If you also check your sugar at home then know these 5 mistakes with glucometer which shows wrong reading.
Glucometer has made people’s lives much easier, but do you know that if the glucometer is not used properly, the readings can be wrong? And if the reading is wrong, the dosage of medicine or eating habits may be wrong, which will have a direct impact on your health.
Diabetic patients often make some mistakes due to which they do not know the correct level of their sugar. Let us know, what are those 5 mistakes which people often repeat while using glucometer:
1. Not cleaning hands properly:
* Mistake: Biggest mistake! Not cleaning hands properly before drawing blood or testing the alcohol swab before it dries. Food, sugar or dirt on hands can affect the reading.
* Right way: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before drawing blood. If using an alcohol swipe, allow it to dry completely and then test.
2. Using expired strips:
* Mistake: People often do not check the expiry date of glucometer strips. Expired strips give inaccurate and unreliable readings.
* Right way: Always use new and unexpired strips. Be sure to check the expiry date before purchasing.
3. Too little blood sample:
* Mistake: Sometimes people are unable to get a sufficient blood sample, or think that a little blood will do. If there is less blood, the machine cannot read properly.
* Right way: Before pricking the finger, press the finger lightly so that a good drop of blood comes out. There should be enough drop to cover the entire sensing area of the strip.
4. Not cleaning the machine or storing it incorrectly:
* Mistake: Do not keep the glucometer away from dust and dirt. Sometimes people keep it in a very hot or cold place.
* Right way: Keep the glucometer in a clean, dry and room temperature place. Protect it from moisture and dust. Wipe with a clean cloth after use.
5. Using the first drop:
* Mistake: Apply the first drop of blood that comes out after pricking directly on the strip. The first drop may contain tissue fluids which may alter the reading.
* Right way: After pricking, wipe off the first drop of blood. Then apply the second drop that comes out on the test strip.
Why is correct reading important?
If your glucometer reading is incorrect, you may take the wrong dose of your medicine or make changes to your diet that may not be good for your health. Correct reading is the key to correct treatment and better health. By correcting these mistakes, you will be able to manage your diabetes in a better way.