Testing your blood sugar can be a literal pain. If the hurt is what’s keeping you from testing regularly, we have good news. There are ways to lessen the ouch factor! Here are seven ways you can make it hurt less.
Change your lancet after every test. When you reuse a lancet, it becomes dull. That can make it hurt more when it pricks your skin.
Skip the sanitizing wipe. Alcohol wipes are one way to clean your fingers. But alcohol can tighten up your skin, making the prick hurt more. Instead, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Wash with warm water. In addition to making your hands nice and clean, this step will also warm up your hands. The warm water helps increase blood flow, which will make it easier to draw blood.
Massage your finger. While you’re washing, give the finger you plan to use a little squeeze. Massage your finger toward the tip to further improve blood flow.
Lower the lancet. Your lancet may be set to go deeper than you need it to, which can cause unnecessary hurt. Experiment with a lower setting to see if that works for you.
Switch up the fingers. Using the same spot repeatedly can be painful. Instead, try to rotate fingers, using a different one each time.
Use the side of your finger. The sides of your fingers have better blood flow than the tips of your fingers. Better blood flow means an easier stick for you.