Testing your blood tells you when your blood sugar is too high or too low. It is an important part of caring for yourself when you have diabetes. Knowing your blood sugar level helps you and your doctor decide if you need to start taking diabetes medication or if you need to change your medication or eating habits.

Checking your sugar also helps you to see how changes in your treatment can affect your control. You can also see what happens to your blood sugar if you do not follow your treatment plan.

Your health care team will tell you the best times to check blood sugars.

There is not one best testing plan for everyone. Some of the common times to test are:

• before meals
  
  
• before breakfast and two hours after meals, and whenever you feel sick or think that your sugar may be too low or too high

A "finger stick" test using a blood glucose meter is a simple way to check your blood sugar. Your health care provider will teach you how to perform this test.

• Write down all of your results (with the time and date) in your log book or record sheet.
  
  
• Be sure to take your blood sugar records and meter with you to all of your diabetes appointments.

This is an example of a blood sugar record sheet:

Write any questions you may have regarding your blood sugar results. Also write down any information that will help your diabetes care providers better understand your blood sugar patterns. For example, make a note on your record (or in your log book) by the days you are very "stressed," are more active (or less active) than usual, you eat more (or less) or when you are sick.

• Wash your hands with soap and water before you test your sugar.
  
  
• Get enough blood on the test strip. (Warm your hands if they are cold. This will improve blood flow to your fingers.)
  
  
• Store the test strips in their original bottle or foil package. Always keep the cap firmly screwed on to the bottle.
  
  
• Each time you get a new container of strips:
                     "Re-code" your meter          
                     Check your meter for accuracy using control solution
  
  
• Keep your meter and supplies out of direct sunlight, very hot or very cold temperatures, and humidity.
  
  
• Keep your meter clean (see manufacture's instructions).
  
  
• Clean your meter if the results seem wrong.
  
  
• Locate the expiration dates on your control solution and test strips.
  
  
• Do not use expired test strips or control solution.
  
  
• The control solution is good for 3 months once opened.