Control Solution: What It Is and When You Should Use It
If you've ever opened a glucose meter kit and wondered what that small extra bottle is, you're not alone. That little bottle is called a control solution, and it plays a surprisingly important role in making sure your blood sugar readings are accurate. Understanding when and how to use it could make a real difference in how well you manage your diabetes.
What Is a Diabetes Control Solution?
A diabetes control solution is a liquid that contains a known, fixed amount of glucose. It's used to test your glucose meter and strips — not your blood — to confirm that everything is working correctly.
It mimics blood so your meter can be tested without a finger prick
Each bottle has a printed acceptable result range on the label
It is specific to your meter brand and strip type
Control solution is not the same as insulin or any medication
It is safe to handle and comes in a small, easy-to-use bottle
Why Accurate Readings Matter So Much
Your diabetes management decisions — like adjusting food, activity, or medication — depend on your glucose readings being correct. Even a small error in your meter's readings can lead to choices that don't serve your health well.
When Should You Use Control Solution?
Most diabetes educators recommend testing your meter with control solution in several specific situations. Making it part of your routine helps you catch problems before they affect your care.
When you open a new box of test strips
If you drop your meter or it gets wet or very hot
When your readings don't match how you feel
After the control solution or strip vial has been open for 3 months
If you suspect your strips may be expired or damaged
How to Run a Control Solution Test
Running the test is simple and takes just a minute or two. The process is almost identical to testing your blood sugar, with control solution used in place of a blood drop.
Wash and dry your hands before starting
Insert a test strip into your meter as usual
Apply a small drop of control solution to the strip
Wait for your meter to display the result
Compare the result to the acceptable range printed on your strip vial
What the Results Mean
If your result falls within the printed range on your test strip vial, your meter and strips are working correctly. If the result falls outside that range, it's time to troubleshoot — check your strips, your meter, and your control solution expiration dates before testing your blood sugar again.
Tips for Storing Control Solution Properly
Control solution does expire and can give inaccurate results if stored incorrectly. Following a few simple storage habits keeps your control solution reliable every time you need it.
Store at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight
Write the date you opened it on the bottle
Discard it 3 months after opening, even if liquid remains
Never freeze control solution
Keep the cap tightly closed between uses
Shop Diabetes Supplies at MDS Diabetes
MDS Diabetes carries a wide selection of glucose meters, test strips, and control solutions to help you stay confident in your blood sugar monitoring. Visit mdsdiabetes.com or call (877) 861-3571 — our friendly team is ready to help you find exactly what you need.
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