Blood sugar testing is not to be taken lightly for the results will be the guide that will steer the diabetics in the right direction.
However, to some it is something that has to be done in a half hazard way.
So the results are there but do we know what those numbers mean? Do we know how they can help us to have better health? Don't worry if you do not have a clue.
With so many things a diabetic has to remember to do, is it any wonder that some times we forget why we are testing anyway? Do you have a blood glucose meter? Did you get an education as to how to interpret the numbers and use them to your advantage? Do you have a blood glucose or blood sugar meter? If you don't, there are some tips to guide you on the choice of a meter that is right for you.
You will use the meter a lot and literally it will be your companion for it will be with you everywhere you go.
Therefore it should be something you are comfortable having around.
Here are some tips to remember:

• Size matters.
  Some like it small but this could easily be misplaced so get the right size for you.
  
• Some meters take longer to give the results but look for one that can do it for five seconds or less.
  
• How long does it take to get the blood on the strip? The shorter time it takes, the better it is.
  
• How much blood does the meter need to do its job? I will take the one that needs less blood to do the work.
  
• Is the result easy to read with enough lighting and with the font size big enough so you do not have to squint trying to read the results?
• Can you test at different sites like the thighs or the forearms?
• Some meters have memory options to remember the test results.
  
• How much do the test strips cost?
• Can the system send the test results directly to your doctor or to your pump? Some newer models have these features enabled.
  
• Does it use individual test strips or does it have a drum that will allow you to do multiple tests?

You have to find out from your health insurance company if this expense is covered.
Some are offered free hoping that you will buy the strips from them.
Check therefore the cost of the strips as this may help you decide.
Comparing the prices of the test strips will certainly be a big help.
There is financial assistance available.
You just have to know where to look for it.
For instance, you will find a lot of links that offer free meter online.
Just be careful making a final decision.
They will ask questions to find out if you are eligible so knowing that they want to find customers for their test strips, just say yes, that you do test a lot.
There will be more tips coming your way.
All diabetics need to monitor their blood glucose, that is for sure.
Doing it several times a day is essential in order to check the effect of food, exercise and medication.
For those who take insulin, it is important to do the test to make sure the blood glucose does not go down dangerously low.
That is why it is important to do blood sugar testing.