Your Blood Sugar Reading Is Wrong 😒

[@onekajun437]

Frustrating in this day and age they can't produce a meter that is more accurate. Thank you for your videos.

[@kayoxford7442]

I help run a diabetic group, we ALWAYS tell people to wash their hands and dry with a clean towel before testing. Also do not squeeze your finger.

[@terepaz9488]

but blood doesn't come out😅Unless we squeeze

[@Junebug00000]

What should we do instead of squeeze? To get a drop of blood

[@richardtyll6331]

@@Junebug00000 I'm new to using this meter. It's an Accu-chek & I found the top turns from 1-5. I started on 2, but it didn't penetrate my skin deep enough. I moved the setting to 3 and that works. As for squeezing or not, I take a blood thinner so I don't want to poke my finger deep enough that blood comes out on its own. It will bleed for 5-10 minutes!

[@scottlathrop66]

@@Junebug00000 Big knife?

[@VRUAN]

【Also do not squeeze your finger】Why?

[@anncruz901]

This video is very informative for those people seeking advice on meter fluctuations . Great job.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Glad you think so!

[@johnmclane9965]

I was diagnosed with diabetes just over a year ago and am still trying to navigate all of this from diet to readings. Thank you so much for this information.

[@ourcreativebeehive]

Check with local hospitals. I am currently taking a free class about living with a chronic illness, in this case, diabetes. The hospital also offers free classes in food and other topics.

[@GraceAboundedMore]

Check "beat diabetes dennis pollock" here on youtube. Great information!

[@jimwilliams4088]

1 day after a 3.75 mile walk, I tested my blood sugar w/o washing my hands and got a reading of 180. Then I tested my blood again after washing my hands, and got a lower reading by 50 points. I told my P A about this experiment, and I said to him that my guess was because when we sweat, our sweat has sugar in it. He said to me, that's right

[@MisterMooster]

I had a result of dropping 110 points after about a 90 minute workout, from 270 to 160, when I was struggling with blood sugar (it's a lot better now due to omad, One Meal A Day (low carb), which has been the only thing to get me to readings under 100 consistently. Omad has been the solution for me for a while, though I am hoping to be able to safely add back some meals at some point- I won't use medications though. I tried on another day with a long workout and the blood sugar didn't drop at all. You would probably want to do multiple tests over multiple days to see what kind of results you can get consistently.

[@Oldspartan65]

You always wash your hands first

[@IheartDogs55]

That's good to know!

[@ArtStoneUS]

I frequently let myself become dehydrated, and there’s a consistent pattern that if you’re dehydrated, your readings will be higher. That makes sense because the reading is a ratio between the glucose and the total blood volume. If your blood is thicker, because it doesn’t have enough water, that all makes sense.

[@willmejia2k6]

Definitely makes sense. I saw this blood-volume relation on another video and it's so obvious now that I think of it. The other way around could happen if we over do the hydration, the reading could be lower. Sometimes the answer is there but we don't seem to analyze correctly the surrounding circumstances. Thanks for sharing your experience, it helped me a lot!

[@j.dasilva4567]

Makes sense. I though the same recently with strangely high mesures in hot days.

[@DurianKing70]

Yes, me too as I tend to have more highs in the summer and difficult to lower them. Heat can raise your blood sugar indirectly. Its an added stressor to your body which provokes your liver to secrete stored glycogen, hence increase in blood sugar without eating or drinking any carbs. Keeping hydrated can help with this issue. Then there is the cold winter days when I do not feel thirsty and at times forget to drink until in the evenings.

[@eminemilly]

I got low blood sugar while pregnant when I had to drink water and not pee for thr anatomy ultrasound. I drank too much on accident and ate less and the office was far away

[@Original50]

If you are pre-diabetic, you don't need the same granularity and 'accuracy' of readings that fully-diagnosed hypo-/hyperglycaemic people do. You know that management of diet and fitness is the key. Rather than obsess over your sugar levels, a so-called 'lag metric', observe a reasonable low-carb diet, feeding-schedule and exercise regime, which represent 'lead metrics'; values which lead you to a desired goal. Trust the process. The body wants to do it's best for you, but you have to help it with some self-discipline. Good luck my Sweeties 😘

[@ericdecoster9353]

Although I agree fully with your second statement about diet and exercise, I disagree with your first one about not needing the same granularity when one has in fact been diagnosed as pre-diabetic, aka in trouble. I personally believe that monitoring has to be enhanced. It actually helps motivate the individual in his lifestyle endeavors. I works for me. I am about to turn 70. No med, low carb diet, daily exercise, gym or long walk. 30 years since diagnosed. In great shape, for my age. The guide book says I am pre-diabetic 90% of the time. And normal 10% of the time. I have settled for that and want to keep it that way.

