Hi all, new here and I've got type 2 with my PCOS.
I was just wondering, it seems that when I first started monitoring my blood glucose with my monitor (I use a freestyle flash), when I lanced my finger, it was pretty easy to get the right amount of blood needed for testing, but it seems like lately I've been having to lance 3 or 4 times to get anything. I have it set on the deepest lancing setting, but nothing. I always take it from my left pointer finger. Am I doing something wrong? I am doing it the same as I did when I started and when I started I could get blood after just one poke.
Change your lancets frequently. Some people change them after every use, but I change them every 5-6 uses.
Before you stick yourself, wash your hands in warm soapy water. The warm water helps blood flow to your fingers. Dry your hands, then, dangle your arm downward for 20-30 seconds and wiggle your fingers. That'll help the blood pool in your fingers. Pick a finger, and it's good to choose and new one and not always torture the same one, and pinch the end of that finger with your knuckle to trap the blood in the end. Then lance. Does that help any?
__________________ "I knew I had a problem when I put my underpants on backwards and they fit better..."
Age 46
Obesity, very mild hirsuitism now almost gone with age and met, seriously thinning hair. Regular cycles on met.
Diagnosed with diabetes 8/2003
Yes, this may help. I will try it next time. I had just been using hand sanitizer and then wiping with alcohol instead of using warm water. I used to put my hand down wiggle my finger to get some stimulation, but I haven't been doing that lately.
I always do it after my shower because the skin is softened. I hardly feel it. I read that you shouldn't use alcohol because it toughens your skin, warm water is fine.
You shouldnt use the same finger each time as the skin hardens and makes it harder to get blood out. As the above posts have said all you need to do is wash your hands with warm water..
__________________ -------------------------------------------
45(feels like 99 some days)
Dx - pcos 1982
Dx - diabetes 2 1999,
Tx - metformin slow release 2000mg. Insulin 5 times a day
Loads of other medications.
------------------------------- What is a friend?A single soul dwelling in two bodies.
Aristotle...
The last person who posted to you is completely right. I have had type 2 for 4 years now and I use the OneTouch Ultra, but what happens is you develop callus on your fingertips from repeated punctures. You should find out if your monitor allows you to test your arm, so you caa give your poor finger a break. If you cannot use it on your arm you definately need to choose a different finger for a while. Good luck!
Glucose Monitoring 
