Tips for testing and managing your diabetes: It is a good idea to record all your results in log book. Click to view a sample log. Don’t worry if you have some readings out of range. Your treatment plan is working if at least half of your readings are in range. Always bring your log sheets or log book with you when you visit your physician. To perform your blood glucose test: Wash hands with soap and warm water to clean and increase circulation in hands. Dry hands before testing. Shake hands down to get more blood in hands. Place lancet firmly against the side of your finger, being careful to not using the pad or fingertip. Massage or “milk” finger toward tip after you stick your finger for larger drop of blood. Alternate fingers and sides of fingers, using all ten including thumbs. Keep your test strips dry, covered, and in packing until you are ready to perform a test. Store equipment at room temperature, avoiding extreme temperatures and moist areas. Check supplies for the expiration date and do not use if they are expired. Dispose of lancets properly (ask your pharmacist). Do a control test on your monitor every time you open a new container of strips, drop the monitor, or if you get a strange reading that does not seem right to you. Check expiration of control solution. Control solution is generally only good for three months after you open it. Clean your monitor with a damp cloth and do not use alcohol.