Blood Glucose Test Strips: All You Need to Know

You've obviously come here because you want to know how to use sugar test strips and how to test your sugar levels at home with a glucometer. Blood glucose testing relies heavily on sugar test strips. It can be used along with a glucometer to monitor your blood sugar levels.

Depending on the type and amount of insulin you use to manage type 2 diabetes, your doctor may advise you to test your blood sugar multiple times a day. If you're taking many daily injections, testing is usually recommended between meals and before night. If you're only using intermediate- or long-acting insulin, you might only need to test before breakfast and dinner.

You might not need to test your blood sugar every day if you manage type 2 diabetes with non-insulin drugs or diet and exercise alone.Test Strip Usage

Follow these steps to check your blood sugar:

1. In your blood glucose metre, insert a test strip.
2. Prick your fingertip with the meter's tiny needle (called a lancet).
3. Squeeze a drop of blood onto the test strip's edge and rub it in.
4. In seconds, the glucose metre can provide you with a blood sugar reading.

A test strip is only good for one use. That means you'll have to get a fresh one every time you check your blood sugar. Your doctor will recommend how often you should check. You may need to do it up to 10 times each day if you have type 1 diabetes. You may only need to take it twice a day if you have type 2 diabetes.

How Does a Test Strip Work?

When you put blood on the test strip, it reacts with a chemical called glucose oxidase, which turns the glucose in the blood into gluconic acid. The metre at the other end of the test strip transfers current to the test strip. The metre can measure the current flowing between the test strip's electric terminals.

The amount of gluconic acid produced determines the current flowing between the terminals. The blood glucose metre uses an algorithm to calculate the blood glucose level based on the present differential.Tips for Using a Glucose Test Strip

Inaccurate readings are frequently caused by problems with the test strip. Follow these steps to ensure that your test strip transmits accurate information about your blood glucose level:

5. Do not use damaged strips.
6. Don’t use expired test strips.
7. Always store it in a dry place.
8. Use the strip that’s compatible with your glucometer.

Your readings could be incorrect for a number of reasons other than test strip issues. Other alternatives include:

-A soiled metre

-Unwashed hands-Changes in temperature (cold, heat, humidity)-Not enough blood on the strip-Wet fingers

Also, ensure that the strip is not too old; once opened, it is only good for about 3 months.

About the Author

BeatO Smart Diabetes Management app helps you monitor diabetes like a pro with features to save, share and analyze your blood glucose readings on the app.

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