Blood Testing

Hi erbins.
Welcome.

Went through all this when I first started testing 11 years ago. Then I was shown how to do it properly. The 'pricker' is called a lancet. there are lots of different types but they all work pretty much the same way. You need to first of all make sure it is on the lowest setting possible to allow you to obtain blood. If yours isn't adjustable you need a new one. You mention your finger tips ? I never use the tip of my fingers, it is too painful. I was taught to use the sides of the top end of the fingers only. There are alternative test sites that can be used but you need to discuss this with your GP or DNS as the readings are usually different.
If you still cannot manage this you need to discuss it with the GP.
Hope this helps in some way.
Ken

Hi erbins and welcome.

I agree with what Ken advised. You should not use the tip of your finger because this is probably the most painful method of obtaining a sample! I always use the side of my finger approximately half way between the top joint and the tip. Use opposite sides of each finger in turn so you don't concentrate on one finger all the time. Most modern meters need only a small sample of blood so have your lancet device on the lowest possible setting that will provide an adequate sample for testing.
When you say you don't see anybody regarding your diabetes, do you not see a diabetes nurse or your GP to check that all is ok?
If not you definitely should make an appointment to see your GP as soon as possible and ask him/her about seeing a diabetes nurse at the practice too.

Hope you soon manage painless finger pricking!

http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/2006/ ... ricks.html

If you don't do it you may end up with a different kind of painless prick . . .

I always use my forearm. I hae 2 meters and both allow for alternative site testing.