Ever so easy. You insert a strip in the machine, prick your finger with the lancet, put the strip to the blood on your finger then after a few seconds the machine displays the reading
ive been diabetic since 1995 ive had at least 5 or 6 monitors and never paid a penny...all other parts ..ie strips, needles are on prescription as is the insulin which are all free ( is in scotland )..as i originally said...just ask your diabetic nurse.
oh btw hc4361 the newer ones dont need to have a testing strip inserted..the bit where you put the test blood runs on and is stored in machine till 50 tests have been completed then u change the cassette....brilliant...i actually test myself a lot more with it as its so easy.
If you are a well controlled Type 2 diabetic, there is no value in testing your blood sugar regularly, as it is better to have a blood test (Hb 1ac) either 3 monthly or 6 monthly.
Don't get "hung up" on regular self testing.
this is the one i use,,,,far better no strips as i previously said, As an injector of 300 units of insulin a day ( yes u read it right ) i have been reliably been told by various members of doctor/diabetic and hospital staff to test regularly and in particularly before driving, guess its different for us all.
Tamaris, might i suggest you see your diabetic nurse who will gladly put you right about all the questions you have about diabetes, whilst all the advice given on here is fairly correct, i think for peace of mind that a chat with the nurse is a good thing, diabetes effects us all differently and shouldnt be treated lightly, although with the right advice, medication etc you can generally live a normal life, good luck and dont worry.
Regular blood glucose testing is a fact of life for diabetic people. Getting note of glucose level has become easier with variety of glucose meters available in the market. Some are very sensitive, and require less blood with less pain and accurate results. Go on the site like http://www.ilexmedical.com/products.php?id=43 that gives quality products at fair price. Along with regular blood glucose tracking, you need to involve in physical exercise, eat healthy, and live happily to avoid diabetes in-consequences.