Managing diabetes can hurt, but it doesn’t need to with these tips
Blood sugar testing is a pain and the more you do it, the worse it is. However, monitoring your levels is a must-do to manage diabetes. In fact, those who test regularly control their blood sugar better than those who just rely on medications.
Consider trying one of these five ways to lessen the hurt that comes from regular finger pricks.
1. Change testing sites
Instead of hitting the tips of your fingers, opt for the sides, which are less sensitive and offer better blood flow.
2. Raise the temperature
Your hands should be warm when you’re testing them. Cold hands will not only affect the results but make the prick more painful.
3. Check the lancet
Make sure the force and the depth of the lancet are set properly. You might be experiencing more painful testing if your lancet is set to hit too hard or too deep. Work with your diabetes educator or your doctor’s nurse to adjust the settings.
Also, make sure that the lancet is sharp. Dull sharps can produce more pain than fresh ones.
4. Opt for soap and water
While alcohol-based hand sanitizers and wipes are handy, alcohol is an astringent that tightens the skin and can make it difficult to get a blood sample. Instead, wash your hands with soap and water.
5. Switch spots regularly
It is easy to become a creature of habit, pricking the same place on the same finger. The problem: Doing this can promote calluses and scarring. Thicker skin makes it difficult to draw blood, though it may not hurt as much. Try testing other places, including other fingers.
