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Help!! Having problems getting enough blood from my fingers to measure my blood sugar levels!

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R Ramsay

R Ramsay

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Help!! Having problems getting enough blood from my fingers to measure my blood sugar levels!
 
Good Morning I got diagnosed with diabetes this week, still awaiting Type 1 or 2 confirmation so given 500mg of Metformin. I'm 59 and a bit scared!
 
Have you tried heating your hands? Wrap them round a cuppy, wash them in warm water, stick it in your armpit, any method will heat them, try holding your hand pointing towards the floor after pricking for a few seconds to encourage the blood to flow to your fingertips, adjust the depth of the lancing device if possible xx
 
You only need about a pinheads worth. Perhaps you could try holding a warm cup of tea or something like that to help bring the blood to your fingertips?
 
Check the depth setting on your finger-pricker. You need it high enough to pierce the skin. You might need to experiment a bit.

Wash your hands before with warm water, then shake your fingers as though you’re shaking something off them. That helps the blood get to your fingertips. Once you’ve pricked your finger, gently squeeze the blood up your finger until it comes out. Don’t squeeze right by the hole, do it below.
 
Inka said:
Check the depth setting on your finger-pricker. You need it high enough to pierce the skin. You might need to experiment a bit.

Wash your hands before with warm water, then shake your fingers as though you’re shaking something off them. That helps the blood get to your fingertips. Once you’ve pricked your finger, gently squeeze the blood up your finger until it comes out. Don’t squeeze right by the hole, do it below.
Click to expand...
 
Hi yes I've tried all the suggestions, the nurses had no problem getting blood out yesterday maybe I need an upgrade in lancing device?
Inka said:
Check the depth setting on your finger-pricker. You need it high enough to pierce the skin. You might need to experiment a bit.

Wash your hands before with warm water, then shake your fingers as though you’re shaking something off them. That helps the blood get to your fingertips. Once you’ve pricked your finger, gently squeeze the blood up your finger until it comes out. Don’t squeeze right by the hole, do it below.
Click to expand...
 
I find if I press my thumb on the pad of the middle finger until it is nice and pink then stab just to the side of the pad, continuing the slight pressure you will get a drop out. But yes make sure you hands are warm.
I confess I just hold the lancet in my fingers, no device.
 
Is the amount of blood the problem or where you put the blood.
I remember when I was first diagnosed I thought I needed to put the blood on the strip and wasted a number of strips before I realised the strips sucked up the blood with capillary action.

That said, I too am a Fastclix advocate. It doesn't give me more blood but is easier to hold and less flimsy than the prickers which typically come with meters.
 
Last edited:
rrambo63 said:
Hi yes I've tried all the suggestions, the nurses had no problem getting blood out yesterday maybe I need an upgrade in lancing device?
Click to expand...
If the nurse got blood out fine and you can’t get blood out, then it sounds more like a technique problem. Have you watched some videos on how to do it to make sure you’re doing it properly?
 
helli said:
Is the amount of blood the problem or where you put the blood.
I remember when I was first diagnosed I thought I needed to put the blood on the strip and wasted a number of strips before I realised the strips sucked up the blood with capillary action.

That said, I too am a Fastclix advocate. It doesn't give me more blood but is easier to hold and less flimsy than the prickers which typically come with meters.
Click to expand...
Oh my, I used to do exactly the same, try and dollop it on top of the strip instead of letting it kinda suck up the strip, my machine kept saying lo which I now know meant no enough blood, phoned the DN saying I was hypo
 
grovesy said:
I would recommend the Accu-Chek Fastclix, I bought mine in Boots and they sometimes have the drums for them on offer. I even have a spare in case one of mine breaks. It is the best I have used.
Click to expand...

Seconded. By far my preferred finger bodger.

Welcome to the forum @rrambo63 🙂
 
Hi what is the problem you are having please? I have trouble sometimes with mine as I have to do them 5/6 times a day and my fingers seem to dry up 🙄 but have found a way...if you hold your hands down by your side and rub them on your legs that should help, works for me. Hope this helps for you too!!
 
rrambo63 said:
Good Morning I got diagnosed with diabetes this week, still awaiting Type 1 or 2 confirmation so given 500mg of Metformin. I'm 59 and a bit scared!
Click to expand...
Hi sorry to hear about your being diagnosed. Please try not to worry, I was diagnosed 50 years ago and still ok fit and well thankfully! 🙂 All help will be given to you, ask many, many questions to help YOU feel better!! You are the most important person for yourself and your family. The Practitioner, of course will have many people with diabetes to see and time may be short for him or her, you make sure you are listened to, it is so important for you now and in the future!! Take care and with all my best wishes. Christine
 
Sirch said:
Hi sorry to hear about your being diagnosed. Please try not to worry, I was diagnosed 50 years ago and still ok fit and well thankfully! 🙂 All help will be given to you, ask many, many questions to help YOU feel better!! You are the most important person for yourself and your family. The Practitioner, of course will have many people with diabetes to see and time may be short for him or her, you make sure you are listened to, it is so important for you now and in the future!! Take care and with all my best wishes. Christine
Click to expand...
thank you for your very kind words.
 
Lily123 said:
You only need about a pinheads worth. Perhaps you could try holding a warm cup of tea or something like that to help bring the blood to your fingertips?
Click to expand...
When used the glucoman areo 2k it would want more then that.
 
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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
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