Your Glucose Meter

Glucose meters test and record how 

much sugar (called glucose) is in your 

blood. They help you track your blood 

sugar level at different times during the 

day and night. 

Meters can help you know how well your 

diabetes medicines are working. They 

can also help you learn how the food you 

eat and your physical activity can change 

your blood sugar level.

There are different kinds of meters. 

Meters come in different sizes. They 

also come with different features. Some 

meters let you track and print out your 

test results. Others have audio and larger 

screens to help people who have problems 

seeing. The meter you choose should fit 

your lifestyle and your needs.

Use this booklet to help you talk to your 

health care provider or diabetes educator 

about the safe way to use your glucose 

meter.

Lancet A needle that is used 

to get a drop of blood 

from your finger or 

another part of your 

body.

The strip where you 

put the blood you are 

testing. 

Liquid used to make 

sure your meter is 

working properly. 

Most meters come with three parts:

 JUNE 2010

Check the FDA website to learn more about Women and Diabetes:

www.fda.gov/womens

Test Strip

Control

Solutions


Did you know?

The meter may give you the wrong results if you use the wrong test strip. Use 

the right test strip for your meter.

Glass cleaners, ammonia and other cleaning products may damage your meter.

Follow the directions on how to clean your meter.

Your other medicines and dialysis solution may affect your blood sugar 

reading. Talk to your health care provider about how your medicines will affect 

your blood sugar.

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You should throw away your used needles in a hard container like an empty 

laundry detergent bottle or a metal coffee can.

Make sure the needles cannot poke through the 

container.

Put a label on the container to warn people that it is 

dangerous.

Keep the container where children cannot get to it.

Always put a lid or top on the container.

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How to Throw Away Used Devices
Check Your Blood Sugar

Checking your blood sugar helps you to know how well you are controlling your 

diabetes. People often test before meals, 1-2 hours after meals, and at bedtime. You 

may need to test more often. Talk to your health care provider to find out how often 

you need to test. Also, ask your doctor what your blood sugar number should be. This 

number is your target blood sugar level.

Helpful Tips

Read the directions for the meter and the test strips before you start using 

them.

Wash your hands before you check your blood sugar.

Food or juice on your fingers may affect your blood sugar result.

Write down your results and the date and time you tested.

Do this even if your meter tracks your numbers. Take the results with you when you 

go to your doctor.

Take your meter with you when you go to your doctor.

This way you can test your blood sugar in front of the doctor or nurse to make sure 

you are doing it the right way. Your health care provider may be able to print out 

your blood sugar results from your meter.

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 My Blood Sugar Targets

Before Meals ____________

 

1-2 Hours After Meals ____________

At Bedtime ____________
Learn More About Diabetes

Resources from the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

Information on Women and Diabetes

www.fda.gov/womensdiabetes

Glucose Meters

www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/InVitroDiagnostics/

GlucoseTestingDevices/default.htm

Report a Serious Problem with Your Meter

www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/HowToReport/ucm053074.htm

1-800-332-1088

Other Resources

National Diabetes Education Program

www.ndep.nih.gov

1-888-693-6337

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov

1-800-860-8747

American Diabetes Association

www.diabetes.org

1-800-DIABETES

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Take Time To Care about Diabetes JUNE 2010

This booklet was developed by the U.S. Food 

and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of 

Women’s Health. To download free copies of 

this booklet and other diabetes materials visit:

www.fda.gov/womens