5 Mistakes People Make When Testing Their Blood Sugar
If you're living with diabetes, testing your blood sugar is one of the most important things you do every day. But even small mistakes during the process can throw off your readings and lead to poor decisions about food, medication, or activity. The good news? These blood sugar testing mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for.
Mistake 1: Not Washing Your Hands Before Testing
One of the most common blood sugar testing mistakes in diabetes care is skipping a simple handwash. Traces of food, lotion, or dirt on your fingertips can seriously skew your glucose reading.
Always wash hands with soap and warm water before testing
Dry hands completely — moisture can dilute the blood sample
Avoid using hand sanitizer as a substitute, as alcohol residue can affect results
If you must test without washing, use the second drop of blood for better accuracy
Mistake 2: Using Expired or Improperly Stored Test Strips
Test strips are sensitive tools that can degrade over time or when exposed to heat, humidity, or air. Using compromised strips is a sneaky source of inaccurate blood sugar readings.
Always check the expiration date on your test strip container
Store strips in a cool, dry place — not in your car or bathroom
Keep the container tightly closed after every use
Never use strips from a container that was left open for a long time
Mistake 3: Not Calibrating or Maintaining Your Glucose Meter
Your glucose meter needs a little TLC to stay accurate. Skipping calibration checks or ignoring error codes can mean your numbers are off without you even realizing it.
Run a control solution test regularly to verify meter accuracy
Clean your meter according to the manufacturer's instructions
Replace batteries promptly — low power can affect readings
Check that your meter's code matches the code on your test strip vial if required
Mistake 4: Testing at the Wrong Times
Timing matters more than most people realize when it comes to blood sugar testing. Testing at inconsistent or incorrect times can make it harder for you and your care team to spot meaningful patterns.
Follow your doctor's guidance on when to test — fasting, before meals, or after meals
Post-meal testing is typically done 1 to 2 hours after your first bite
Keep a log of your readings along with the time and what you ate
Consistent timing makes your data far more useful for adjusting your care plan
Mistake 5: Not Getting Enough Blood on the Strip
An insufficient blood sample is a surprisingly common reason for error messages or inaccurate results. Most people try to re-lance the same spot, which can lead to bruising and frustration.
Use a lancing device set to the right depth for your skin type
Warm your hands first to encourage better blood flow
Gently squeeze from the base of the finger toward the tip
If the sample is too small, use a fresh strip rather than adding more blood to the same one
Why Accurate Testing Is Worth Getting Right
Every reading you take is a data point that helps you and your doctor make smarter decisions about your health. Avoiding these blood sugar testing mistakes in your diabetes routine can make a real difference in how well you manage your condition day to day. Small adjustments to your testing habits can lead to big improvements in your overall care.
Shop Diabetes Supplies at MDS Diabetes
Getting accurate blood sugar readings starts with having the right supplies. At MDS Diabetes, you'll find a wide selection of trusted glucose meters, test strips, lancets, and lancing devices to support your diabetes management every step of the way. Visit us at mdsdiabetes.com or give us a call at (877) 861-3571 — our friendly team is ready to help you find exactly what you need.
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