[@Original50]

@@ericdecoster9353 Do you know how long you need to walk to drop your values to normal? The angle I'm coming from is that, if you pay attention to yourself, you can 'hack' your sugar-management. I learned quickly, through before/after tests, that I could drop my morning spike 40 points, by marching for 35 minutes around my hill. 20 minute brisk walk around the block after every meal, nailed-it! 😌

[@kathymalmquist901]

I was taught to wipe off that first drop of blood ,then use the second drop of blood. I do think it makes a difference 😊

[@jrowlove7328]

I tested that theory, it doesn’t make a difference with me.

[@Hippy2021]

@@jrowlove7328 same here. Washing your hands with soap and no need to wipe off the first drop

[@ekummel]

Same here, but sometimes, there's not a lot of blood for a second drop and I really don't want to prick my finger a second time!

[@DiabetesStrong]

It was a good theory, thank you everyone for testing it out and letting us know

[@btudrus]

It definitely makes difference if you are measuring other parameters (like uric acid) which has far lower concentration. But with blood sugar it can also be a problem, especially in moments when the BS is changing rapidly. You get a mixture of blood and the interstitial fluid with the first drop...

[@ekummel]

Different brand meters also report differently. I use a McKesson meter which my doctor also uses (she gave me my meter) When you touch the strip to the blood, the meter beeps to let you know that it has enough blood to test. Then it calculates the value and beeps again to display the result. My meter's instructions also say to never use a second meter. To always use that meter...I guess it's to make sure that if the reading are at least they are consistent. Sometimes consistency is better than accuracy!

[@ix-Xafra]

My glucometer has a +/- 20% accuracy tolerance. Add to that being dehydrated 1st thing in the morning can raise the reading 20% PLUS the fact my glucometer is made, supplied and given free to me by the same pharma group that make several diabetes meds...

[@arnoldpfusterschmid1108]

The taught procedure for paramedics here in Austria/Europe is, to wipe of the first blood drop from the finger and use the second one for the test strip.

[@Gi_Lovely]

Thank you. I will try that. I’ve read that wiping the finger with alcohol before might result in a spike in the reading. 😫

[@bradsillasen1972]

@@Gi_Lovely I've wondered about that as I do the same. But have at least attempted to dry the finger before prick. I'll try a more thorough approach.

[@bradsillasen1972]

I've been having very inconsistent results and tried doing three tests on one prick after wiping off the first drop. Results after eating were: 173, 178, 172 which is an almost acceptable variance. Thanks for your suggestion. I'll change my test routine now.

[@mehmetsayman1492]

I've found that the best way to check the accuracy of the meter is to take 2 readings less than a minute apart. If the reading is +/- 1 or 2 points, then that is an accurate meter. Low quality meters will vary 20-25 points with those 2 measurements.

[@fakepropoganda8497]

Do you prick second time ?

[@mehmetsayman1492]

@fakepropoganda8497 Yes, just once to check the accuracy

[@fakepropoganda8497]

@@mehmetsayman1492 I checked too after 3 minuts it shown 15 mg difference

[@dantruitt1138]

Which is why the CGM is so handy. You can do a number of readings within a minute and get a fairly accurate measurement. Using one of these I average about 20 readings a day. I have type 2 and it really helped me fine tune my diet.

[@200Nora]

They are kind of expensive for most. Unless you are diagnosed diabetic, the insurance will not help with checking your BG devices at all. I am now trying to find one that I can use at least three months a year, at lower price. I was not working for more than a year, but I am going to try one since I am working again.

[@Mamaohhh04]

I saw a study that those are very inaccurate by upwards of 20 points.

[@200Nora]

@@Mamaohhh04 Yeah, no device is 100% accurate. Actually cgms do not read from blood, but from interstitial fluid. It is close enough to obtain the best continuous data to manage your metabolism.

[@gabymalembe]

My cgm read much lower than the fingerstick, but it was still very helpful because it was easy to see which foods spike my sugar and which ones don’t.

[@Gsnd8989]

@@Mamaohhh04 more than that

[@teliamanor5922]

Nice video. I am also becoming aware of the importance of calibrating your meter to the control solution. So you know your meter is at least functioning within range. A lot of people don't know about this. Thank you

[@530mnorman]

This is part of why I kind of like using mmol/L instead of mg/dL. The smaller number seems to obscure those small differences in accuracy. 120 vs 140 mg/dL seems like a bigger deal than 6.7 versus 7.8 mmol/L. When i moved back to the states and started using CGM, it frustrated me that I couldn't change the units.

[@DiabetesStrong]

That’s a super interesting point, thank you. You’re right, it does seem like less of a deal with mmol/l

[@anitawilliams9186]

It's the same percentage, basically, between both units of measurement.

