What can cause a wrong blood sugar reading?
Leftover food, lotion, or fluid (including water) on your hands can cause wrong readings. Wash your hands with warm water and soap (dont lick them or use rubbing alcohol), and thoroughly dry them before testing. Believe it or not, your surroundings can also affect your blood sugar readings.
How does water affect blood sugar levels?
In short, less water in the body means a higher concentration of blood sugar. On the other hand, drinking alcohol the night before your test can lower blood sugar the next morning, according to the National Library of Medicine.
How does exercise affect blood sugar levels?
According to the ADA, exercise increases the body's ability to use insulin effectively (known as insulin sensitivity), which helps lower blood sugar. Being active also means that the body needs more fuel, which prompts cells to take in more glucose, regardless of how much insulin is available.
Can medications cause low blood sugar?
But in rare cases, certain heart arrhythmia drugs, pain relievers and antibiotics can also cause low blood sugar, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Before taking a fasting blood sugar test, be sure to tell your doctor about any and all medications you may be taking — including over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements.
What can cause false high blood sugar readings?
However, various factors such as application errors, extreme environmental conditions, extreme hematocrit values, or medication interferences may potentially falsify blood glucose readings. Incorrect blood glucose readings may lead to treatment errors, for example, incorrect insulin dosing.
What substances interfere with glucose meter accuracy?
Three naturally occurring substances interfere with electrochemical glucose oxidase based strips: triglycerides, oxygen, and uric acid. Triglycerides, usually at very high levels, cause meters to be inaccurate because they take up volume, decreasing the amount of glucose in the capillary volume.
What sort of things can affect my blood sugar readings?
WHAT CAN MAKE MY BLOOD GLUCOSE RISE?Too much food, such as a meal or snack with more carbohydrates than usual.Not being active.Not enough insulin or oral diabetes medications.Side effects from other medications, such as steroids or antipsychotic medications.More items...
Does lotion have sugar in it?
Sucrose, also known as common sugar, is used in cosmetics and skincare products due to its functions as a natural exfoliant and humectant moisturizer.
Why is it important to wipe the first drop of blood?
Wipe away the first droplet of blood with a cotton ball or gauze as indicated. Rationale: The first drop of blood may be contaminated with the alcohol used for disinfection, which may provide an inaccurate result. Newer meters no longer require the first drop to be wiped away.
Which finger is best for glucose testing?
Recommended finger: the World Health Organisation recommends the middle or ring fingers are used for blood glucose tests (second and third fingers). You may want to avoid using your little finger due to the skin being thin.
What affects blood sugar other than food?
Physical or emotional stress triggers the release of hormones that can cause high blood sugar levels. Menstrual periods and menopause also cause changes in the hormones that affect blood sugar levels. Regular blood sugar testing can uncover patterns. This can help you and your health care team control your diabetes.
Why does my blood sugar go up without eating?
For some people, blood sugar can rise in the morning -- even before breakfast -- due to changes in hormones or a drop in insulin. Regular testing is important. One option is a continuous blood glucose monitor, which can alert you to highs and lows.
Why is my blood sugar high in the morning when I haven't eaten anything?
The dawn phenomenon In the early hours of the morning, hormones, including cortisol and growth hormone, signal the liver to boost the production of glucose, which provides energy that helps you wake up. This triggers beta cells in the pancreas to release insulin in order to keep blood glucose levels in check.
Is lotion OK for diabetics?
Diabetic skin is often very dry and dehydrated. Aside from making sure you are getting proper nutrition and exercise, using an intensive, hydrating moisturizer is vital to keeping your skin healthy.
What lotion can a diabetic use?
Look for lotions that contain ingredients such as jojoba oil, shea butter, and urea. These ingredients are deeply moisturizing and can penetrate through hardened skin. You will also want to look for products that are free of fragrance and chemicals that can irritate the skin.
Can soap affect blood sugar?
After soaping up, rinse with water and be sure to dry hands well, because extra water left on the skin can also mix with the blood sample and affect meter readings. Other issues that can affect the accuracy of blood sugar checks include using expired test strips or strips exposed to excessive heat or moisture.
What factors can affect glucose meter performance?
Variations in your hematocrit — the proportion of red blood cells in your blood — can affect the accuracy of your blood glucose meter. These variances in the amount of red blood cells can interfere with the calculation of glucose.
