What factors may alter the results of a blood glucose measurement

close

01/9​8 factors that can give an inaccurate blood sugar reading

As per the International Diabetes Foundation, 42.5 crore people suffer from diabetes globally and this number is expected to increase to 62.9 crores by 2045.

Talking about India, studies have shown that prevalence of diabetes in urban areas has increased from 2 per cent in 1970 to 25 per cent in 2015 and in rural areas from 1 per cent to 14-16 per cent, respectively.

The data is shocking and alarming. To keep our blood sugar levels in check, we rely on glucose testing. But the thing is, these readings might be inaccurate sometimes. Though with the advancement in technology, modern meters have made inaccurate readings less common. But it still can happen and here's why.

Here are eight reasons why your meter can show inaccurate reading and what you can do about it.

02/9​Expired test strips

The test strips have an expiry date given on the box. The expired strips should not be used as they can give inaccurate results in most cases.

Most of these strips are to be used within a month of being opened. Check the box properly to see if the same applies for your strips. Strips should be kept at room temperature in a cool and dry place. They should not be exposed to sunlight and should be stored in their original container.

03/9​Extreme temperature can give inaccurate readings

Extreme cold or hot temperature can also give a false reading. If it's too cold, try to sit in a room which is warmer and then take the reading and if it's too hot, try to sit in the shade and then take the reading. Studies have found that cold meters can give inaccurate low readings and hot meters can give an inaccurately high reading.

04/9Sugar, dirt or alcohol on your fingers

It is advised to always wash your hands before testing the blood sugar levels. Sugar on the finger, dirt and alcohol can mess up with the readings. Make sure to clean your hands properly before testing blood sugar levels.

05/9​Wet fingers

Washing your hands isn't enough, drying them properly before you take the test is also important. The mixture of blood and water can dilute the blood sample and thus give a dodgy reading.

06/9​Dirty meter

Dirt, dust and other contaminants can also give an inaccurate reading. But this was a thing of the past, with new technology, it's very rare that you get an inaccurate reading if the meter is dirty. But one must try not to let the meter get too dusty or dirty and clean and spillage on it to be on the safer side.

07/9​If you are dehydrated

If you are dehydrated, your red blood cell count can get low, which may also give inaccurate results. Thus it's best to hydrate yourself properly before you take the test.

08/9​Not enough blood is applied on the strip

Not enough blood on the testing strip is another reason your test results might be inaccurate. Touch a generous drop of blood on the test strip. Do not add more blood to the strip after a drop is added.

09/9​Testing at the wrong time

Some people test their blood sugar level right after they eat. This can give you a high reading. It's best to check with your doctor how often and when you should check your blood sugar level. To get the most accurate reading, take the reading two hours after your meal.

Blood glucose (sugar) testing is an important part of managing type 2 diabetes and staying on top of blood sugar control. Testing regularly shows you how food, exercise, and other factors affect your blood sugar. “[It] provides valuable information regarding how blood glucose is doing at a moment in time,” says certified diabetes educator Alison Massey, MS, RD, LDN, CDE, director of diabetes education at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. “It gives people an idea of whether blood sugar is in a healthy or unhealthy place.”

But blood sugar testing isn’t always easy — and an array of mistakes can affect your results. In fact, it can be hard to fully understand the guidelines on managing blood sugar testing, according to a study published in the May 2015 issue of the Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders.

The good news: A little practice can help you get blood sugar testing right. Start by learning how to avoid these common mistakes.

Mistake #1: Buying a blood sugar meter that doesn’t fit your daily life

“You want to have the meter that’s most comfortable for you,” says certified diabetes educator Cher Pastore, RD, CDE, owner of Cher Nutrition in New York City and author of the upcoming book, The 28-Day Blood Sugar Miracle: A Revolutionary Diet Plan to Get Your Diabetes Under Control in Under a Month. For example, for a younger person who’s on the go, it might be a device that fits right in your pocket. For someone older, it could be a meter with bigger numbers so it’s easier to read.

Mistake #2: Selecting a device your insurance won’t cover

“Insurance companies typically have a preferred meter that they like members to use,” Massey says. “Individuals can often get better coverage for their diabetes supplies if they use the meter that is preferred for their plan.” If you're on Medicare, you can probably use the meter of your choice, Massey says, but keep in mind that diabetes supplies are covered under medical supplies and not your prescription benefits.

Mistake #3: Setting up the incorrect time and day on your meter

Your meter is an important tool in your efforts to control your blood sugar, but it’s hard to watch out for blood sugar trends if your meter is not working as it should, Massey says. Be sure to set it up with the correct day and time.

Mistake #4: Testing at the wrong time

Many people test their blood sugar too soon after eating, which can give you a reading that’s too high. Although you’ll want to check with your doctor about when and how often you should be testing your blood sugar, the most accurate readings are usually two hours after a meal, Pastore says.

Mistake #5: Not getting into a routine

The best way to tell how well you're managing diabetes is to test regularly, which means you need to make blood sugar testing part of your daily routine. “Think about what you can do to remind yourself, like setting an alarm in your phone,” Massey suggests. This is especially useful if you’re having trouble establishing a routine to check your blood sugar.

Mistake #6:  Not cleaning your hands before checking your blood sugar

If your hands have residual sugar on them from something you’ve eaten or touched, that could affect the reading, Pastore says. Avoid using rubbing alcohol or antibacterial hand sanitizer to clean your hands. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly before using your meter.

Mistake #7: Misusing your testing supplies

To get the most accurate results, you need to use the correct lancets and testing strips for your your meter. Lancing devices, or the part you use to poke yourself, can get dull and hurt if you reuse them. This is why it’s generally recommended to change them after every use.To get the most accurate reading, you should also make sure your testing strips have been properly stored and are not expired.

Mistake #8: Testing your fingertip

The center of your fingertip is a little more sensitive, Pastore says, so testing there can hurt. Because of that, she advises her clients to test on the side of the fingertip and not smack in the middle. You should also switch the finger you use to test, because testing from the same spot every time can cause calluses to develop.

Mistake #9: Not staying hydrated

If you’re dehydrated, that can affect your readings, Pastore says. Steer clear of alcohol and drink more water if you suspect dehydration is causing inaccurate readings.

Mistake #10: Not tracking your results

The best way to understand your results and know what raises your blood sugar levels is to track them, Pastore says. Talk to your doctor about your results to determine if any changes need to be made to your diabetes management plant.

What are the factors that can affect blood glucose level?

What can throw off a glucose test?

What are the factors that influence the results of the glucose tolerance test?