| For millions of people around the globe the | | | | |
| need to perform a blood sugar test every day | | | | 4- When you have used a lancet, it is |
| is a reality. These people suffer from | | | | important to dispose of it correctly in a |
| diabetes and the utilization of blood tests | | | | timely manner. Lancets can be dangerous for |
| is the only way to track the sugar levels in | | | | other people as they can cause injury to |
| their blood, therefore, keeping them healthy. | | | | adults and children alike. It is suggested |
| As if taking blood from yourself several | | | | that you place the used lancet in an empty |
| times a day weren't enough, there are also | | | | plastic container that has a top, such as a |
| special rules when it comes to the care and | | | | laundry detergent bottle. When the bottle is |
| maintenance or the blood testing supplies. | | | | approximately two-thirds to three-quarters |
| Below is an overview of what needs to be done | | | | full of the used lancet, tightly close the |
| when caring for these important medical | | | | bottle and throw it away. NEVER throw a used |
| devises. | | | | lancet or any other blood sugar test supply |
| | | | in the trash without taking the necessary |
| 1- The most important reason to learn how to | | | | precautions listed. |
| take care of your blood sugar testing | | | | |
| supplies is that the information that they | | | | 5- The most important care tip for the |
| provide to you will be used to determine your | | | | testing strips is to keep them away from |
| course of treatment. Any reading that is off | | | | humidity. This type of exposure can cause |
| because the equipment wasn't correctly taken | | | | them to be ineffective in your daily battle |
| care of could affect the information that is | | | | against diabetes. It is best that they are |
| given, therefore affecting the care that you | | | | not stored in a bathroom for this reason. |
| receive. | | | | Also, make sure to replace the top of the |
| | | | bottle that the strips come in immediately |
| 2- The most common blood sugar testing | | | | upon removing one for testing. |
| supplies that are used are the meters, | | | | |
| lancets and strips. Every one of these items | | | | 6- It is also a very good idea to make sure |
| requires a different course of action in | | | | that your meter is working correctly. The |
| regards to its care and maintenance. The most | | | | easiest way to do this is in the doctor's |
| important step is to carefully read the | | | | office. When the doctor takes blood to run |
| manufactures suggestions for care and use. | | | | his tests, you should also run a blood sugar |
| | | | test using your equipment. If your numbers |
| 3- When you are learning to care for your | | | | are the same as your doctors', you know that |
| meter, there are a couple of things to keep | | | | your supplies are accurate. |
| in mind. These are sensitive devises; all of | | | | |
| them, no matter the brand can, and will be | | | | 7- As with any type of medical issue, it is |
| damaged from a drop or by simply being jarred | | | | very important to keep in close contact with |
| around. Do not ever leave your meter in a | | | | your physician. If you have any questions as |
| car; these types of machines cannot be | | | | to the use or accuracy of your blood sugar |
| exposed to the hot or cold temperatures that | | | | testing supplies, give them a call. They will |
| are experienced in a closed car. Be sure to | | | | be able to help you figure out what needs to |
| clean and change the batteries in your meter | | | | be done to resolve any issues that you may be |
| as suggested in the manual. | | | | having. |