Checking Blood Glucose
Red Box
Tools in this box
Glucose Meter
Machine that measures glucose (blood sugar).
Test Strips
Strip where blood is applied to the test spot.
Lancing Device
Holds lancet and sticks finger.
Lancets
Used to stick finger when checking glucose.
Video: Learn How to Check Your Blood Glucose
*Note: Your devices may differ from the ones that appear in the video
Step by Step: Learn How to Check Your Glucose Level
Click HERE to download a copy of your paper instructions to follow along.
1. Wash your hands with unscented soap and warm water
Make sure to wash the site of the finger stick first. No need to use alcohol wipes.
2. Remove the outer cap on the lancing device
Each device is different.
Click HERE to see how some of the most common ones work.
3. Insert lancet into the lancing device
4. Slowly twist off the top of the lancet
Save the top for later - it will be used when you remove the lancet.
It’s easy to remove the top if you twist 3 times.
5. Replace the outer cap on the lancing device
The outer cap will prevent the needle from going too deep.
6. Choose the setting on the lancing device
Each device is different, try the middle setting first.
Each device has settings that change how far the needle goes in.
7. Pull/slide back lever or end cap on lancing device to load
On some devices you may hear a click.
Click HERE to see some common lancet examples.
8. Check if device is loaded by pressing button on lancing device
Reload again before use.
9. Remove a test strip from the test strip bottle
Carefully take one test strip from the bottle. Keep it dry. Close the test strip bottle tightly.
10. Insert a test strip into the meter with test spot sticking out
The meter will turn on when a test strip is put in the right way. Make sure you put the strip in as shown in the picture. If meter does not turn on or shuts off, take the test strip out and put it in again.
11. Firmly push the tip of the lancing device against the side of your finger
Put your finger on a table to keep steady.
You can also practice with the fake skin. (Note: you must use a new lancet if you test the device).
12. Press the button on the lancing device to stick your finger
You may need to change the lancing device setting if you get too much or not enough blood.
13. Touch the blood to the test spot
A target blood glucose for most people is between 80-130 mg/dl before meals.
Click HERE to document your glucose (blood sugar).
14. Remove the outer cap of the lancing device
Be careful not to stick yourself.
15. Put the small, round top of the lancet back on to cover the tip of the lancet
Use the top that you twisted off earlier.
16. Remove the lancet from the lancing device
Some lancing devices have buttons that eject the lancet.
