How do you measure blood sugar at home?
Learn how to use a blood glucose meter correctly and respond safely to a high reading.
Short answer
Wash and dry your hands, insert a compatible test strip, and use a fresh lancet to collect blood from the side of your fingertip. Record the result and, if it is unexpectedly high, repeat the test with clean, dry hands. Do not change your medication dose without medical advice; call Turkey’s 112 Emergency Call Center for severe symptoms.
What you need
Step by step
Wash your hands
Wash your hands with soap and water, then dry them completely. Food, juice, or cream left on a finger can make the result falsely high. If you used an alcohol wipe, wait until the skin is fully dry before testing.
Insert the strip
Press the meter’s power button or insert the test strip into its slot. Wait for the strip or blood-drop symbol to appear on the screen. If the display shows a different prompt, follow the “Testing” section of the device manual.
Prick your finger
Put a new lancet into the lancing device and choose the depth recommended in the manual. Prick the side of your fingertip, which is often less sensitive. Follow the manual’s “Blood sample” instructions about whether to wipe away the first drop.
Complete the test
Touch the blood drop to the sample edge of the strip without pressing the strip against your finger. Wait for the meter to display the result. Save it using the “Memory,” “M,” or “Record” button, and note the time, whether you were fasting or had eaten, and any symptoms.
Confirm a high result
If the result is unexpectedly high, wash and dry your hands again and repeat the test with a new strip. Check that the strips are not expired, the container has not been left open, and the meter battery is working. Have a healthcare professional evaluate the result rather than relying only on a repeat test.
Get medical support
For repeated high readings, contact your primary care clinician or diabetes care team. In Turkey, you can use the MHRS app and choose “Book an Appointment” or “Book an Appointment with a Family Physician.” Call the “112 Emergency Call Center” for severe thirst, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, confusion, or fainting.
Tips
Watch out
Do not increase, stop, or otherwise change insulin or another medication because of one high reading without medical advice. Dirty or wet hands, damp or expired strips, an insufficient sample, and incorrect meter use can distort results. If severe symptoms occur, call Turkey’s 112 Emergency Call Center without delaying for another test.
Frequently asked questions
+What should I do immediately if my blood sugar is high?
Repeat the test with clean, dry hands and a new strip, then record the result and your symptoms. Do not change your medication dose without advice from your healthcare team, and call the 112 Emergency Call Center for serious symptoms.
+Can I clean my finger with alcohol before testing?
Yes, but wait until the finger is completely dry. Wet alcohol residue can affect the sample and sting the skin; washing with soap and water and drying thoroughly is usually preferable.
+Which finger should I use for testing?
Follow your meter’s instructions and use the side of a fingertip, which is often less sensitive. Rotate fingers to reduce soreness and irritation.
+Why can meter results vary?
Dirty or wet fingers, expired or damp strips, too little blood, and improper storage can affect a reading. Repeat an unexpected result under correct conditions and ask a healthcare professional to assess the meter if the difference persists.
Sources and verification
Official pages for this process
Last verified: September 23, 2026. tell us.
This content is for information only; for official procedures the relevant institution’s current announcements take precedence. Details: disclaimer.