STAYING ON TRACK
Getting out of the tracking slump
There are a lot of reasons why you might want to skip blood glucose tracking. Here are some ideas to help you stay on track.
When blood glucoseBlood glucoseThe main sugar found in the blood, and the body’s main source of energy. testing is supposed to be part of your everyday life, finding yourself in the occasional slump can be expected. It’s not always easy to get through it alone. Below, you’ll see some common issues that people with type 1 diabetes face and ideas to help you get back on track.
“Self-checking my blood glucose costs too much money.”
Suggestion: Look at other meters. There are different meters with a range of features and prices. Some are very inexpensive. Your diabetes care teamDiabetes care teamYour diabetes care team may include a primary care doctor, a diabetes and hormone doctor (endocrinologist), a registered nurse, a diabetes educator, a dietitian, a heart doctor (cardiologist), a foot doctor (podiatrist), an eye doctor (ophthalmologist/optometrist), a kidney doctor (nephrologist), a dentist, a pharmacist, and a mental health professional. can help you choose a meter that works for your budget. If you have health insurance, call their Member Services department to see what your plan covers.
“I just forget to do it.”
Suggestion: Try to connect checking your blood glucose with another activity you do each day. For example, connecting checking your fasting blood glucose with making coffee in the morning may help you remember. Write notes to remind yourself to check your blood glucose levels, and place them where you will see them at the right time—for example, where you prepare food, such as the kitchen or dining area.
“Checking my blood glucose hurts.”
Suggestion: There are a number of ways you might be able to make checking more comfortable:
Talk to your doctor about the size of your lancet. Thinner lancets are available that may help make checking blood glucose more comfortable
To increase blood flow to your fingertip, wash your hands in warm water for a few moments right before pricking your finger. Be sure to dry them thoroughly so you don’t dilute the drop of blood
Prick the sides of your fingertip quickly and firmly. Going slowly and gently can actually be more painful
Change where you take your sample. With 10 fingers, each having 2 sides and a pad, you won’t need to use the same area more than once every few days
“I am embarrassed to check my blood glucose when I’m away from home.”
Suggestion: You may be able to check your blood glucose in a quiet space. Some of the newer meters are small, quick, and silent, so you can find some privacy when checking your blood glucose. Most people probably won’t even know what you’re doing.
Test your knowledge
Some meters can use blood samples from the upper arm, forearm, base of the thumb, or thigh.
Correct!
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With some meters, your fingertip is not the only location you can take a blood sample from. Alternating sites gives you more options. However, these readings may not be as accurate so it’s important to consult your diabetes care team.
