Blood glucose meters are helpful for anyone, not just diabetics. There are many people who are non-diabetic, who experience fluctuations in their blood sugar levels and may be required to perform a blood glucose test on occasion.
It is only natural to want your blood glucose levels to be perfect every time you test. However, sometimes there are factors that can give you an incorrect reading. If you feel you are doing everything right in terms of diet, exercise, medicating etc., here are a few possible factors that may be affecting your blood glucose test results.
Timing
The first and most obvious variable is time – not so mush time of day but relative to food eaten, or time since food consumed. Make sure that you test yourself the same time after meals, or that fasting periods are the same each day before testing.
Hands – Are They Sparkling Clean and Dry?
Before testing, make sure your hands are scrupulously clean. Any food and/or lotion residue left on your hands or fingers can certainly affect your blood glucose readings. If you use alcohol or a hand sanitizer, make sure your hands are perfectly dry before lancing.
There are chemicals and residues that cannot be seen by your naked eyes and these can impact your blood glucose readings. When fluid or any substance left on your fingers mixes with your blood you will most likely have an inaccurate reading.
It would be wise to wash your hands with warm water and dry them well before you start testing.
Environment – How’s the Temperature?
It is important that glucose meters are stored correctly. By reading the user manual of your meter you will find the recommended temperature range in which your meter will give you the most accurate results.
Besides temperature, the altitude and humidity of the environment can also have an impact on your own body temperature, and also the testing strips you use.
Knowing your meter and your environment can certainly help you in achieving an accurate reading.
Test Strips – Are They Suitable for Your Meter?
When buying more test strips you may come across cheaper generic strips for your needs. Your own meter’s test strips may be pricey, therefore you decide to opt for the cheaper brand instead.
These strips may be your problem.
Your meter may not be designed for generic strips; therefore, your readings may turn out to be erroneous. Check your meter’s user manual to see if testing strips made from other manufacturing companies are compatible.
Also check the strip manufacturer’s documentation to ensure they are compatible (or at least claimed to be) with your meter. If you have any suspicions regarding either the meter or the strips efficacy, do an online search.
If either are problematic, others will likely have had the same problem and have discussed it in forums etc.
It is also a good idea to take your meter with you to your next doctor’s appointment. While you are there you can have your blood glucose levels tested using their machine and then be tested using your own meter. You can compare results and determine whether or not your blood glucose meter is accurately calibrated.
