If you have diabetes or you’re worried about developing type 2, learning how to test diabetes at home can help you find out what’s happening. Home testing can give you information about your blood sugar levels but remember, it should never replace the advice from your GP or diabetes team. This guide will explain how to check your blood sugar at home and the different types of tests available.
What is a Home Diabetes Test?
A home diabetes testing kit can help you learn how to check blood sugar at home without having to visit the doctor every time. Some tests are for people who already have diabetes and need to monitor their blood sugar regularly, but there are others that can help you identify whether you may be at risk of type 2 diabetes.
A home test cannot diagnose diabetes on its own, so if your results are higher than you think they should be or you’re experiencing symptoms, you should make an appointment with your GP. The NHS explains more about diabetes diagnosis and testing.
Different Ways to Test Diabetes at Home
There are three ways to test diabetes at home.
- Finger-prick blood glucose monitor. A small drop of blood is taken from the side of your fingertip. The blood is then put onto a test strip which you insert into a blood glucose meter and this will show your blood sugar level at that exact moment and will help with how to monitor diabetes at home.
- Continuous glucose monitor (CGM). A continuous glucose monitor uses a small sensor that is worn on the body and it measures glucose in the fluid beneath your skin throughout the day and night. The readings are then sent to a reader or smartphone app, which lets you see how your glucose levels change. They measure glucose slightly differently from finger-prick tests and readings can be behind blood glucose by several minutes.
- HbA1c home test. This test uses a finger-prick blood sample which is sent to a laboratory, and it measures your average blood sugar over the previous two to three months. An HbA1c test is good for looking at long-term blood sugar control, but it should not replace daily monitoring.
Step by Step Diabetes Test at Home
If you’re using a finger-prick meter, follow this step by step diabetes test at home guide.
- Wash your hands then dry them completely.
- Insert a new test strip into the blood glucose meter.
- Place a new lancet into the finger-prick device.
- Prick the side of your fingertip rather than the centre.
- Squeeze until a small drop of blood appears.
- Touch the test strip to the blood drop.
- Wait for the meter to display your result.
- Record the reading.
- Safely dispose of the lancet in a sharps container.
Understanding Your Results
Blood sugar targets can be different depending on the type of diabetes you have, your age, whether you’re pregnant and your overall health. For many adults who have type 1 diabetes, the general targets are:
- Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/L.
- Around 90 minutes after meals: 5 to 9 mmol/L.
People who have type 2 diabetes may have different targets, so always follow the advice given by your nurse or doctor.
When Should You Get Medical Advice?
If your blood sugar readings are often outside your target range or if you have lots of very low or very high blood sugar readings, speak to your healthcare team. Learning how to monitor your diabetes at home is an important part of managing the condition, but regular reviews, annual HbA1c tests and routine diabetes health checks can all help reduce the complications.
For more advice, visit Diabetes UK, where you’ll find practical guidance on how to check blood sugar at home, using a home diabetes testing kit, following a step by step diabetes test at home and how to monitor diabetes at home.
FAQS
Can I test for diabetes at home?
Yes. A home diabetes testing kit can be used to check your blood sugar levels at home. Some kits also measure your average blood sugar over the last few months (HbA1c).
How Can you Check Blood Sugar at Home?
The easiest way to find out how to check blood sugar at home is with a finger-prick blood glucose meter. Some people use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which checks glucose levels throughout the day using a sensor worn on the body.
How often should I check my blood sugar at home?
Some people need to test several times a day, but others only need to test occasionally. Your GP or diabetes team will explain how to monitor diabetes at home and tell you how often you should check your blood sugar.
