LE, Diabetes, & Blood Glucose Needle Pricks

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cinnamonsmiles
cinnamonsmiles Member Posts: 779
edited January 2015 in Lymphedema

I had posted for help awhile back asking what others do for poking for blood samples for blood glucose readings and what type of meter to use.

I saw a VERY knowledgeable diabetes and nutrition educator.

She recommended a meter called FREESTYLE LITE. It as approve for alternate side use on the thigh. It also uses very little blood which is great because sometimes I can't get a lot of blood out of the thigh area. She also recommended that I not take samples too close to the knee.

I write this just in case someone else can't poke the fingers or the palm on either hand and has diabetes.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2014

    Thanks for sharing. Sounds like a helpful alternative!!!

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited December 2014

    Cinnamon, thank you! That's really helpful information. Just have to keep in mind that the thigh is considered a "lagging" test site for blood sugars--in other words readings from the thigh might be 20-30 minutes behind the actual blood glucose level. Not a problem if you're testing regularly and blood sugars don't do sudden drops.

    Our youngest daughter's diabetes has always been unpredictable, with sudden drops, even at night (aaaaaugh!) that can't really be accounted for. She now has an alert dog, whose alerts to both highs and lows are thankfully incredibly accurate and fast. In fact, a good alert dog can detect dangerous blood glucose changes sooner than a Continuous Monitor. Of course she still has to do blood tests to verify and track--sigh! A cure sure would be nice!

    Hugs,
    Binney

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  • cinnamonsmiles
    cinnamonsmiles Member Posts: 779
    edited December 2014

    Thanks for adding what I forgot about lagging time. I was told that because I take it on the leg, am Type 2, and never have problems with low blood sugars, I should take blood sugar levels 2 hours BEFORE I eat.

    You gave me so much helpful information the first time I posted this dilemma!!

    Thanks for your help!


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  • sandcastle
    sandcastle Member Posts: 587
    edited January 2015


    My meter is UltraSmart.....I use my unaffected hand.....remember you have three point on  each finger....so that is what I use...and it works for me....Liz

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