Diabetes Mellitus, How to Take Blood Sample?

How to Take Blood Sample?

• Diabetes mellitus can be controlled by diet, exercise, and drugs, which depend upon the fasting glucose level.

How will you control Diabetes mellitus based on fasting blood glucose levels?

What are the American Diabetes Association recommendations for diabetics?

1. Fasting blood glucose = 80 to 120 mg/dL (before eating).
2. After eating the food = <180 mg/dL.
3. At bedtime = 100 to 140 mg/dL.

When you need consultation, what are your blood glucose levels?

1. Before meal = >140 mg/dL.
2. Bed time = >160 mg/dL

What are the recommendations for testing the blood glucose level?

1. In diabetes mellitus type 1 = 4 times /day (before the meal and at bedtime).
2. Diabetes mellitus type 2 without insulin and drugs = 2 times/day, fasting and before dinner.
3. Diabetes mellitus type 2 with insulin = 4 times/day (before meal and bedtime).
4. Diabetes mellitus type 2 taking medications = 3 times/day (Fasting, before dinner, and at bedtime).

What are the precautions for taking the blood sample?

1. It is better to wash your hands before testing the blood glucose.
2. Also, dry the finger thoroughly to avoid contamination by the water vapors.
3. I will recommend the lancet, especially the “one-touch Delica Plus.” This technology uses fine needles, and the procedure is mostly painless.
4. You can use different sites like the ear lobe, forearm, and fingertip.
5. Avoid touching the strip with your finger, which may contaminate the strip.
6. Follow the meter instructions before testing the blood glucose level.

How will you take the blood sample?

• The fingertip is easier and more practical for getting one drop of blood.

Blood sample finger Prick

Capillary blood procedure

How will you convert mg/dL to mmol/L?

• mg/dL/18 (your value in mg/dL is divided by 18).
• Fasting level:  80 to 120 mg/dL = 4.4 to 6.6 mmol/L
• After food = <180 mg/dL = <10 mmol/L.
• At bedtime = 100 to 140 mg/dL = 5.5 to 7.7 mmol/L