So, how do you test? First, read the instructions. Even if you're a “do first, ask for directions later” kind of a person, stifle that instinct. Every meter operates a little differently, and there may be calibration or other steps required that are outlined in the directions for use.

Glucose testing involves using a lancet to prick your fingertip or other area of your body to get a blood sample. When performed on the finger, this is called a finger stick. The blood drop that comes out of the finger stick is then placed on a test strip that has been inserted into the glucose meter. Many meters feature strips that actually draw in or absorb the blood sample.

Once the meter detects an adequate sample of blood on the strip, it will measure the amount of glucose present and display the results on the screen in either an mg/dl or mmol/l reading. Some meters will display readings that are excessively high or low with special alarms or warnings. Getting results can take anywhere from a few seconds to a minute, but the majority of new meters display results in ten seconds or less.

Following are some tips to improve the ease, accuracy, and usefulness of your testing:

• Wash your hands thoroughly. Any food, medication residue, or other substances on your fingers can affect test results. Even hand lotion can contain sugars that falsely raise your test numbers.

• If you use rubbing alcohol on the test site, let it dry before lancing. Some people choose to disinfect their skin with an alcohol swab before testing. Pricking the skin before the alcohol dries can cause stinging or burning.

• Experiment with different gauge lancets. The thickness, or gauge, of your lancet affects both the size of the blood sample and how painful it feels.

• Experiment with different lancet depths. Spring-loaded lancing devices often offer an option for adjusting how far into the skin the needle pierces.

• Get the blood flowing to your hands before you stick yourself. If you have problems getting an adequate drop of blood, you can stimulate circulation by running your hands under warm water, rubbing them together, or shaking them at your sides.

• Stick the sides of your fingers. The pad of your finger is more sensitive and therefore more painful to stick, so try lancing the side of your fingertip instead.