Wash and dry your hands before testing
Use a blood glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor
Insert a test strip into the meter if using a finger-stick device
Prick the side of your fingertip with a lancet
Apply a small drop of blood to the test strip
Wait for the meter to display your reading
Record the result with the date and time
Check at the times recommended by your healthcare provider
Monitor before meals, after meals, at bedtime, or during symptoms if advised
Compare readings with your target range
Recheck if a result seems unusual or does not match how you feel
Replace strips, lancets, and sensors as directed
Keep your meter and supplies clean and stored properly
Bring your readings to medical appointments
Seek medical advice for repeated high or low readings