Glucose Monitoring System Not Just Your Fingers Anymore
Reviewed by Staff of Diabetes Digest

Have you ever wondered if you could use a body part other than your fingers to check your blood glucose level? Today the answer is yes. Several blood glucose meters currently available are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the agency that approves medical devices, for what’s called “alternate site testing.”

PLUSES AND MINUSES

The biggest plus of alternate site testing is less pain. That’s because you use sites with fewer nerve endings than your fingers. Another plus is that you can give your well-worn, and possibly sore, fingers a rest. One more plus: Some people find that they can get blood more easily from alternate sites. The only minus, and this might not be a minus depending on the meter you choose (see additional instructions in chart), is that several manufacturers suggest that there are times when using your finger may be more accurate, such as when your blood glucose is too low. So you still need to use your fingers for some checks.

FDA HAS THEIR SAY

FDA approves all meters for sale in the United States. In seeking FDA approval companies request approval for specific alternate sites with specific meters. To get FDA approval a company must provide the FDA with studies that prove the accuracy of their meter on the alternate sites for which they are seeking approval. For you to get the most reliable results using alternate site testing, follow the guidelines provided with your meter.

TIPS FOR USING ALTERNATE SITES:

• Rub the site you will use to check your blood glucose vigorously before you prick your skin. This increases blood flow to the site.
• Use one type of meter. Don’t alternate between different meters. This will help you get consistent results.
• Consistently use the same alternate site. For example: always use your forearms. This will help you get consistent results.
• If you don’t feel you are getting accurate results, talk to your diabetes educator and/or contact the manufacturer of your meter. Make sure you are using the meter properly and ask them about any special guidelines.

DOES YOUR METER READ PLASMA OR WHOLE BLOOD?

All blood glucose meters, that is until recently, read the glucose level in your blood sample as whole blood. Then several years ago a manufacturer developed a meter calibrated to read the blood glucose sample as if it were plasma. The point was to make it easier for you and your health care providers to compare your lab tests with your blood glucose meter results. You should know that plasma reads about 10 to 12% higher than whole blood. Today, most new meters are calibrated to read the blood sample as plasma. That’s not a problem if you know what your meter reads. Check your instruction book, contact the manufacturer of your meter, or ask a diabetes educator.

Note: There is no difference in Hemoglobin A1c testing.

ALTERNATE SITE GLUCOSE MONITORS

Here’s a comparison of the meters approved for alternate site blood glucose checking. All of these meters are calibrated to read your whole blood sample as if it were a plasma sample.

FreeStyle® TheraSense® Forearm, bicep area, thigh, back of calf, fleshy part of palm between the thumb and first finger, fingers. Yes

Additional Instructions: Suggest use of finger to check blood glucose if you think it is low.

Contact Information: 1-888-522-5226; www.therasense.com

Sof-Tact® MediSense® Forearm, upper arm, palm of hand. Yes

Additional Instructions: None

 Contact Information: 1-800-323-9100; www.medisense.com

Ultra and LifeScan® Forearm. Yes FastTake®

Additional Instructions: If blood glucose is low use a finger. Only use alternate site if: checking blood glucose fasting, pre-meal or 2 hours since the last meal, it is two hours or more after taking insulin, or two hours or more after exercising.

Contact Information: 1-800-227-8862; www.lifescan.com

All the above blood glucose testing monitors can be purchased at any Walgreens Pharmacy or on-line at www.walgreens.com.