I am 18. I bought a glucose meter tonight that does not require coding, as well as the correct strips and lancets, just to test myself and family (precautionary). I am not diabetic nor is anyone in my family. I am familiar with its use and the normal (non diabetic) blood glucose levels due to my job as an EMT and my current studies as a biology major. I've never tested myself before. I cleaned my middle finger with an alcohol prep pad, lanced, and sampled the blood. I got an error code. I inserted a new strip and squeezed a little more blood, retested and the glucose reading was 66. I ate a meal exactly three hours prior, chicken pesto sandwich and tomato garlic soup (from quick check). About two weeks ago I quit soda altogether and fast food altogether as well. I have been eating healthier and not skipping breakfast. I have also been drinking about three 16-20 oz. water a bottles a day and occasionally juice. No more than 3 cups of coffee a week, 3 sugars. I am not hypertensive or allergic to anything. If anyone could please tell me whats going on I would appreciate it, especially if you are hypoglycemic. Thank you in advance. PS the meter is a ReliOn Ultima, ReliOn Ultima strips (in date), 28 gauge lancets, BD Prep pads. The error code was E-7, manual states that is the "no coding required" code and to simply use a new strip and retest.Saturday, December 17, 2011
Hypoglycemia Or Just Worried?
I am 18. I bought a glucose meter tonight that does not require coding, as well as the correct strips and lancets, just to test myself and family (precautionary). I am not diabetic nor is anyone in my family. I am familiar with its use and the normal (non diabetic) blood glucose levels due to my job as an EMT and my current studies as a biology major. I've never tested myself before. I cleaned my middle finger with an alcohol prep pad, lanced, and sampled the blood. I got an error code. I inserted a new strip and squeezed a little more blood, retested and the glucose reading was 66. I ate a meal exactly three hours prior, chicken pesto sandwich and tomato garlic soup (from quick check). About two weeks ago I quit soda altogether and fast food altogether as well. I have been eating healthier and not skipping breakfast. I have also been drinking about three 16-20 oz. water a bottles a day and occasionally juice. No more than 3 cups of coffee a week, 3 sugars. I am not hypertensive or allergic to anything. If anyone could please tell me whats going on I would appreciate it, especially if you are hypoglycemic. Thank you in advance. PS the meter is a ReliOn Ultima, ReliOn Ultima strips (in date), 28 gauge lancets, BD Prep pads. The error code was E-7, manual states that is the "no coding required" code and to simply use a new strip and retest.
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happydawg - I don't think you are getting a big enough drop of blood on the test strip. Also, make sure the finger is dry from the alcohol.
ReplyDeleteBuddy - Unless you have been adequately trained for the use of the glucometer and have a little education about what those numbers, I advise you not to be playing with this. EMT training is not enough.
ReplyDeleteIf you are really concerned, see your physician and have the proper baseline tests done. This is your health and messing around with self diagnosis when you only have EMT training can be dangerous.
Lauren - I am diabetic and I am pretty sure you are using your meter just fine. A blood sugar of 66 is a little bit low. It doesn't necessarily mean that you are hypoglycemic. To find out if you are truly hypo then you should test your blood sugar several times a day. I would do one in the morning before you eat anything, one before lunch and one before dinner. Do this for about a week and take those numbers to your doctor. They will be able to help you.
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