What are conditions that are not appropriate for fingerstick glucose testing?
Patients whose hands are swollen, cold, cyanotic, or edematous are not good candidates for fingerstick (capillary) glucose testing.
Can alcohol affect a glucose test?
Alcohol: Alcohol can affect blood sugar and fat levels, giving inaccurate results to blood tests that require fasting. If a person is being asked to fast before a blood test, they should also refrain from drinking alcohol.
Can you drink black coffee before a fasting blood glucose test?
Q: Can you drink black coffee when fasting for bloodwork? A: Don't drink anything but water. Coffee contains caffeine. It's also a diuretic, which removes water from your body.
What are the different types of medications that increase blood glucose?
It is important to know which medications can increase blood glucose so that diabetic patients can use alternative agents or monitor their glucose levels and use appropriate methods to maintain control. Here are 9 types of medications that increase blood glucose. Medications that Increase Blood Glucose (Sugar) 1. Glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone, dexamethasone, fludrocortisone) Glucocortico ids are steroids and they affect how the body uses glucose. They affect the immune system and they are used for treatment of inflammatory, allergic, and immunologic conditions. Glucocorticoids are usually the most common cause of drug-induced hyperglycemia. Glucocorticoids cause an increase in blood glucose in various ways such as increased production of glucose in the liver, increased insulin resistance, and increased production of receptors (PPAR-gamma receptors) that regulate glucose uptake and conversion in the body. Patients that are treated with glucocorticoids should have their blood glucose monitored regularly. Inhaled steroids or creams are less likely to affect blood glucose levels. 2. Antipsychotics (clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine, chlorpromazine, perphenazine, iloperidone, paliperidone, aripiprazole, ziprasidone) Antipsychotics are used for treatment of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and borderline personality disorder. Antipsychotic medications are associated with weight gain, obesity, and increase in triglycerides which are risk factors for developmen Continue reading >>
How to keep your skin from getting dry from diabetes?
Diabetes can dry out your skin. That means you could get injured more easily, be more likely to get an infection, and take longer to heal. Follow these tips to care for your skin and keep it healthy. To shield your skin from the cold or wind, cover your ears and face, including your nose, and wear a hat. Also, wear warm gloves and shoes or boots. Follow these guidelines, too: Use lip balm to prevent chapped lips. To prevent dry skin when the temperature drops, use a room humidifier to add moisture to heated indoor air. When you bathe or shower, use warm (not hot) water, and a mild, moisturizing soap. Don't take long baths or showers. Pat skin dry -- don't rub it. After washing and drying off, use a mild lotion to prevent dry skin. Avoid scratching dry skin. Apply moisturizer instead. Keep a bottle of lotion near the sink so you can use it after washing your hands. Limit products you use on your skin to lower your chances of having a reaction. If you're prone to acne, talk to your dermatologist before choosing a facial moisturizer. Some can cause acne or make it worse. Use products labeled "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic." Keep a first-aid kit close by to take care of your hands and feet. It should include: Antibacterial ointment Gauze pads Hypoallergenic or paper tape Prepackaged cleansing wipes (in case soap and water aren't available) Don't try to break or pop the blister. The skin that covers it protects it from infection. Gently wash the area with mild soap and warm water. Apply antibacterial ointment to the blister. Cover it with a cloth bandage or gauze pad. Secure that with hypoallergenic or paper tape. Change the bandage at least once a day. If the blister is on your foot and came from your shoes, wear a different pair until it heals. Gently wash the area with Continue reading >>
What are the skin conditions that can cause diabetes?
In some cases, skin problems can be the first sign that a person has diabetes. In some cases, people with diabetes develop skin conditions that can affect anyone. Examples of these conditions include bacterial infections, fungal infections, and itching. However, people with diabetes also are more prone to getting certain conditions. These include diabetic dermopathy, necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, and eruptive xanthomatosis. Some common skin conditions in people with diabetes: Acanthosis nigricans This is a condition that results in the darkening and thickening of the skin. Often, areas of tan or brown skin, sometimes slightly raised, appear on the sides of the neck, the armpits, and groin. Occasionally, these darkened areas might appear on the hands, elbows, and knees. Acanthosis nigricans can affect otherwise healthy people, or it can be associated with certain medical conditions. It is frequently found in people with diabetes. Allergic reactions Allergic reactions to foods, bug bites, and medicines can cause rashes, depressions or bumps on the skin. If you think you might be having an allergic reaction to a medicine, contact your health care provider. Severe allergic reactions might require emergency treatment. It is especially important for people with diabetes to check for rashes or bumps in the areas where they inject their insulin. Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis is the narrowing of blood vessels thickening of the vessel walls. While atherosclerosis most often is associated with blood vessels in or near the heart, it can affect blood vessels throughout the body, including those that su Continue reading >>
Will Hand Lotion Raise Bg?