[@gjulp]

Divide mg/dL value by 18 to get mmol/L

[@Jack-hy1zq]

​@@gjulp Thank you 👋

[@risenart7571]

My son was diagnosed a few days ago, so I'm learning every day. Thanks!

[@DiabetesStrong]

Happy to help!

[@Rick-or2kq]

I was diagnosed with Type 2, 10 years ago and have been on metformin since, recently my doctor prescribed Glimepiride1 Mg a day with the Metformin because my glucose levels are beginning to rise has the metformin is losing its effect, but my glucose levels are all over the place anyways which they told me to expect, so I don't worry about it, I go by A1c results, which are below 7.

[@Clint3029]

Excellent information. It was surprising to me how many people did not know that there is a +-15% range for glucometers. I only use trends of measurements over a period of time for test like my fasting test each morning. Never get excited about an individual reading. It can be very beneficial to track what you eat along with the glucose readings.

[@DiabetesStrong]

That’s smart, thank you for sharing

[@dellagilchrist7647]

Don't squeeze the blood out, gently massage your finger. A nurse told me by squeezing you could get blood serum which can give you an inaccurate reading. I have found this to be true too.

[@Michael-B41]

really well mine wont if i dont squeeze it lol

[@alfredttarski4521]

Agreed.

[@mikeodee1164]

u have to squeeze the blood out or it wont work

[@topbuilder3790]

@@mikeodee1164 Me too. I would have to use a drill...

[@TalkingGIJoe]

I found such a disparity in the continuous meter and the finger prick meter... disheartening to say the least. Chucked them both. Went Keto... quit carbs and never looked back. My endocrinologist was shocked. Normal sugar, normal blood pressure...

[@PinkieJoJo]

I’m not diabetic but was feeling like crap. Someone suggested I check my sugars and I was constantly high. Over 100 no matter what. I have gone keto as well and now my sugars are always under 100 except once in a blue moon. I only spot check now. And before some say shame on me for using a meter I literally just got a Walmart brand one and got it for a purpose. My feelings of dizziness and blurry vision after meals went away.

[@1eingram]

Blood sugar varies throughout the day, minute by minute.

[@jadenharris4960]

Thank you , I'm so sick of this testing bs, I'm telling my Dr to give me something more accurate for readings

[@eagleeye9549]

My CGM was reading 370 this morning, so I broke out my Livongo, and it read 114! So, I tried it again, and it was still 114. Called CGM company, and they are sending new ones overnight!

[@Gi_Lovely]

I literally got 3 different readings, on different fingers, in a matter of minutes. Lately I have eating so much more healthier, been drinking lime water and have seen higher readings. I’m going to reduce the lime and check to see if the strips are expired. Thank you ☺️

[@Ikn0wn0w]

I also see that they put the glucose sticks in so you have to TOUCH the read end... that can also transfer sugars to the tip of the stick.

[@Kepi_Kei]

My Libre 3 CGM has a +-20 accuracy. I am newly on insulin at night and Metformin twice a day. Terrified of low sugars. Because the CGM can be higher or lower than my meter I set the low blood sugar alarm to go off below 100. It gives me time to check against my meter to see if it is truly low before grabbing some fast acting carbs. I used to have a lot of trouble falling asleep, afraid I would go low and not wake up. So glad I have the CGM to wake me up!

[@SQLKC]

The low alert is 60-70 for mine and it's off by 20. Would be nice to have a lower setting alert. The sensor goes off the say at 60 at 2:00 in the morning I get up and check it against my finger meter and it's 20 higher. Very frustrating to the point of cutting the alarm off to get sleep.

[@bobboscarato1313]

@@SQLKC If your blood glucose is below 70 you're ready to fall.- I always check my BG before I drive. Years ago I was rushing/ truck cheched. Got there and sat down felt too hot and then passed out. Next thing I know I was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Driver told me BG was 20.- !!!

[@CaneFu]

My glucometer readings have been all over the board, to such an extent that they have been completely useless. I'll try these tips.

[@hike2024]

My meter will not read an expired strip. I"m type 2, and it's a battle keeping this in check. I probably check mine 5 or 6 times a day now because I'm working hard to get my A1C down for my next Dr's visit. Knowing these numbers as accurately as possible is very important. Great information, as least it's good to know why I get these 20 point fluctuations at times. Thank you!

[@jamessharier7529]

I’ve observed it a few times with myself, but now I use a cgm but I’m using the meter to verify with the cgm. When I go low I always compare the two then only use the meter as my blood sugar rises. Very informative channel

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thank you. And thank you for sharing

[@NerdyNanaSimulations]

Good information, what threw me was finding out that if you apply pressure to squeeze out the blood it will be higher than if the blood comes out on it's own. Thanks for the info.

[@janetwhalen7628]

Great tips - I use two monitors (Keto Mojo & Dario) and see consistent differences by about 10-15 points. If the difference is greater than this, I wash hands again and take another set of readings.

