more fingers please

[Sienna]

Why are we told not to use the finger-pricker on thumbs and first (pointer) fingers?
I ring the changes, fingers in turn, either side, even a bit north and a bit south, but am beginning to envy the polydactylic. Lucky old Mary Queen of Scots, and I dont think she was even diabetic.

Cut the cackle - - is it all right to use finger-pricker on first finger and thumb ?

 

[Northerner]

They advise against it as these are your most important digits and you may lose sensitivity in them. How many times a day do you test?

 

[Caroline]

I sometimes get help to get someone prick my other hand. Hubby and big boy both did first aid so they are my unwilling volunteers at home

 

[Redkite]

Best not to use thumb and index fingers as Northie said. Have you tried ear lobes? I have friends who do this and it is painless (might need a mirror but maybe if you do ear lobes at home and fingers when out and about?). The only caveat is you should always use a finger sample if you suspect a hypo.

 

[newbs]

They advise against it as these are your most important digits and you may lose sensitivity in them.

I've never been told that and always used all 10 digits, quite often my thumbs! You learn something every day...

 

[Sienna]

I test about 6 times a day, sometimes less now I know better what results are likely to be. So one hand lasts one day without using thumb & 1st finger. Then no difficulty testing the other hand myself.
I hadnt heard fingers cd lose feeling after much testing. . aaagh.
Why would I need really sensitive thumbs ?

 

[Highlander]

Many years ago, my then diabetic nurse told me never to use the pads on my fingers, only the sides. The reason - you'll need them to read braille when you go blind. How reassuring this was, I don't think.

I have a bad habit of using the same two fingers, my thumb and first finger on my left hand. I believe some people use their arms, must try it sometime.