Inaccurate results from the glucose monitoring device could have a negative effect on your health if used incorrectly. User error could practically be the cause of unreliable results. As a result, it's always a good idea to read the directions completely before using your metre.
1. Not cleaning up your hands before the test
2. Testing right after a dinner
3. Inappropriate use of lancets and test strips
4. Squeezing your finger to get blood
5. Not drinking enough water
6. Not laying out an everyday practice
7. Using inappropriate testing gear
8. Not keeping results records
9. Pricking your finger's cushion
10. Reusing lancets
About Glucometer
A glucose meter, usually known as a glucometer, is a clinical gadget for assessing the glucose level of an individual. It is a pivotal part for checking the glucose levels of people with diabetes mellitus or hypoglycemia
Instructions to use a glucometer
- A lancet is a gadget that is used to prick the skin, and a couple of drops of blood are kept on an expendable test strip.
- The meter checks the blood drop and uses it to decide the blood glucose level. The level is then displayed on the meter in mg/dL or mmol/L units.
- In any case, the course of glucose level testing isn't generally straightforward, and an enormous number of blunders might influence the glucose level.
- Fortunately, you can really test your glucose with a little practice at the solace of your own space. The point that, most importantly, must be kept in your brain to avoid mistakes is referenced underneath.
Not cleaning up your hands before the test
A significant highlight is noted is that cleaning up completely while utilizing a OneTouch verio flex glucometer to check your glucose levels, regardless of whether your hands seem, by all accounts, to be spotless and clean. In the event that your hands aren't washed preceding testing then there may be a high opportunity of wrong outcomes. The error increments on the off chance that the patients have eaten organic products just prior to being tried.
At the point when you are utilizing a glucometer to check your blood glucose levels, it is wise to clean up completely with a cleanser and wipe off your hands with a spotless towel, and afterward, utilize the primary drop of blood. On the off chance that washing your hand isn't a choice then you can all the more positively utilize the second drop of blood subsequent to cleaning away the principal drop of blood to get the outcome considering the way that you haven't contacted any sugar-containing items.
Testing just after a dinner
An entire gathering normally checks their blood glucose level for 30 minutes or an hour later after eating. The blood glucose level can spike extremely in the event that you check your glucose too early subsequent to eating a feast or a tidbit. There ought to be something like a 2 hours hole between a feast and testing the glucose level. Also, it is dependably fitting to check glucose levels before feasts.
Inappropriate use of lancets and test strips
The legitimate use of lancets and testing strips for glucometer gadgets guarantees the appropriate perusing and you will probably feel less pain. Usage of dull lancets might cause aggravation and agony in your fingertips. Inappropriately putting away test strips and lapsed test strips can lead to bogus readings. The legitimate method for putting away the test strips is to keep them in a shut holder that is liberated from dampness and isn't presented to coordinate intensity or daylight. Each time you utilize your test strips make a point to check the date of termination since lapsed test strips can give a few odd readings.
Each time you need to utilize a glucometer, consistently utilize another lancet to get a solid outcome.
Squeezing your finger to get blood
Squeezing your fingers can here and there be utilized by individuals who have cold hands or feeble flow to acquire adequate blood for testing. An investigation discovered that applying outer tension could foster mistaken readings, subsequently, this is wrong. To forestall crushing at the tip of your finger, it is prudent to bit by a bit warm your hands or rub them together prior to testing. Crushing could give bothersome results on the grounds that interstitial liquid, not blood, may spill out. Besides, utilizing a similar finger more than once could cause agony, disturbance, and callus development encompassing the prick, paying little mind to which finger is utilized to screen glucose. Furthermore, look at the edges of the fingertips instead of just testing on the fingertip, which contains the nerves and may cause more distress.
Not drinking sufficient water
Basically, losing water could bring about a rise in our glucose levels. The absence of hydration causes your blood glucose levels to rise. The glucose present in the blood rises subsequently. It is always advisable to have enough fluids for our body. Since that would avoid us from being dehydrated and as a result of being dehydrated, peeing due to a rise in blood glucose level is avoided. The best technique to control your diabetes is to test often, note your outcomes, and screen your readings to see whether changes to your diabetes boarding procedure are important. So it is always advisable to stay hydrated in order to lead a healthy and sugar-free life. Always remember to be hydrated while you are having a test with the glucometer.
Not laying out an everyday practice
In order to maintain your blood sugar levels consistently and in a proper manner, you should always check your blood sugar level regularly. The practice of regularly checking our blood glucose levels leads to a healthy and motivated life. A regular check-up also makes us cautious as we are afraid of the results and moreover, it keeps us in control. When everything is monitored and taken care of regularly, it will always be accurate and reach the desired result.
Proper usage of testing gear
Note that you use proper testing equipment such as lancets and test strips while checking the blood glucose level. A lancet is a one-time use item that has to be used only once as it can get dull and the area where you prick your finger might get irritated and painful. At the same time, the testing strips should be stored in a dry place and should be kept away from moisture and direct sunlight. Make sure that you check the expiration date for the test strips since expired test strips can give rise to erroneous results.
Not keeping results records
In order to understand your discoveries and find out what causes your glucose levels to rise, you must follow them. Your primary care physician should examine your outcomes once you have acclimated to your diabetes treatment program.
Pricking your finger's cushion
You may experience pain when you prick your finger more than once because the cushion in the middle of your finger is covered with sensitive spots. Squeezing buttons, playing instruments, and writing all put pressure on the cushion on your finger, which, whenever aroused, can aggravate the discomfort. Another option is to use the side of the fingertip. If there is sufficient bloodstream, it doesn't matter which finger or which side.
Reusing lancets
Any person who has diabetes should thoroughly make an effort to avoid this. Most importantly, lancets rapidly lose their sharpness since they are not intended for rehashed utilisation, which can cause a lot of aggravation where the needle is embedded. A dull lancet could make extra uneasiness; what's more, a debased or deficient blood attract results in an erroneous glucose level. The risk of disease is likewise fundamentally expanded when lancets are reused. Saving a couple of dollars won't be worth the effort eventually. One lancet, one test is the commonplace rule. After each prick, discard the spent lancet as per the suggested methods for diabetes squander the executives.