Skip to main navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to footer
For
Medicare
For
Providers
For
Brokers
For
Employers
EspañolFor Individuals & Families:
For Individuals & Families
Shop for Plans
Shop for Plans
Shop for your own coverage
Medical
Dental
Other Supplemental
Plans through your employer
Learn about the medical, dental, pharmacy, behavioral, and voluntary benefits your employer may offer.
Explore coverage through work
Learn
How to Buy Health Insurance
Types of Dental Insurance
Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment
See all topics
Looking for Medicare coverage?
Shop for Medicare plans
Member Guide
Find a Doctor
Medical
Dental
Other Supplemental
Explore coverage through work
How to Buy Health Insurance
Types of Dental Insurance
Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment
See all topics
Shop for Medicare plans
Member Guide
Find a Doctor
Log in to myCigna
HomeKnowledge CenterWellness LibraryHow to measure your blood sugar
How to measure your blood sugar
Gather your supplies.
slide 1 of 11
slide 1 of 11, Gather your supplies.,
Gather the things you need to test your blood sugar. This usually includes the meter, needle (lancet) and lancet holder, test strips, and cotton balls.
Learn how to use the equipment.
slide 2 of 11
slide 2 of 11, Learn how to use the equipment.,
Read the information from the manufacturer and your doctor to be sure you know how to use the blood sugar meter, lancet holder, and test strips.
Check the expiration date.
slide 3 of 11
slide 3 of 11, Check the expiration date.,
Check the expiration date on your test strips. If you use expired test strips, your test results might not be accurate.
Match the code numbers.
slide 4 of 11
slide 4 of 11, Match the code numbers.,
Many meters don't need a code from the test strips, but some will. If your meter does, make sure the code number on the bottle of test strips matches the number on your meter. If the numbers don't match, follow the directions that come with your meter for changing the code number.
Wash your hands.
slide 5 of 11
slide 5 of 11, Wash your hands.,
Wash your hands with warm, soapy water, and dry them well with a clean towel.
Put a clean needle (lancet) in the lancet holder.
slide 6 of 11
slide 6 of 11, Put a clean needle (lancet) in the lancet holder.,
The lancet holder is about the size of a pen. It holds the lancet in place and controls how deeply the lancet goes into your skin.
Get the test strip ready.
slide 7 of 11
slide 7 of 11, Get the test strip ready.,
Take one strip from the bottle of test strips. Follow the directions to prepare your meter to receive the blood sample. Don't forget to put the lid back on the bottle right after removing the strip.
Prick your finger.
slide 8 of 11
slide 8 of 11, Prick your finger.,
Use a lancet holder to prick the side of your fingertip with the lancet. You can use a lancet without a holder, but a holder makes it easier to use. You can prick any finger.
Test a small sample of your blood.
slide 9 of 11
slide 9 of 11, Test a small sample of your blood.,
Touch the drop of blood with the correct spot of the test strip. Be sure to get enough blood to cover the test area on the strip.
Stop any bleeding.
slide 10 of 11
slide 10 of 11, Stop any bleeding.,
If your finger continues to bleed, use a clean cotton ball to apply pressure to your fingertip to stop the bleeding.
Record your results.
slide 11 of 11
slide 11 of 11, Record your results.,
Wait for the results. Most meters take only a few seconds to give you the results. It's important to record your blood sugar results and when you tested it. It's also helpful to note when you last had something to eat. Your doctor will use your record to see how often your blood sugar levels are in your target range. Some meters will store the results and let you share them with your doctor.
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.
Get an ID card
File a claim
View my claims and EOBs
Check coverage under my plan
See prescription drug list
Find an in-network doctor, dentist, or facility
Find a form
Find 1095-B tax form information
View the Cigna Glossary
Contact Cigna
Audiences
Individuals and Families
Medicare
Employers
Brokers
Providers
Secure Member Sites
myCigna member portal
Health Care Provider portal
Cigna for Employers
Client Resource Portal
Cigna for Brokers
The Cigna Group Information
About Cigna Healthcare
Company Profile
Careers
Newsroom
Investors
Suppliers
The Cigna Group
Third Party Administrators
International
Evernorth
Cigna. All rights reserved.
Privacy
Legal
Product Disclosures
Cigna Company Names
Customer Rights
Accessibility
Non-Discrimination Notice
Language Assistance [PDF]
Report Fraud
Sitemap
Cookie Settings
Disclaimer
Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of Texas, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see
a listing of the legal entities
that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, and Hospital Care plans or insurance policies are distributed exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, are administered by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, and are insured by either (i) Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT); (ii) Life Insurance Company of North America (“LINA”) (Philadelphia, PA); or (iii) New York Life Group Insurance Company of NY (“NYLGICNY”) (New York, NY), formerly known as Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. The Cigna name, logo, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. LINA and NYLGICNY are not affiliates of Cigna.
All insurance policies and group benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For availability, costs and complete details of coverage, contact a licensed agent or Cigna sales representative. This website is not intended for residents of New Mexico.
Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website. Cigna may not control the content or links of non-Cigna websites.
Details