dosages.
Be Specific: Provide detailed information about any unusual readings or patterns you've observed.
Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider questions about your blood glucose results or any adjustments to your treatment plan.
Bring Your Meter: Take your blood glucose meter with you to your appointments so your healthcare provider can review your testing technique and meter settings.
Use Technology: Consider using digital health tools or apps to track and share your blood glucose data electronically. These tools often allow you to generate reports for your healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Accurate blood glucose monitoring is fundamental to effective diabetes management. By avoiding these common mistakes and implementing the recommended solutions, you can ensure your readings are reliable, helping you make informed decisions about your health. Regular communication with your healthcare provider and consistent meter maintenance further contribute to optimal diabetes management. Remember that consistent, accurate monitoring empowers you to take control of your health and live a fulfilling life with diabetes. What Is A Normal Blood Sugar Level The Ultimate 2024 Chart