Bruising and SMBG

Hi - newly diagnosed with t2, started on Metformin which I've had before for other issues (PCOS) and found in the past I seem to tolerate it pretty well. Fingers crossed that's still the case

I've been given a monitor, since I asked to do SMBG. Downside? I am rather pale and I *bruise* easily. I'm also currently experiencing the problem that healing is slower than the average tortoise :-/ Skin sensitivity (redhead - we tend to have very sensitive skin) I suspect I'll get used to in time but the bruising and obvious puncture wounds are already making me really self-conscious.

Any tips for reducing the bruising? I'm using aloe vera gel to help out with it and am finding it useful so far.

Pipp said:

Hi @Redamber
Can you alter the depth of the lancet device? Some types come in a cartridge and have an adjuster to be able to do this. If you are using the single use lancets that have to be inserted individually, are you reusing them? They can get blunt, or slightly damaged and split or bruise the skin rather than lightly piercing it. It also helps if the hands are warm. I wash with hot water before using the lancet. How many times a day are you testing?

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Yes - I've got a WaveSense JAZZ and I'm using the most shallow setting with 33 gauge lancets and not testing on my pinkies cos I know the skin there is thinner. I'm not reusing lancets - doing this to myself is new to me , but I grew up with a t1 grandmother and learned in my teens how to help her if she needed it when we were out somewhere together.

The tip about warming hands for a while rather than just washing sounds like a really good idea - my BP is on the low side (100/60) and I wondered if sluggish circulation might be part of the problem. I'm also wondering if I'm not applying pressure for long enough afterwards to the wound site and if being more careful with that might help too.

Thanks for replying!

Pipp said:

I actually find using the side of my fingertip causes less discomfort than the centre of the fingertip, even though the skin is thinner there.

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Definitely. The practice nurse did the first one to show me in the centre but I've used the side of the finger since then after reading here for a while ;-) I did my last test following your suggestion of using the warmth of water to help - and made sure I kept pressure on for longer too. We'll see tomorrow morning if that's working. Fingers crossed!

Bluetit1802 said:

I find that squeezing the blood out too hard causes bruising. I "milk" my finger, if you see what I mean, pushing from the base of the finger upwards. The blood comes out more easily and less bruising.

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I'll give that a go too. I think you've also hit the nail on the head there (and yes I knew exactly what you meant). Thank you!