How to Reduce the Pain of Finger Sticks when Testing Blood Glucose Levels

Many Diabetics need to check their blood glucose levels throughout the day. In order to quickly and accurately check blood glucose levels, Diabetics use a device system that incorporates a lancet and a blood glucose monitor.

How to check blood glucose levels

In order to check blood glucose levels, Diabetics need to draw a small sample of blood - usually only a few drops - that they then analyze using their blood glucose meters. Here's how the system works: Using the lancet administration device, a Diabetic will select an area of the body - usually a fingertip - as the lancet insert site. The lancet administration device generally has a button that the Diabetic will use to begin the process of drawing a blood sample. Once this button is depressed, the lancet penetrates the skin and draws blood onto a test strip.

The Diabetic then places the test strip with the few drops of blood into the blood glucose meter. The blood glucose meter analyzes the blood glucose content within a matter of minutes and delivers a result. Based on the result of the blood glucose test, individuals can help to adjust their blood glucose levels by taking medications (to decrease blood glucose levels) or glucose tablets (to increase blood glucose levels).

Testing can be painful

Blood glucose testing can be painful, as Diabetics have to frequently prick their skin enough to draw blood. Because most Diabetics prefer to prick from the same site or series of sites in order to minimize impact, these sites can get sore. The most common testing site is the fingertip.

How to reduce soreness from blood glucose testing

There are a few strategies and tools that Diabetics can use to reduce the soreness associated with blood glucose testing. One of those strategies involves pricking the side of the fingers instead of the tip of the finger. Because the tips of the fingers are used frequently throughout the day and respond to pressure, the sides of the fingers may not feel as sore during normal activities, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Diabetics may also select a different lancet system, such as a spring loaded delivery system that offers a variety of different penetration depths. If a Diabetic can draw blood from a shorter penetration depth, he or she may have reduced pain. Have a thinner lancet may also be more comfortable.

While blood glucose testing can lead to discomfort, it is important to be sure to test your blood glucose levels regularly in order to remain healthy and in control of your blood glucose levels.

Resources:

http://www.diabetes.org/tipoftheday.jsp?WTLPromo=HOME_tipoftheday

http://shop.imtypefree.com/Glucose-Lancing-Device-One-Touch-Penlet-p/lfs010356.htm