[@bananasplit8529]

I bought the Reli-On Classic at Walmart, and I swear, I think it is calibrated to read higher, because you will have to buy your test strips at (you got it) Walmart! I test on mine, and then within seconds, I use my husband's meter...and my meter is always 15-20 points higher! I read that some other people have this issue too!!

[@thestooges333]

Reli-On is crap if you hit 170 or higher it breaks I threw mine in the garbage. I use Embrace the talking one . Cheap strips and close to real blood tests, I take before and after the real blood tests less than 10 points difference

[@GospelOfTimothy]

They have new blood glucose watches that measure your glucose every half hour without pricking any blood. Some say they're not accurate but you can watch your blood glucose go down when you fast and up when you eat. The way I look at it is even fits 10 points off you can still gauge what your blood glucose is by subtracting 10 points from the reading.

[@georgeriley1280]

I test with Accu-Chek, Livongo and Dexcom. The three readings almost always vary, sometimes by large amounts(20 or more points).

[@JAspen-xe9nv]

My glucose meters instructions say to clean hands (and be careful of certain soap residues as they may contain elements that will throw off the accuracy), draw the first drop and wipe it off. Use only the second drop, not the 3rd,4th or so on. You would be trying to use the first blood draw for 2 strips, preferably the ring finger, then use your index finger for the second draw. Again, use only the second drop and be careful when wiping off the first drop not to get anything on your skin that could contaminate the second drop as it comes out.

[@sharonsplace5146]

I had started getting really high readings consistently on my BG meter but my Dexcom G7 was a lot lower. I checked my strips and they were expired. I had a new set of strips which were not expired so I rechecked with the new strips and my BS was over 100 mg/dcl lower. That taught me a lesson. Check that exp date and double check your BG before treating yourself.

[@daydreameravani]

It really does not matter, whether it is 146 or 161, it is already telling the fact that the blood sugar level is a bit elevated and we have to go for some exercise. If the meter shows 200, well, it does not have to be accurate enough to warn you that you eat something wrong in your previous meal.

[@Arfonfree]

On washing hands: I've found that the choice of soap matters. I get the most consistent readings by using Palmolive Pure and Clear dish soap. Probably any soap without color or fragrance would work as well, but I haven't checked all of them.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Interesting! Thank you for sharing

[@wyle569]

I'm type 2 and test twice a day. First thing in AM and about 3 in the afternoon. I use the Contour Next One and the tests are sent to an app on my phone. Right now I have 173 tests over 90 days for an average reading of 105. An A1C would be 7 points higher or 112 so an A1C of 5.5. This has held true over several years. Good advise about Clean hands etc. I sometimes forget as I did the other day and had a test of 154 and another immediatly after washing my hands of 118.

[@ForeverHealthUS]

Great video, Christelle! It's so important to highlight the potential inaccuracies in blood sugar readings and how to get more reliable results. Your tips are super practical and easy to follow, especially the one about always washing hands before testing. Thanks for breaking it all down and helping us manage diabetes more effectively! Keep up the awesome work!

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thank you 😊

[@ruthcavanagh1043]

Thank you. I appreciate you and the information you provide concerning diabetes and everything that goes with it. It is a great help and yes I have had readings that were different and conflicting in the past and that's why I have always only tested just once because I don't want to have a bunch of different readings.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thank you for watching and sharing your experience

[@donnowakowski4224]

Wow, I really needed this video. Thanks for educating me on this! I have been having issues with erroneous readings. I will definitely follow your recommendations. Thank you.

[@pinsolomons]

THANK YOU! For explaining why the left hand sticking varies so much from the right hand sticking at the same sessions!!!! Thank you for drawing attention to the amount of blood to put on the stick!!! I had no idea and used to say some bad words when one stick would be 20 to 30 points higher than another on the same hand, different fingers or one reading on one hand and a higher one on the other hand. I was glad to hear your advice to take multiple readings to try and get an average if there are big differences between two sticks. I've subscribed and will follow!!!

[@DiabetesStrong]

Glad it was helpful

[@jbjacobs9514]

Bad words - I am LOL so hard right now. You are so nice about it. I said more than "bad words" at mine. hehhehehe

[@mehrzadfarmahin7494]

The average is meaningless if they are very far apart.

[@youthrevisitedagain]

I'm so glad to see you pricking the side of your finger. So many doctors' offices prick the tip of the finger which really hurts more.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Yikes 😬

[@josebrivera1716]

I find that people set their finger stick device to go too deeply into their skin. I set mine to bare puncture my skin and I therefore feel no pain at all. No need to prick the side of your finger. Also don’t press the finger stick device deep into your finger. That’s another reason one can feel pain.

