GD - How can different fingers be so off?

Re: GD - How can different fingers be so off?

• rebeccaontherocks

  March 2009

  One night after dinner I tested my left hand and got a 136. I was convinced it should be lower, so I washed my hands (I was told that a dirty hand can effect the result) and tested a differnet finger, and I got a 106.  So I tested a third time and got a 108.

   It is weird, I don't understand it.  Maybe my finger was jsut "dirty" when I tested and got the 136.

  I find it hard to rely on the numbers too.  I have called the Diabetes Counselor several times with questions, but she keeps assuring me that I am doing "awesome"
  

  

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• mrsolsenk12

  March 2009

  This happened to me once. I tested with one finger for my after dinner and got a 164. My eyes about popped out of my head. I tested again on the finger next to it and got a 121. I don't get it either.

  

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• PlannedChaos

  March 2009

  It usually is because you need to wash your hands first.  I actually even use an alcohol swab before I test, and since then I don't usually end up with erractic numbers like that. 
  
  Silly little things - like lotion, or having peeled an orange - can mess with your numbers.

  Wash first, then try - you should see pretty similar numbers regardless of where you test.  DH and I tried testing on his ankle the other night.  When you're clean, it seems to be pretty standard.

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• pillowbling

  March 2009

  Make sure you are following the exact instructions that came with your meter. Make sure you washed your hands well. Prick the side of your finger. You should be alternating fingers each time you test. Calibrate your meter. If you are still getting different results, bring your meter to the doctors to calibrate. If it's more than 20% off it needs to be replaced. Don't assume the lower reading is correct!

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• kyoto

  March 2009

  I always wash my hands first. It's all callibrated and working properly. Actually, I was testing myself with the meter here and there for 2 weeks before I met with the dietician (my cousin sent me a brand new meter and strips - she's a diabetic dietician). I was getting low readings even after eating 'bad' food. I went to Olive Garden, ate a ton of carbage, and got a 99 2 hours later. Another day I went out for lunch and I had mozarella sticks, onion rings, a REAL coke, and husband and I shared a piece of chocolate cake with caramel and chocolate syrup and ice cream.... got a 102 2 hours later. I thought my meter was broken! Called the meter company and they sent me new callibration solution. Tested, and all was working fine.

  When I finally met with the dietician, I tested the same blood drop with both my new meter she gave me my old one and the numbers were only 1 off.

  So, I don't know.....

  I read somewhere that people have had different readings from their left hand to their right. Just seems odd.?

  
  www.metrobabyblog.com

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• katiekate1974 member

  March 2009

  When I get funky numbers like that, I do another test and decide what seems most accurate.

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• abrooke8 member

  March 2009

  I work for a company that sells diabetic supplies. We have been told that it is normal to have a reading that can be up to 20 points different. Your blood is constantly moving through your body and you have different levels of blood flow throughout all of your body. If you get a reading that concerns you be sure to use your control solution first and then make sure to check the expiration on your bottle of strips. It is rare but you can get a bottle of bad strips. If you are still unsure call the manufacturer of your meter or your doctor.

  
  

   

  
  

  
  

  

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