How to test your blood sugar

Blood sugar testing requires the use of a blood sugar meter. The meter measures the amount of sugar in a small sample of blood, usually from your fingertip, that you place on a disposable test strip. Even if you use a CGM, you'll still need a blood sugar meter to calibrate your CGM device daily.

Your doctor or diabetes educator can recommend an appropriate device for you. He or she can also help you learn how to use your meter.

Follow the instructions that come with your blood sugar meter. In general, here's how the process works:

1. Wash and dry your hands well. (Food and other substances can give you an inaccurate reading.)
2. Insert a test strip into your meter.
3. Prick the side of your fingertip with the needle (lancet) provided with your test kit.
4. Touch and hold the edge of the test strip to the drop of blood.
5. The meter will display your blood sugar level on a screen after a few seconds.

Some meters can test blood taken from an alternate site, such as the forearm or palm. But these readings may not be as accurate as readings from the fingertips, especially after a meal or during exercise, when blood sugar levels change more frequently. Alternate sites aren't recommended for use in calibrating CGMs.