How To Test For Diabetes At Home

For diabetics testing glucose (blood sugar) levels should be a regular part of your routine.

Learning how to test diabetes at home comes with challenges. But, it will save you a lot of time and you will know instantly what to do to avoid long term complications.

What are at home diabetes tests?

There are several types of at-home diabetes tests that can help you track your condition. You can either get a home blood sugar test or a home diabetes urine test. 

Blood sugar testing includes strips to collect blood, lancets and a glucometer that evaluates the sample.

For some people taking their blood can be nerve-racking. Alternatively, you can do a urine ketone test. Ketone testing evaluates the urine for ketones. High levels of ketones indicate that the body has insufficient amounts of insulin. In this case, it’s essential to visit the doctor as soon as possible.

Who should use these tests?

Before buying any test, consult with a specialist. Your doctor will explain if these tests are for you, how often you would need testing and when to use them. 

Depending on your condition, your doctor should also let you know what’s your glucose  target level is. 

At home diabetes tests are designed for people diagnosed with type 1 and 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, and those who are experiencing diabetes symptoms.

If you are wondering how to test for type 1 diabetes at home or how often you need to do it if you only have some symptoms of diabetes, your doctor will answer all of these questions. 

With these at-home tests, you can avoid complications like nerve damage, diabetic coma, eye, and kidney disease. 

How to perform an at-home test for diabetes

Most diabetes at-home tests work the same way so they are easy to replicate.

If this is your first time performing the test, make sure you read the instructions carefully. If possible, have someone who has done this before next to you if this is your first time completing an at home test.

Most people don’t know, but test strips can be out of date. So make sure you check the date on your strips before using them.

1. Wash your hands, ensuring you are clean and ready for testing.
2. Make sure that everything from the instruction is in your test kit, and prepare the kit’s contents for testing. 
3. Place the lancet into the lancet device. Then put a new test strip into the glucose meter. 
4. Prick your finger with the lancet device. A small drop of blood should appear. You should place the drop of blood on the test strip attached to the glucose meter. 
5. The results should appear within seconds. 

Useful tips for at-home diabetes testing

To ensure you can make sure that your at-home glucose testing is as accurate as possible. 

Some tests are offering the option to prick your arm or thigh instead of your finger. However, the most accurate test results are when you take the blood sample from your finger. If you prefer to use your arm or thigh, consult with your doctor first. 

Make a reminder in your notebook or your smart device when you should take the test. Ask your doctor how many times per day you should do it and when. For example, people who take insulin will take more tests than those who don't.

Consider tracking your results, this can be crucial for determining patterns or potential problems with your glucose levels. Take these notes with you every time you see your doctor. 

Also, make sure you write down the following next to every result:

• time and date of every test
• medications that you’ve been taking
• If the test was done before or after a meal (if after, you can add what you had to eat)
• physical activity during the day

Moreover, you should take the test every time you feel unwell or have made any changes to your diabetes management plan. 

Let us help you

Testing regularly is essential for any diabetes management plan. Along with testing, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important. One essential task in a healthy lifestyle is looking after your feet. People with diabetes can develop different issues due to improper care of their feet. 

You can start taking care of your feet by getting warm socks. They can protect your feet from any injury, keep your feet warm, and improve blood flow.

For any additional questions about our product range, don't hesitate to reach out. Feel free to contact us with any suggestions, feedback, or doubts you might have, and we’ll be happy to answer as soon as possible.