Sharing a Glucose Meter
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend whenever possible that blood glucose meters should not be shared. Bryant says, “If a glucose meter and supplies are shared there is a risk of infection from blood. Smeared drops of blood from fingers can remain on the meter or on the tip of the lancing device (a needle that is used o get a drop of blood from your finger or another part of your body) after checking blood glucose.”
If blood glucose meters must be shared, the CDC says the device should be cleaned and disinfected after every use, per manufacturer’s instructions, to prevent carry-over of blood and infectious agents. If the manufacturer does not specify how the device should be cleaned and disinfected, then it should not be shared.
Bryant explained, “There is little reason to share a meter since most insurance companies will cover your blood glucose meters and supplies. There are also several low-cost blood glucose kits you can buy at local drug stores.”
Alternate Site Testing
Some meters let individuals obtain their blood sample from an area other than their fingertip. Alternate sites include your palm, upper arm, forearm, thigh, or calf. Many people prefer alternate sites because they are less painful. “Taking a blood sample from the palm, forearm and upper arm may be less painful for most people, compared to the fingertips, because there are fewer nerves in these areas,” says Bryant.
If you feel symptoms of low blood glucose, test your finger instead of an alternate site. “The blood glucose reading from alternate areas may reflect a delayed reading that is 30 minutes old. Taking a blood glucose reading from the fingertip reflects the most current value.”
Additionally, you should use only blood from your fingertip if you: have just taken insulin, are not aware of symptoms when you have low blood glucose, have just eaten, just exercised, are ill, or if you are under stress.
Constance Brown-Riggs, MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, national speaker and author of The African American Guide to Living Well with Diabetes.. She is a Dannon One Yogurt Every Day Nutrition Advisor.