How do diabetes patients measure blood sugar?

The American Diabetes Association notes that people with diabetes measure their blood sugar several times per day using a blood glucose meter. To measure the blood glucose, diabetes patients lance the side of a fingertip and collect the blood on a test strip so that the meter can read it.

When testing blood glucose, individuals with diabetes need a meter, test strips, and lancets. To measure, one must insert the test strip in the meter and then use the lancet to pierce a finger. Next, the person with diabetes places a drop of blood on the test strip, and the meter provides a blood glucose reading. Patients should ensure that they have clean hands before collecting the blood sample.