A small drop of blood is placed on the pad of a strip, and the color change is matched with the colors on the test strip bottle. The results are accurate if small changes in shades of color can be determined. The results are given in a range rather than a specific number. The second type is a meter test that provides a more exact reading of blood glucose. A test strip is used, and placed in a meter to read the result.
Testing is easy to do.
A health care provider or diabetes educator will help set-up an appropriate testing schedule. Tests are usually done before meals and at bedtime. More frequent testing may be indicated during illness or stress. Accurate record keeping of the test results will make the testing more useful for planning the care of the person with diabetes. Ketone testing is a 2nd test that is used more frequently in Type I diabetes, but is also used in Type II diabetes during stress, illness, or complications.