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Advice for finger pricking please!

Libby3781

Libby3781

Well-Known Member
Messages
162
Location
Bridgend, South Wales
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
I’ve recently restarted testing my blood sugars. I test approximately 4 times a day.
I’ve only been testing for two and half weeks, but I’m struggling with using different fingers.
I currently seem to only get results by using my index finger, and third finger.

Any hints, tips and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance x
 
I use one finger/side per day, up to 7 times a day. As you say you can use index and third fingers you have two sides to each finger (I hope you’re pricking the sides, which is what’s recommended), two hands, that’s 8 sites, which gives you one for each day of the week and one spare by my calculations.

EDIT Oh just noticed this is your first post, welcome to the Forum!
 
Thanks Rachox for you’re reply. I have to be honest I’ve not been pricking the sides of my fingers at all. On advising my gp, that I was going to self test, she gave me no advice whatsoever.
All she was interested in stressing was that I don’t need to test.
 
Have you set your lancet device properly? You can change the depth, and if you aren't getting enough blood it could be you need to increase the depth. I have to set mine on 4. I cannot get any blood from the sides of my fingers - and believe me I have tried. I have to use the finger tips, and find it also hurts a lot less too! I know it is recommended we use the sides, but if it doesn't work there isn't a lot we can do!
 
Welcome to the forum @Libby3781 when i first tested I had to watch a YouTube video just to work out how to use the lancet so you’re doing well. I also still find it difficult taking tests from my right hand the problem is my poor coordination as can get the blood but struggle using my left hand to line the meter and strip with the drop of blood - so you’re not alone. It does get easier over time once you get the technique I hate getting it wrong and wasting a strip they are not cheap!
Your efforts will pay off it is so worth it to check what you can and cannot eat without raising your blood glucose and also seeing your progress as you eat to your meter. Good luck
 
I agree with Rachox wash your hands before testing use Hot Water Pat them dry and I shake my hands vigorously in a downward motion to get the blood moving using the sides vary both hands and fingers to prevent sore fingers you should test before meals and 2 hours after expect an increase of 2ml anything greater you need to keep a record of the food you have eaten this way you can detect which foods raise your Blood Sugar and should be avoided. look at the Low Carb High Fat posts to get an idea. Basically Bread -Potatoes Rice and Pasta and wheat products are Bad Protein Meat and fish and veg. growing above ground is a general rule
 
Thanks all for you’re advice it’s much appreciated. I’m currently using my lancet on 2, and that seems to give me a decent amount of blood.

Unfortunately, I have a very poor pain threshold, so I’m not sure I could manage it any higher. I’m right handed so currently my left hand is having all the blood taken from it. I’ve not tried taking it from my right hand. How easy is it?
 
I use both hands. When I’m using my left hand to hold the lancet device or meter I keep my left hand still, resting it on something and move my right hand onto the lancet and then move my right hand towards the meter. If you follow me! This avoids trying to do fine movements with my left hand.
 
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