How to test blood sugar

A blood sugar meter is used to test blood sugar. The meter measures the amount of sugar in a small sample of blood. Most often, the blood comes from the side of the fingertip. Then the blood is placed on a disposable test strip. With certain CGMs, you still may need a blood sugar meter to set your CGM device daily.

Your healthcare professional or a certified diabetes care and education specialist can recommend a CGM device for you. They also can help you learn how to use your meter.

Follow the instructions that come with your blood sugar meter. In general, here's how the process works:

1. Wash and dry your hands well. Food and other substances on your hands may lead to a reading that isn't correct.
2. Place a test strip into your meter.
3. Prick the side of your fingertip with the needle that comes with your test kit. That needle also is called a lancet.
4. Touch and hold the edge of the test strip to the drop of blood.
5. The meter displays your blood sugar level on a screen after a few seconds.

Some meters can test blood taken from another body part such as the forearm or palm. But these readings may not be as accurate as readings from the fingertips, especially after a meal or during exercise. Blood sugar levels change more often at these times. Using a body part other than the fingertips is not recommended when you set a CGM. That process also is called calibrating.