[@dk17th]

I prick my palm

[@javadhashtroudian5740]

I was prediabetic in 2012. Through extra exercise and nutrition, I'm no longer prediabetic HIAC 0f 5,4. I do take my blood sugar and keto levels on occasion as a biohacker. I always clean the first drop of blood in case there is any alcohol contamination.

[@RedSpicyFeast1010]

How long did it take to cure pre diabetes?

[@colinmccarthy7921]

I am a Diabetic Type 1 on Insulin.I used to use finger pricking to see what my sugar blood level was.I now use a Sensor which is attached to my arm,I have a meter which goes over the Sensor,and it gives me the sugar blood level.The results are very good.My sugar blood levels can vary anything from 3 to 20. My normal levels should be between 4-8. It does not really affect me. I am sure there are many people would say,that this is not good diabetic control.I agree.

[@DiabetesStrong]

I'm glad you find your CGM useful. Thank you for sharing

[@cindyborbely9674]

I was deeply affected by the cgm readings being high and could not figure out why. So I bought a freestyle lite which is the blood measure and found it was less everytime. I called the Co. And they advised to use the blood sticks. The cgm is a fortune here in Canada and to have it be so off was not acceptable. I now only use the blood monitor.

[@Equinox051256]

I consistently had a higher BG reading with a Livongo meter than with my Verio OneTouch meter.

[@mhfnet]

I totally agree with what you about getting more accurate blood glucose testing. Like when I need to calibrate my Dexcom I definite wash my hands and take two readings from opposite hands and average them and sometimes take a 3rd if they are way off and average the two that are the closest. Our situations are so similar being on multiple daily injections and I find the information you provide to be the most accurate and useful that I have found. Thanks so much!

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thank you so much, and appreciate you sharing

[@antoinettebrown3834]

This was helpfu! It answered a lot of the questions I had as to why my readings were so different! It’s annoying to have to wash my hands every time I check because I’m not at home all the time!

[@mariateresamondragon5850]

I keep alcohol wipes in my test kit. It's not as good as washing one's hands with soap and water, but it's better than nothing.

[@knowledgekiduniya4313]

always wash the finger from where you are going to take the sample blood. The 2nd thing to consider, is that the testing strips have validity. once the strips bottle open you should utilise all strips within the validity expired date as mentioned in the bottle.3rd provide sufficient blood onto the strip. 4th, never do sugar test after any exercise or workout or running etc. 5th you should fast for atleast 12 hours before taking the reading and the best time is early in the morning just after you wake up.

[@bobboscarato1313]

If you take 3 BG tests per day; the 100 strips will last for a full month.

[@edwardhanson3664]

Thank you. I have to pay more attention to washing my hands first. I always strive to fill the test strip with blood, but sometimes it just doesn't want to come. I want to get some test solution to test the accuracy of my glucometer. I used to be an analytical chemist and I've done a lot of instrumental analyses.

[@myanaloglife9450]

Very true, you can get different readings with separate blood samples, even if taken at the same time from the same finger..that being said it’s not going to be off by enough to make a difference, so it’s not normally a big deal..only time this info is vital is when you are dangerously low..and your body will give you signals..

[@christyb7590]

After working out by bg level might be 75. I follow a strict clean Keto. Its annoying when the meters aren't pretty precise because I need to decide if I need some sugar or not. I try to go by how I feel as well. I just wish rhe meters were more accurate. Im glad I saw this because I thought it was just me .

[@NIGHTOWL-jf9zt]

I have been a type 2 diabetic for a loooong time. I can usually tell from how I feel if my sugar is hi or low within reason. Even when I was hospitalized and getting professional care, by blood sugar levels were always wonky. The nurses were stumped by how they could never get things in check in spite of my restricted diet and insulin adjustment. Now a days I try to keep it as close to 100 as possible, which rarely happens. I have literally 15 different meters and they will all tell me different numbers even with their control solution.

[@gregorywootton3870]

Go keto and be healed

[@jadenharris4960]

In the hospital for what actually???

[@drsysop]

I was told using alcohol pad to clean the area to be injected. I was told depending on what time of day you check blood as during the day maybe higher & to test first thing when you wake up. I am seeing avg. 100-130 is normal range & if you over 140 its a bit to high & If it's 70-90 its to low.

[@seanacameron8940]

Thank yo so very mch. Just started on the test strips, and yo have explained it so perfectly. Look forward to seeing more of yor wondweful videos. Happy Easter

[@andrewwilliams3394]

After pricking your finger always wipe away the first drop of blood with a clean dry tissue, then squeeze the finger slightly and test with the second drop of blood.

[@pandurangrotithor]

Level changes, if you squeeze finger. If plasma is added, it has 15% more sugar than blood.

