Veterans With Diabetes International

Blood Testing Basics

Why Should I Test?

Testing your blood sugar regularly can help you know how well your diabetes is being controlled.
By minimizing high and low blood sugars, you will feel better and stay healthier.
Regular testing will help you and your Diabetes Team know if your treatment program is working.
High blood sugars can be a sign that you have an infection.
High blood sugars are not good for your transplanted organ(s).

What Supplies Do I Need to Perform a Blood Test?
You will need the following:

A Place to Wash Your Hands
Lancet Device
Blood Glucose Meter
A Tissue or Cotton Ball
Test Strips
Blood Sugar Testing Diary

How to Test Your Blood Sugar
First, make sure you have everything on the supplies list above.

Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
Prepare your meter.
Follow the meter's directions for preparing it before taking blood sample.
Prick your finger with the lancet.
Prick your finger and squeeze until you get a hanging drop of blood.
Place the blood drop on the test strip.
Follow your glucose meter's directions regarding the exact placement of a drop of blood on the test strip.
Wait for the meter to read the test strip.
Read the meter results.
The number shown on the meter is the blood sugar result for that test.
Record your results in your Blood Testing Diary.
Make sure to write down the date, time, and test results in your diary
Always bring your diary with you when you see your Diabetes-Care Team.
Tidbits of Blood Sugar Testing
When should I test?

Testing is the only way to know if your blood sugars are within your target range.
Your Diabetes-Care Team will tell you when you should test and the number of times per day.
Why should I keep a Blood Sugar Diary?

A Blood Sugar Diary is an important tool for you and your Diabetes Care Team.
By keeping records of your blood sugar results, you and your team will be able to follow the daily trends in your blood sugar test and make best choices about how and where to improve your diabetes treatment.
Always bring your diary with you when you see your Diabetes Care Team.
How to get a good blood sample

Hold the finger you will use to test with under warm water.
Place the hand of the finger you will use below the level of your heart.
Position the finger between your other hand's thumb and forefinger and push toward the tip of the finger you're going to test with.
What is Control Solution?

Control solution is a liquid formula containing a known amount of sugar.
A bottle of control solution is included with most meters.
Control solution is available wherever test strips are sold.
How and why should I use Control Solution?

Using control solution is important. By using control solution with every new vial of test strips, you determine if your meter and strips are performing correctly.
A drop of control solution is used on a strip in place of a drop of blood. By comparing the meter readings with control solution to a range included with the strips, you can see if your meter and strips are accurate.
After opening a new bottle, write the date on the label. Once opened, bottles are good for about three months, or until the expiration date printed on the bottle