Certain circumstances can affect your blood glucose readings. Read on to find out what you need to know.
A dirty meter or dirty hands:
Make sure to always wash your hands thoroughly with unscented soap and water or an alcohol wipe, and disinfect your iGlucose meter. Dry your hands completely.
Iron deficiency and dehydration:
People with anemia can have higher blood sugar levels. Being dehydrated can increase the concentration of glucose in your blood.
Improper storage of test strips or your iGlucose meter:
Keep your test strips stored at temperatures between 39 and 86 degrees F, with a relative humidity between 10 and 90 percent. Do not expose your test strips or your meter to direct heat or sunlight.
Certain medications:
ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, as well as Tylenol (acetaminophen), especially in large doses, may affect blood sugar levels.
Blood exposed to the air:
If your blood sample sits too long before testing, it can alter your blood glucose reading.
Out-of-date test strips:
The test strips last for three months after they’re opened.
Improper testing procedures:
Too much or too little blood sample, or a test strip not inserted properly into your meter, can cause an inaccurate reading.
Lotions:
Lotions or fragrances from soaps that come into contact with the test strip can affect your readings.
Another reason to wash your hands with a mild, unscented soap before testing!
Sneaky sugar, carbs, and sugar substitutes:
Watch out for hidden sources of sugar!
Your menstrual cycle:
The hormonal changes during your cycle can affect your blood sugar levels.
Sickness, injuries, or stress:
As part of an immune reaction, blood glucose is released into your blood when you are sick, injured, or stressed.
Please consult with your Revero provider or health coach if you have any questions or concerns.