Top 10 Reasons Diabetes Glucose Meters Will Read Wrong!

Summary

Dr. Ahmed Ergan explains 10 common reasons for inaccurate glucose meter readings, including expired test strips, extreme temperatures, dirty or wet fingers, a filthy meter, dehydration, insufficient blood on the strip, inadequate technique, using blood from non-fingertip locations, and high vitamin C levels. He also introduces the CareSense Plus meter for its large screen and quick readings.

Takeaways

• 📅 Check the expiration date on your test strips as expired ones can lead to inaccurate results.
• 🌡️ Extreme temperatures can affect glucose meter readings, with cold meters producing low and hot meters producing high readings.
• 👐 Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before testing to avoid contamination from sugar, dirt, or alcohol.
• 🧼 Cleanliness is crucial; a dirty meter can cause incorrect readings, so keep it clean and free from dust and contaminants.
• 💧 Dehydration can lead to higher glucose levels, so ensure you are well-hydrated before testing your blood sugar.
• 🩸 Apply a generous drop of blood to the test strip for accurate readings; avoid adding more blood after the initial drop.
• 🔌 Ensure the test strip is fully inserted into the monitor, check batteries, and replace the monitor every 4-5 years for accurate readings.
• 👆 Use blood from your fingertip for testing, as it is more accurate than blood from other body parts, especially when blood sugar levels are rapidly changing.
• 🍊 High doses of vitamin C can interfere with glucose meter readings, causing them to read falsely high.
• 🛠️ Regularly test your glucose meter with control solution to ensure its accuracy and maintain its reliability.

Q & A

Why might glucose meter readings be inaccurate?

Glucose meter readings can be inaccurate due to various factors such as expired test strips, extreme temperatures, dirty or wet fingers, a filthy meter, dehydration, insufficient blood on the strip, inadequate technique, using blood from non-fingertip locations, and interference from high levels of vitamin C.

What is the first reason mentioned for inaccurate glucose meter readings?

The first reason mentioned is the use of out-of-date test strips. Expired test strips will not provide accurate results.

How should test strips be stored to maintain their accuracy?

Test strips should be stored in a cool, dry place, such as on top of a fridge or cabinet, and kept in their original container to avoid cross-contamination.

How do extreme temperatures affect glucose meter readings?

Extreme temperatures can result in inaccurate readings. Cold meters tend to produce inaccurately low readings, while hot meters produce inaccurately high readings.

What should you do before testing your blood sugar levels to ensure accuracy?

You should always wash and thoroughly dry your hands before testing your blood sugar levels to avoid contamination from sugar, dirt, or alcohol.

Why is it important to keep your glucose meter clean?

A clean glucose meter is crucial for accurate readings. Dirt, dust, and other contaminants can cause incorrect readings.

What is the CareSense Plus device mentioned in the script?

The CareSense Plus is a glucose meter with a large screen, making it easier to read for those with visual problems. It comes with a meter, lensing device, around 100 strips, and 100 lancets, including control solution.

How does dehydration affect blood sugar levels?

Dehydration can cause blood to become more concentrated, resulting in high glucose levels. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day is important for controlling blood sugar levels.

What should you do to ensure an accurate reading from the glucose meter?

To ensure an accurate reading, add a generous drop of blood to the test strip the first time. Adding more blood after a drop has already been present will not improve the test accuracy.

Why is it recommended to test blood sugar levels using blood from the fingertip?

Blood samples taken from the fingertip are more accurate than those from other locations such as the arm, leg, or toes, especially when blood sugar levels are rapidly rising or falling.

How can high levels of vitamin C interfere with glucose meter readings?

High levels of vitamin C can cause glucose meter readings to be falsely high, leading to inaccurate results.