[@JT1358]

Plasma is the part of whole blood that the cells are suspended in. Your finger-prick measures on whole blood. If you go to a lab we would measure purely on plasma as we would use proper blood samples collected in bottles and centrifuged to remove the cells. Whole blood glucose (as measured from a finger prick) is usually about 10-15% lower than glucose measured in a lab situation on plasma. Hope that helps.

[@prateekbobby6507]

​@@JT1358exactly great ..

[@Marcus-lu9fk]

Don't forget to ALWAYS wipe off the first drop of blood you get after a finger stick. Every glucometer I have ever used says that in the instruction manuals.

[@richardtyll6331]

Thanks! This is the 2nd time I've heard this, it makes sense. One Question, would a blood thinner change readings? I also take a dozen pills for breakfast, etc.

[@Marcus-lu9fk]

@@richardtyll6331 they can

[@sgfx]

i have had as much as 10 points differents with two strips, same batch , same drop of blood. 15 sec apart, one just after the other. and as for the meter i like the Contour next Bluetooth meter it is small , slick , can slip into a pocket, even the little pocket on jeans. and it store the numbers bu updates when the app is open.

[@carolnabakowski8395]

I've learned a lot from your channel and videos, Thank you! I've been a Type 1 Diabetic for 3 years now, after pancreatic surgery. I started a new routine when I kept having high blood sugars in the morning after dosing and waiting, then eating breakfast. I now do a finger stick before dosing and normally use that information to dose. I've found as high as 30 points difference or just 2 points difference between meter and Dexcom G6. I've yet to find the reason, but am keeping a log to discuss with my medical team. I do get comfort with the finger stick- knowing my mornings are a little less stressful.

[@AhmedAdly11]

Thanks a lot for these videos. I just discovered I am diabetic and have questions :)

[@BlackhawkPilot]

There are good reasons the Dr’s office uses an alcohol wipe before taking a blood sample. Each day is just a data point, it is the series of data points that give you a trend.

[@whatsup3270]

I experienced this with not allowing the cleaning alcohol dry, the alcohol easily went into the capillary tube.

[@paulo4735]

Great video. My insurance co picked the model featured in this video a model which gave me 92 and 98 fasting scores Readings closest to my A1C test score of 98. The rest of the glucose tests from my doctors/dietician visits were all over the map 128, 158 etc. Try planning a picnic around weather reports like that. You can of course draw your own conclusions but with they say an estimated 100 million pre diabetics in this country I find it more than "coincidental" that all/most of the glucose score readings these testing machines provide the general public with just happen to consistently land on the high end.Good luck.

[@jbjacobs9514]

Did you talk to your doctor or nurse? My doc would say as long as it was 130 or under, he wasn't too concerned. But I am like you - I decide what I can eat, mainly, after I do my morning test. It kind of plans your sugar for the day. However, it is also a result of how the sugar spikes over night. So, you may not be as bad as you think. I would freak at the 158, even though I would probably figure (for me) that I ate something that was a bit more sugary or carby.

[@FSB75]

I was getting up to 100 difference from 2 different meters. Now I'm in the market for a new meter.

[@homiedonthateg]

Great tips .. I always have to make sure my hands are completely dry and I get enough blood .. glad I am not the only one that do 3 test and do a average

[@TypeOneTalks]

Such a great idea for a video. ❤No surprise it’s going viral! Well done!🎉😊

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thank you 😊 Slowly learning

[@seoulbrooks]

Very good info. I use 4 different monitors to include a CGM. I get as much as a 60-point differences between these meters. It is a shame with the numbers of diabetics we have to deal with these types of poor meters. Would be really nice to have some accurate meters. Also seems like the industry has some very poor-quality assurance and the Government does poorly in monitoring. Doctors do not seem to be interested. In the meantime, the number of diabetics just continues to climb under current medical practices. Strongly suggest looking at some of the diet specific info available and not following the Government guidance on diabetes.

[@davidcottrell1308]

yup..go keto. low carb.

[@juanfermin1841]

Hello, I have a Prodigy sugar meter and I am doing intermittent fasting, I wash my hands with soap and and alcohol, so before I ate I took my blood test, the first one was 159, 1 minute later I took another, 144, another minute later I took another one, it was 129, it's a large difference, I think.

[@DiabetesStrong]

I agree, that seems like a significant difference in just 3 minutes

[@m.amirmughal6873]

Good suggestion lady

[@anonymouscatlover5571]

Thanks. My blood sugars run 260.

[@derwolfgangmeint1006]

Thanks for this helpful video. Greetings from Germany.

[@DiabetesStrong]

You are welcome! Thank you for watching

[@davidwood2387]

The sugar levels can change in your body , before it’s gets to your fingers . You may read lower, but higher or lower reading are coming .

