Needle pokes for blood glucose test

Marple

A friend of mine has developed type II diabetes.  She had a bilat. mast.  Nodes taken and cancer on one side.  Chemo but no rads.  I assume she should not test her blood on the node side.  What about the prophylactic side.  If one should not prick fingers on either side what are her options?

Kicks

Not a diabetic - there are MANY ads on TV about glucose testers that can be done on MANY other parts of the body - actually nothing new.

Marple

Thank you Kicks.  I did not know that and being new to diabetes I'm not sure she does either. 

carol57

Well, it's a bit more complicated than that. My mother has type 2 diabetes. She had full node dissection 45 years ago with unilateral mx, so she's ok to use her other hand for monitoring--just feels it hurts too much there.  So she asked her doctor about other sites to prick, and yes it's possible, and the thigh is probably the place a woman with bilateral LE or LE risk would think about using.  But your friend may need to make test adjustments, depending on the site she chooses.  Here's a link that explains: http://www.bd.com/us/diabetes/blood-glucose-monitoring/how-to-test/alternate-site/ .  Your friend should discuss with her doctor to make sure she is accurately interpreting the readings on her meter, if she uses her thigh or another site away from her arm.

LuvRVing

I had a BMX with full node dissection on my left side.  I test on my right hand.  Luckily, I'm in pretty good control so I don't have to test all that often.

Marple

Thank you so much ladies.  I will let her know of your replies and the link Carol.

Binney4

Marple, I agree with using the hand with fewest nodes removed. The thigh is complicated, and can't be used in every circumstance, even with adjustments.

But it's also really important to observe all the guidelines for doing a blood test safely. Wash hands well before testing. Use a new lancet every time. Keep the lancet devise clean and the "business end" well protected (don't set it down on the edge of the sink or other dirty surface--she can even use an alcohol swab to clean the face of the lancet devise before each use). The danger here is infection, so she needs to be familiar with what to look for in terms of cellulitis and get help immediately if she sees any sign of it. Information about that here:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Emergencies_and_Medical_Care_lymphedema.htm

Greet her for us!
Binney