How To Use Diabetes Machines?

By Author: Abhilash Rathore
Total Articles: 6
Comment this article

Diabetes is a common disease that gets linked with high blood sugar levels. It results in a host of metabolic disorders and other health ailments. Over time, it even damages other vital body organs. Hence, it is essential to manage it strategically. The best way to do so is regularly track the sugar levels. For this, make use of diabetes machines. It is an at-home device that decides the approximate glucose concentration in the blood.
This way, it helps you monitor your sugar levels throughout the day. Use the device efficiently by following these steps:
Step 1: Prepare your supplies
Keep your diabetes machine ready and place it on a clean surface. It is advisable to use a clean and dry towel or washcloth.
Step 2: Wash your hands
Clean your hands thoroughly and ensure you cover all the spots, including in between the nails.
Step 3: Start the machine and insert the test strip
Some diabetes machines come with test strips, while others do not. So, buy a few if the latter is the case. Now, turn on the device and insert the strip inside.
...
... Step 4: Prick your finger
The machine requires a drop of your blood to assess blood sugar levels accurately. So, gently prick your fingertip. Use the lancet provided with your diabetes machine. Once you do so, squeeze out some blood.
Step 5: Place the drop on the test strip
Carefully place the drop on the edge of the test strip.
Step 6: Wipe of any excess blood
Remove excessive blood and rinse your finger thoroughly. Wait for a few minutes for the machine to compute the results.
Testing tips
Ideally, diabetes machines come with an instruction manual. So, they are relatively easy to use. However, for first-timers, a few testing tips could help:
Lancet thickness
Pricking your finger with a lancet is not painful. But if it causes discomfort, inspect its thickness as it usually comes in different gauges. Ones with a higher gauge number are thinner. For example, a 21-gauge lancet is thicker than a 30-gauge lancet. So, remember this when you have a diabetes machine.
Blood samples
Some diabetes machines require larger blood samples than others. It all comes down to what type you use. Hence, understand how much your device needs. This helps provide accurate results.
Batteries
A diabetes machine runs on batteries. So, it is essential to keep some batteries handy. Also, buy the ones that fit your device. This way, you are well-equipped during emergencies.
Cleaning
Sometimes, dust particles accumulate on your device. This further affects its working condition. Therefore, clean it frequently. You may use a semi-wet washcloth or dry tissue for this purpose.