[@mimouli]

Diabetes runs in my family . I was diagnosed in 2013 and started insulin injections and metformine tablets. My Ac dropped from 11 to 7.2 . Yes it is true when I use the glaucometer I get different readings but the readings from the lab are quite accurate.

[@greggbambu411]

I've definitely noticed that a very small amount of blood produces higher readings. Even if readings are a bit off , this is not a reason not to test. What has helped me the most is. Cutting out carbs. I have recently been able to reintroduce beans because the high fiber lowers my blood sugar even if they are higher in total carbs. Learn which foods affect your bloodsugar. Eat more plants and less fatty meats and less saturated fat. Eat earlier in the day. Stop eating by 5 or 6. No more food until breakfast the next day. These are the things that took me from borderline diabetic to a morning fasting glucose of 86 or around that. You can do it but it takes focus and work. If you don't gave the patience and focus to cut out the bad foods , it'll never work. You need to be fanatical about it. It needs to become you job.

[@Yourdeadmeat69]

That's way healthier than the SAD. Healthiest is keto carnivore, as your cells are completely manufactured of sat fat. Read more. PS : Plants wage chemical warfare. They're meant to challenge and tune up the body, not as a staple.

[@incubatork]

I have learnt from various sources that the order in which you eat whats on your plate affects the sugar spike, by eating your veges first that have high fiber content you create a temporary filter that slows down the absobtion of the other foods, ie. carbs, protien. I had the same meal for 5 days with almost the same amount each day and by eating the vegetables first I had less of a spike for all the overall intake was the same.

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

I wouldn't know how to act if my morning glucose was 87 !

[@jbjacobs9514]

There is a big difference, according to some doctors, if you eat your last meal at 6 as opposed to 8, for instance. You are right. Eating later than 6 or 7 has always been a bad thing for weight, diabetes, and other health issues. There are some doctors who vary on the times though - some say eat between 8 am and noon or some say 12 and 6. I do not believe in the ones who say to fast. It is bad for the brain and a lot of your body to skip breakfast. You can be careful about what you eat, but this whole fasting fad is not good for the brain! As for focus, I basically looked at it as a lifestyle change, rather than diet.

[@Yourdeadmeat69]

How fast the blood cavitates through the tip is also a factor. Instructions say hold the tip DOWN not up. Here's a way to pop ketones -- enough blood to get 1/2 way up the tip, wait a second, then finish. Doubles your ketone reading. Yeah, lotsa ways to cheat without intending.

[@scotmcpherson]

I noticed my glucometer (accucheck) has wild swings in readings. I started taking 3 readings and averaging them and that's expensive. I discovered a meter that also happens to be one of the cheapest strips is the Contour NextOne. Multiple readings are consistently within literally a few mg/dl of one another, and I also compared them against multiple Accucheck test groups for several days just to be sure they were giving the same range of readings. I am very confident in the readings I get from Contour NextOne. It's certified to the standards, but in practice I think it's less than +/- 5% accuracy or better.

[@200Nora]

I was pre-diabetic, and my dr did not tell me to check my BG. However, I took it upon myself because that was the only way to see if my diet and other changes were working. I bought one meter, that I did not like because it tended to give me a significant difference from one finger to another. The second I got was better, but still my readings from my right hand are usually lower by a few points not much but still a bit annoying. My A1c is good now, but I continue to check like every other month, especially if I make a change in my diet which is very low carb and only eat twice a day on most days.

[@PinkieJoJo]

A doctor once said there is no such thing as pre. Just yes or no. Perhaps if they had more people checking at what they consider as pre more people would avoid moving upward. Idk. Just a thought.

[@200Nora]

@@PinkieJoJo You are right! I read how the word pre diabetes came to be a few decades ago. It was coined to promote medications and to allow for easier reversal that with full grown diabetes 2, which can be more tricky and difficult to reverse. It is however possible with some determination and work.

[@deanhenthorn1890]

Washing the hands is common sense. Using an alcohol wipe to sterilize the target finger is paramount for infection prevention.

[@blazeandcyrus]

I get Livongo from my employer, I really like the service.

[@elizabethschmidt9924]

Ive realized this about testing my sugar. I look at trends mainly with my readings.

[@rickeyhughes6578]

I have the Livongo meter. I find it provided a lower reading than my relion walmart meter. Even after running control solutions.

[@foreverwood1963]

I get different readings of fingers from two different hands at the same time at least 10% at times

[@thesortaustralia]

Thanks for this video. Really helpful tips. I’ve also noticed that some meters (manufacturers) are consistently higher or lower than others. Contour meters seem to be consistent (I’ve got 3) but also consistently lower than Verio.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Incompletely agree. And I think Countour is one of the best meters as well

[@gjulp]

I think the lab also use some kind of a machine. But sample size it absorbe is bigger. So it is acurete.

