Improper hand washing
We use our hands every day, even for mundane tasks. So it goes without saying that you need to wash your hands to prevent bacteria from building up when you wipe your mouth. For people with diabetes, it is important to clean hands before testing blood sugar, as dirt and sugar can cause inaccurate readings from the glucose meter. Just using rubbing alcohol on your chosen finger won’t cut it off either, as this can interfere with your reading. Just wash your hands for 15 seconds with antibacterial soap and warm water, as this can even help with blood circulation. This, in turn, will improve the accuracy of all your reading.
Use expired test strips
Although they are more durable than products made in grocery stores, test strips can also expire. These little plastic strips are key to diabetes treatment because glucose oxidase turns your blood into gluconic acid and your sugar into electricity. The algorithm then calculates blood sugar levels by reading the difference in currents. Must indicate the opening date and note the expiration date. When they are out of date or damaged, they can give false readings, causing you to overtreat or treat blood sugar deficiency. Store the glucose bars according to the instructions on the vial and avoid jiggling.
Overtreating hypoglycemia
When you notice that your blood sugar levels are low, it’s tempting to reach for something sweet to quickly raise your blood sugar levels. While it’s okay to eat a tasty snack once in a while, overeating to treat low blood sugar can cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly. As always, it is important to maintain a balanced diet with appropriate portion sizes. Determining the ideal amount of food you need to stabilize your blood sugar levels may take some trial and error, but it’s worth trying different options. Choosing starchy or fiber-rich carbohydrates is another way to help your body digest food more slowly throughout the day. By being mindful of your food choices and portion sizes, you can effectively control your blood sugar levels and, in the long run, promote better health.