I have been applying a lotion called Corn Huskers Lotion to my hands to heal the chafing. It only works moderately well so I will probably look for another brand. Does anyone know if hand lotions affect bg tests? I use lotions all the time, especially in the winter on my hands and feet. I've never heard of lotions affecting bgs. D.D. Family T2 dx 3/07, tx w/very lo carb D&E Met, bolus R I've heard it suggested that the glycerol or glycerin in many lotions and soaps can affect blood glucose readings. I'm not sure if these molecules are in the right configuration to mimic glucose. 'Veni, Vidi, Velcro' - I came, I saw, I stuck around. D.D. Family diabetic since 1997, on insulin 2000 I've heard it suggested that the glycerol or glycerin in many lotions and soaps can affect blood glucose readings. I'm not sure if these molecules are in the right configuration to mimic glucose. You are right. They cannot turn into glucose in any easy way and not in the skin. Try this- wash your hands and test. Then, lotion them up really well and test again. Let us know what you find out! Try the Udderly Smooth lotion. It was developed for use on dairy cows. Udderly Smooth, smoothes roughness and softens skins. It a shea butter. I use the foot cream and I like it so far. D.D. Family T1 since 1982, pumping with Animas on 10/20/08 Could it be the corn derivitives that would effect the bg? I've no experiance with lotion effecting bg's but I would assume that if there is a high concentration of the corn that could effect it. But I agree witht the others. Test then later up. Regardless of our situation we are living with diabetes and this is our life. Continue reading >>
What hormone is used to lower blood sugar levels?
Insulin , a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps move glucose out of the bloodstream and into the cells, lowering blood sugar levels in the process. But people with diabetes have systems that either don't make enough insulin or can't use the insulin that they do have effectively.
Why do doctors order fasting blood sugar?
A fasting blood sugar level is usually ordered by a physician either to check for a new diagnosis of diabetes or to monitor a person who is known to have diabetes , according to the Mayo Clinic.
What are the results of a fasting blood test?
Here are the possible outcomes of a fasting blood sugar test, according to the Mayo Clinic: 1 Normal fasting blood sugar: less than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) 2 Impaired fasting glucose (aka prediabetes): between 100 and 125 mg/dL 3 Diabetes: greater than 126 mg/dL
What does fasting blood sugar mean?
Blood sugar, also known as glucose, is the body's main source of energy. A fasting blood sugar level is a measurement of how much glucose is in a person's blood after 12 hours without eating or drinking anything other than water, according to the Cleveland Clinic. That's why this simple blood test is usually done in the morning, before breakfast. If your fasting blood sugar is high, it is likely a sign of diabetes.
How long does it take for blood sugar to go down after fasting?
Discuss your exercise plan with your doctor before taking a fasting blood glucose test, as physical activity can lower blood glucose levels for up to 24 hours. Exercise can also temporarily raise blood sugar, according the Joslin Diabetes Center. During exercise, the body releases extra glucose to keep up with the higher energy demand.
Why is it important to exercise before a fasting blood test?
Exercising before a fasting blood sugar test can cause blood sugar levels to be either higher or lower than normal. According to the ADA, exercise increases the body's ability to use insulin effectively (known as insulin sensitivity), which helps lower blood sugar. Being active also means that the body needs more fuel, ...
How many blood glucose levels are needed for diabetes?
Diabetes: greater than 126 mg/dL. It takes two test results above 126 mg/dL to receive a diabetes diagnosis. If your first fasting blood glucose test is high, repeat the test to confirm, or have a related check (such as the A1C test) done on the same day. If that second test is also high, then it confirms the diabetes diagnosis.