[@jbjacobs9514]

I started to wonder about different things that would make readings possibly be off - I never thought about them expiring - I know that pills and food and other things expire, but I never thought a test strip would! I have accucheck and no one ever told me about how much blood or that a different hand would have a different result! This machine generally gives me an error if I don't fill the strip all the way. Mine looks very different than your test strip. Yours seems easier to work with. I am OCD so I usually do things after I wash my hands, but great tips all!

[@gertrudemikos7041]

Thank you for the updated information. I did nor now about this new information.

[@dorothybrown8859]

Thank you for this very helpful information.❤

[@mercmanwon]

Tough to imagine that a total of 40% error is acceptable and most everyone is astatic about “how good” this is. This is how complacent we have become. A CGM is just a range indicator at best. Don’t go and think the world is ending when you change sensors and you sugar is way out of wack. In fact expect each sensor to read a different range. 😮

[@bradsillasen1972]

Thanks for the excellent production. I've been graphing my overnight fasting levels and have been frustrated by the inconsistency when my diet and activity is fairly consistent. So I looked up the accuracy of the Countour.next I use and found it to be as you stated, + - 15%. That crude measurement is not useful too me at all. I take 2 tests within a couple minutes and have variance like; 111 & 106, 99 & 106. Yes, I could do multiple tests and derive an average, but I don't fancy becoming a human pin cushion. That makes the device unreliable for my needs. Very disappointing.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thank you for sharing. I know it can seem frustrating and trust me, I get it, I don't love doing finger sticks either. I find the +/-15% is accurate enough, as not much would change if my blood sugar is 99 vs. 106. And unfortunately, there is not much we can do about the accuracy anyway.

[@bradsillasen1972]

@@DiabetesStrong Thanks for that. I've read some comments with this and other like YT videos which offered a couple things which might improve accuracy. Sorry if I missed your mention of either. Do not use alcohol to pre-clean finger. I was using that but tried to dry first ...maybe some residual was an issue. Prick, then wipe away the first drop and use only the next for testing. I'll try both along with multiple tests per instance to see if that helps.

[@stevefiorito5379]

How would one know if their blood glucose reading was "off"? If it's more or less than "expected" it could be an accurate reading. I find that there is a wide variance of readings throughout the day that can be also affected by the amount of exercise done in the day and what was eaten during the day.

[@ehabnajm4998]

Thank you, but, i’m not clear on why the reading are different from a finger to another or from a hand to another. Also, from other videos, i came to know that squeezing the finger to get more blood makes the reading lower than it is. Another thing is, we need to be careful on when we get the reading during the day due to effect of dawn phenomena … last but not least, anemia or vitamin deficiency can give wrong reading too.

[@whankerakerill6293]

I take readings before any meals or when eating something I question

[@markpashia7067]

The meter manufacturers all recommend using the calibrating solution with every new batch of strips as manufacturing of the strips are impossible to get exact. When I was testing insurance would not pay for calibrating solution. I checked with my pharmacy and they did not even carry the solutions and said they could not sell it before it expired due to lack of insurance coverage. Thus everyone is doing the best they can but not really good enough. Thankfully I was borderline type two and with diet and exercise changes I walked back from that cliff. I now just get an A1C twice a year and also a lab glucose reading in another test done at the same times. Always look at both results for any surprises. It is a shame that they sell all those strips and profit but cannot sell the calibrating solutions that would allow you to correct for a batch of strips that are off. Any package is likely consistent but is it consistent low or consistent high and by how much? No way of knowing for sure.

[@bjbanisin6513]

I'm 36 in age & had type 1 since I was 1 an half for 35 years, I trust my meter more then dexcom G7 cause my blood was 67 & I felt bad & Dexcom said 92.

[@jesse_campbell]

Years ago, I heard that a glucometer gets less accurate the higher the blood sugar is. That means a 20 pt variance at 100 mg/dL could be off by 60 or more at 300. Also, glucometers can mistake vitamin C for glucose, so supplementing or eating plants high in C can give false readings, too.

[@emdude1784]

I am interested in following on this … do you know of any sources I can follow up on this effect?

[@kerrissedai6857]

FDA allows a certain percentage difference between readings. CGM and blood sugar readings are two different types of readings

[@DiabetesStrong]

I believe that is covered in the video

[@waynepuckpage1]

I once had strips that looked like they were cut on an angle. Readings were all over the place.

[@gener.1253]

This is crazy! Using a machine to help maintain your life should be accurate 100% of the time!

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

I check my glucose every morning right out of bed. First my right pinkie, then my left pinkie.. INVARIABLY there is at LEAST a 20 point difference every single time.. the right pinkie is always lower! Not sure why that is, but, that's what I deal with every single morning. At night, it might vary by 5-10 points, but nothing like the variances in the morning.

[@whatsup3270]

circulation and you should just use the lower one always.