Can dirty hands affect blood sugar?

A study published in March 2011 in the journal Diabetes Carefound that blood from unwashed hands had a greater than 10 percent difference in blood sugar levels between the first drop and the second drop, and that error was amplified if participants' hands had recently touched fruit.


Can dirty fingers affect blood sugar reading?

Sugar, or other substances, on your fingers

Bits of dirt can also mess up your blood glucose readings. Make sure your hands are as clean as possible when you test your blood.

What can cause false high blood sugar readings?

However, various factors such as application errors, extreme environmental conditions, extreme hematocrit values, or medication interferences may potentially falsify blood glucose readings. Incorrect blood glucose readings may lead to treatment errors, for example, incorrect insulin dosing.


Should I wash my hands before I check my blood sugar?

The implications of this small study are clear: having residual fruit sugar on your fingers can artificially elevate blood glucose readings, and alcohol swabs are not the best way to clean your hands before performing the test. A thorough hand washing with soap and water is always best.

What can throw off your blood sugar?

Birth control pills, certainantidepressants and antipsychotics, some diuretics, and nasal decongestants may also cause higher-than-normal readings, while other drugs may lower blood sugar or make it more difficult to recognize signs of hypoglycemia, according to TriHealth.


Will Dirty Hands Lead to Wrong Blood Sugar Results



Why is my blood sugar high when I have not eaten anything?

Your body makes extra blood sugar (glucose) overnight in order to avoid periods of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) while you're sleeping and to give you the energy you need to get out of bed. In people without diabetes, insulin — the hormone that regulates blood sugar — also rises to keep blood sugar stable.

Can blood sugar rise without eating?

Look out for these surprising triggers that can send your blood sugar soaring: Sunburn—the pain causes stress, and stress increases blood sugar levels. Artificial sweeteners—more research is needed, but some studies show they can raise blood sugar. Coffee—even without sweetener.

Why do you need to wipe off the first blood drop?

Wipe away the first drop of blood because it may be contaminated with tissue fluid or debris (sloughing skin). Avoid squeezing the finger or heel too tightly because this dilutes the specimen with tissue fluid (plasma) and increases the probability of haemolysis (60).


Why do I get different blood sugar readings on different fingers?

This is, in part, because samples will vary slightly due to the differing amounts of cells and interstitial fluid (the fluid between the cells) they contain. This means that if you do multiple tests back-to-back using the same finger, the results can be slightly different.

What time of day is blood sugar highest?

The dawn phenomenon is an early-morning rise in blood sugar, also called blood glucose, in people with diabetes. The dawn phenomenon leads to high levels of blood sugar, a condition called hyperglycemia. It usually happens between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m.

Can drinking a lot of water lower your blood sugar?

Drinking water regularly may rehydrate the blood, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce diabetes risk ( 20 , 21 ). Keep in mind that water and other zero-calorie drinks are best. Avoid sugar-sweetened options, as these can raise blood glucose, drive weight gain, and increase diabetes risk ( 22 , 23 ).


What besides diabetes can cause high blood sugar?

Pancreatic diseases such as pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and cystic fibrosis can cause hyperglycemia because pancreas cells are damaged in these conditions. Insulin is produced and released from the cells of the pancreas.

Does it matter which finger you test blood sugar?

If washing hands is not possible and they are not visibly soiled or exposed to a sugar-containing product, it is acceptable to use the second drop of blood after wiping away the first drop. It does not matter which finger is used for glucose measurements. External pressure may lead to unreliable readings.

Why does finger squeezing affect blood sugar?

Squeezing your finger

When you do that, you are getting some interstitial fluid rather than blood. A study shows that this “may lead to unreliable readings." Gently warming the hands ahead of time can help so you don't have squeeze so hard.


When should you not check your blood sugar?

Testing too soon after you've had a meal or a snack will give you results that are probably too high. The solution for better diabetes control: Test fasting blood sugar, and test every time before you eat. Wait two hours after eating to get the best reading.

How soon after waking up should I test my blood sugar?

In most cases, doctors ask people to measure fasting blood sugar immediately upon waking and before they have anything to eat or drink. It may also be appropriate to test blood sugar before eating or 2 hours after a meal, which is when blood sugar returns to normal levels.

Which hand is better for glucose test?

The right arm was higher 96% of the time and was half as likely to detect glucose levels outside the 70-140 mg/dL range compared to the left arm.


Which finger is preferred for pricking?

The middle or ring finger is preferred as having the greatest depth of tissue beneath the skin and hence offering the least chances of injury.

What are diabetic hands?

On the hands, you'll notice tight, waxy skin on the backs of your hands. The fingers can become stiff and difficult to move. If diabetes has been poorly controlled for years, it can feel like you have pebbles in your fingertips. Hard, thick, and swollen-looking skin can spread, appearing on the forearms and upper arms.

How many times can you use a lancet?

Officially, all lancets are single use.


How often should I replace my lancet?

Most medical professionals and experts insist that lancets (the little needles in glucose testing kits) should be changed after each finger poke.

Is it OK to reuse lancets?

Some people with diabetes use their insulin syringes and lancets more than once to save money. But makers of syringes and lancets do not recommend using them more than once. Talk with your doctor before reusing these items.

Can fasting too long raise blood sugar?

Fasting can definitely raise blood glucose. This is due to the effect of insulin falling and the rising counter-regulatory hormones including increased sympathetic tone, noradrenaline, cortisol and growth hormone, in addition to glucagon. These all have the effect of pushing glucose from liver storage into the blood.


Why do diabetics wake up in the middle of the night?

Low blood glucose at night

When blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dl while sleeping at night, the person experiences a condition called nocturnal hypoglycemia. Studies suggest that almost half of all episodes of low blood glucose — and more than half of all severe episodes — occur at night during sleep.

Can stress and anxiety cause high blood sugar?

If stress doesn't go away, it can keep your blood sugar levels high and put you at higher risk of diabetes complications. It can also affect your mood and how you look after yourself, which can start to affect your emotional health. But there are things you can do to take the pressure off.