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BLOOD SUGAR MONITORING
What Is Blood Glucose?
Blood glucose is the sugar present in your blood and is an important source of energy for your body.² Your blood glucose level can change throughout the day and may be affected by factors such as food, physical activity, medication and illness.²
Why monitor it?
Checking your blood glucose gives you information about your glucose level at that particular moment. Looking at your readings over time can help you and your healthcare team identify patterns and better understand your diabetes management.¹ ²
How to Check Your Blood Sugar
01 — Prepare
Have your blood glucose meter, compatible test strip, lancing device and new lancet ready.
02 — Wash & Dry Your Hands
Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly before testing.² ³
03 — Prepare Your Meter
Insert the appropriate compatible test strip and prepare your blood glucose meter according to the Instructions for Use supplied with your device.³
04 — Obtain a Blood Drop
Prepare the lancing device with a new lancet and obtain the blood sample according to the manufacturer’s Instructions for Use.³
05 — Check Your Reading
Apply the blood sample as instructed in the Instructions for Use supplied with your blood glucose monitoring system and wait for the meter to display your result.³
06 — Record Your Result
Record your reading together with the date, time and any useful notes.²
IMPORTANT
Always read and follow the Instructions for Use supplied with your blood glucose meter, compatible test strips and lancing device. Do not treat the instructions on this website as a replacement for the manufacturer’s Instructions for Use.
Never share lancets or blood glucose monitoring equipment intended for personal use with another person.² ³
When Should I Check My Blood Sugar?
How often and when you should check your blood glucose depends on your individual diabetes management and treatment plan. Your healthcare professional can tell you when and how often monitoring is appropriate for you.¹ ²
There isn’t one monitoring schedule that’s right for everyone.
ASK YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL:
“When should I check my blood sugar?”
Understanding Your Reading
Your reading tells part of the story. A blood glucose meter shows your glucose level at a particular moment. Looking at your readings over time can help you and your healthcare professional recognize patterns.¹ ²
YOUR TARGET IS PERSONAL
Your blood glucose targets may differ depending on your individual circumstances and treatment plan. Follow the targets recommended by your healthcare professional.¹ ²
Food
Physical Activity
Medication
Illness
Time of Day
Keep Track of Your Readings
Small records can lead to better conversations.
Keeping a record of your blood glucose readings can help you and your healthcare team review patterns over time.²
Use your monthly tracker to record your blood glucose readings, HbA1c, weight and blood pressure in one place.
Simple Tips for More Reliable Monitoring
✓ Wash and dry your hands before testing.² ³
✓ Use only test strips that are compatible with your meter.³
✓ Store your meter and test strips according to the manufacturer’s instructions.³
✓ Keep the test-strip container properly closed when not in use.² ³
✓ Always follow the Instructions for Use supplied with your meter and test strips.³
✓ If you are unsure whether you are using your meter correctly, ask your healthcare professional for help.³
When Should I Contact My Healthcare Professional?
Speak with your healthcare professional if:
• Your readings are repeatedly outside the range recommended for you.
• You notice a pattern in your readings that concerns you.
• You are unsure when or how often you should monitor.
• You are having difficulty using your blood glucose meter.
• A reading does not seem consistent with how you feel.
• You have questions about what your readings mean.
Do not change your medication or treatment plan based only on information from this website. Speak with your healthcare professional.
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Medical Content Review
This educational content has been medically reviewed.
Last reviewed: Aug 2026
References
Medical Disclaimer