We’re sure you’ve done it at some point, you don’t need to have any type of diabetes, but checking your blood sugar should be something you do regularly to make sure your levels are okay and you don’t get a surprise later on. Pay attention to the following tips so that the next time you do it, your results will be correct and you will be able to know your status.

1.-Cleaning is necessary. Before testing your blood sugar, you should wash your hands with soap and water, this will prevent germs or other substances from interfering with your results. Also, make sure that the lancet is not dirty or damp. For this we recommend that you do not store it in places where it is likely to accumulate dirt. Your test strips should also be kept in a clean place, only removed from the container when you are going to use them to prevent them from becoming infected.

2.-Where to prick yourself? The most common place people prick themselves is on the fingertips. However, it is recommended that it is not directly on the yolk, but rather on the side of the yolk. This is because if the fingertips are pricked for an extended period of time, the fingerprints may become altered. In addition, it is recommended that you do not always prick the same finger, try to change fingers every time you are going to do it so that your skin has more time to regenerate the next time you go to check your sugar.

3.-Disinfection. When you are cleaning the area where you are going to prick, try to always have soap and water at hand, it is preferable to use this instead of alcohol. Alcohol is considered a more aggressive substance for the skin.

4.-Do not press your skin. Once you’ve pricked yourself and are waiting for the drop of blood to come out, don’t press on your skin to make it come out. Instead of doing this, simply position your hand like a “pendulum” and wait for the sensation of your blood rushing down your arm. Another tip is not to use cold water, as it prevents the blood from flowing easily.

5.-Do not share your material. Like a toothbrush, your sugar meter is personal. So, make sure you don’t share your lancets on everything. If you go to a public place where they check your sugar, ask that they always use a new lancet and that the person wears fully disinfected gloves.

6.-Use the first drop or the second drop? According to studies, it has been recommended that the study be taken with the second drop of blood. It is important to note that several studies have established that it is preferable to prick the finger with more force rather than having to press on it in order to get the drop.

We hope these tips have been helpful to you the next time you go to check your sugar.

Don’t forget that you can always consult your doctor to confirm the advice we have just given you.