At a glance

• Check only at the times agreed with your diabetes care team.
• Wash and dry your hands, then follow the instructions for your meter and lancing device.
• Record the result, time and relevant context.
• Know your personal plan for low, high or unexpected readings.

Before checking

• Confirm that the meter date and time are correct.
• Use compatible strips that are in date and stored as instructed.
• Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
• Prepare the meter, strip, lancing device and sharps container.
• Check at the time specified in your individual plan.

Take and record the reading

• Insert the strip and obtain a blood drop according to the device instructions.
• Apply blood to the strip as directed and wait for the result.
• Record the number, date, time and whether it relates to food, activity, illness or symptoms.
• Dispose of the lancet immediately in an approved sharps container.
• Repeat a surprising result only as advised by the device instructions or your care plan.

When to book a GP review

• Readings are repeatedly outside your agreed range.
• You have low-glucose symptoms or repeated low readings.
• You are unwell and unsure how to manage checking, food, fluids or medicines.
• The meter, sensor or readings do not seem reliable.
• You do not have a clear plan for responding to results.

Bring the pattern to review

• Bring the meter, record book or device report if requested.
• Highlight repeated readings outside your agreed range and any episodes of low glucose.
• Ask whether the timing or frequency of monitoring remains useful.

Emergency advice

Call 000 for unconsciousness, a seizure, severe confusion, severe breathing difficulty or another severe or rapidly worsening problem. Follow your individual hypoglycaemia or sick-day plan while help is arranged where it is safe to do so.

Rochedale Family Practice is not an emergency service.