How to check for blood sugar at home?

Some blood sugar monitors that do not involve finger prick collection for people with diabetes include continuous glucose monitors, earlobe tests, and breath tests.

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) check blood sugar levels automatically at timed intervals. People do not need to prick their fingers to test their blood sugar levels, but finger pricks may be useful to calibrate the device.

According to an older study, a person has to put the CGM sensor under the skin of the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, or upper arm to test for glucose in interstitial fluid and other tissue. This fluid transports oxygen and nutrients to cells and helps them remove waste materials.

CGM devices can test glucose levels every 5 minutes. They come with a sensor, transmitters, and receivers or display units that provide regular reports, real-time data to an app or connected device, or a combination of both. Additionally, each separate part has its own price, and a person may need to replace sensors and transmitters regularly.

Some CGMs also require regular calibration using blood glucose meter (BGMs) readings, while others do not need frequent calibration. Individuals should follow the manufacturer’s instructions or seek help from a medical professional who can advise on using the device.

CGMs offer various advantages and disadvantages.

Some advantages of these devices include the following:

However, some disadvantages include the below:

Some monitors can check blood glucose levels through the ear lobes. However, according to 2019 research, earlobe scanning is not as effective for people with type 1 diabetes, especially during periods of exercise or very low blood sugar.

Integrity Applications, a company that focuses on needle-free blood glucose monitoring, manufactures GlucoTrack. This battery-operated noninvasive device helps people with type 2 diabetes monitor their blood glucose levels through their ear lobes.

At the time of publication, these tests do not have approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, Integrity Applications is planning to submit the device for trials to gain approved status.

Individuals with type 2 diabetes should speak with a doctor before using a blood sugar monitor, as they can determine whether they are safe and suitable for their condition.

Glucose breath tests may one day benefit people with diabetes and are also available for purchase.

These devices do not directly measure blood glucose levels — they use glucose in a person’s exhaled breath to measure total blood glucose levels.

However, manufacturers often market breath monitors for people interested in keto diets and wishing to monitor their blood sugar levels.

A person should be cautious when shopping for a blood glucose monitor. A 2012 study notes that breath monitors may claim they can manage diabetes. The authors also affirm that if these devices undergo further development, they may benefit individuals, especially children with diabetes and cystic fibrosis, as they are easy and safe to use.

Additionally, a 2020 study also notes that breath devices need to undergo additional, large-scale studies to determine how biological factors may affect the lag time and the reported glucose levels.

Breath tests currently do not have approval for managing blood sugar levels. A person should speak with a doctor before purchasing a breath test, particularly if they want to monitor their levels closely.

• After washing your hands, insert a test strip into your meter.
• Use your lancing device on the side of your fingertip to get a drop of blood.
• Touch and hold the edge of the test strip to the drop of blood and wait for the result.
• Your blood glucose level will appear on the meter's display.

It’s important for blood glucose levels to stay in a healthy range. If glucose levels get too low, we can lose the ability to think and function normally. If they get too high and stay high, it can cause damage or complications to the body over the course of many years.

The logging of your results is vital. When you bring your log to your health care provider, you’ll  have a good picture of your body's response to your diabetes care plan. To help keep track of your levels, we have a printable blood glucose log. We also have a blood glucose log available for purchase that is smaller so you can carry it with you.

Talk to your doctor about whether you should be checking your blood glucose. People who may benefit from checking blood glucose regularly include those:

People with diabetes check their blood glucose levels by poking their fingertips and using a blood glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to measure the blood glucose level at that moment. Read on to find out how to use a blood glucose meter. To find out more about CGMs, start by talking to your doctor.

Note: All meters are slightly different, so always refer to your user's manual for specific instructions.

Blood glucose targets are individualized based on:

The American Diabetes Association suggests the following targets for most nonpregnant adults with diabetes. A1C targets differ based on age and health. Also, more or less stringent glycemic goals may be appropriate for each individual.

When you finish the blood glucose check, write down your results and note what factors may have affected them, such as food, activity, and stress. Take a close look at your blood glucose record to see if your level is too high or too low several days in a row at about the same time. If the same thing keeps happening, it might be time to change your diabetes care plan. Work with your doctor or diabetes educator to learn what your results mean for you. It can take time to make adjustments and get things just right. And do ask your doctor if you should report results out of a certain range right away by phone.

Keep in mind that blood glucose results often trigger strong feelings. Blood glucose numbers can leave you upset, confused, frustrated, angry, or down. It's easy to use the numbers to judge yourself. Remind yourself that tracking your blood glucose level is simply a way to know how well your diabetes care plan is working, and whether that plan may need to change.