Dude, pricking your finger is a pain, literally. I've gathered some simple tricks from experts in diabetes care to help you not feel like a voodoo doll.
1. Prick the Sides of Your Fingers
I was taught this trick by the nurses in the ICU. The pads of your fingers have the most nerve endings in order to have a better sense of touch, thus causing more pain. The sides of your fingers have less nerve endings and work just as well for glucose readings.
2. Switch Fingers Regularly
Diabetics tend to have their favorite fingers for poking, but this never lets them heal! Testing on the
same few fingers increases the risk for soreness and infection. Over time, calluses and scar tissue can form, which may make it more difficult and painful to obtain a blood sample. God gave us 10 fingers, so lets use all of them!
same few fingers increases the risk for soreness and infection. Over time, calluses and scar tissue can form, which may make it more difficult and painful to obtain a blood sample. God gave us 10 fingers, so lets use all of them!
3. Use Soap And Water - Not Alcohol
I was taught from the beginning to never use alcohol swabs before testing because they could give an inaccurate reading, but they can also cause more pain. According to certified diabetes educator,
