If you have diabetes, you need to test your blood glucose (sugar) levels regularly with a glucometer. A glucometer is a device that measures the amount of glucose in a drop of blood from your finger. But which finger is best for glucose testing and why? Let’s find out.
Why does the finger matter?
The finger you choose for glucose testing can affect the accuracy and comfort of your result. Different fingers may have different blood glucose levels, different nerve endings, and different skin thicknesses. These factors can influence how much blood you get, how much pain you feel, and how reliable your reading is.
Which finger is best for glucose testing?
According to the World Health Organization, the best fingers for glucose testing are the middle or ring fingers (the second and third fingers). This is because:
These fingers have less nerve endings than the other fingers, which means less pain when you prick them.
These fingers have more capillary blood than the other fingers, which means more current and consistent blood glucose levels.
These fingers are more convenient and comfortable to use than the other fingers, especially if you are right-handed.
You should avoid using the thumb or the little finger for glucose testing. This is because:
The thumb has more nerve endings than the other fingers, which means more pain when you prick it.
The thumb has less capillary blood than the other fingers, which means less current and inconsistent blood glucose levels.
The little finger has thinner skin than the other fingers, which means more risk of injury and infection when you prick it.
How to choose the best spot on your finger?
The best spot on your finger for glucose testing is the side of your fingertip. This is because:
The side of your fingertip has less nerve endings than the center or the pad of your fingertip, which means less pain when you prick it.
The side of your fingertip has more capillary blood than the center or the pad of your fingertip, which means more current and consistent blood glucose levels.
The side of your fingertip has thicker skin than the center or the pad of your fingertip, which means less risk of injury and infection when you prick it.
You should avoid pricking the center or the pad of your fingertip for glucose testing. This is because:
The center or the pad of your fingertip has more nerve endings than the side of your fingertip, which means more pain when you prick it.
The center or the pad of your fingertip has less capillary blood than the side of your fingertip, which means less current and inconsistent blood glucose levels.
The center or the pad of your fingertip has thinner skin than the side of your fingertip, which means more risk of injury and infection when you prick it.
How to rotate your fingers for glucose testing?
You should rotate your fingers for glucose testing to avoid soreness and calluses. Repeated pricks in the same spot can damage your skin and nerves and affect your blood flow. Rotating your fingers can help prevent these problems and improve your comfort and accuracy.
You can rotate your fingers in different ways, such as:
Using a different finger each time you test
Using a different spot on the same finger each time you test
Using a different hand each time you test
Using a pattern that works for you
You should also keep track of which finger and spot you use each time you test. This will help you remember to rotate them and avoid using the same one too often.
Which Finger is Best for Glucose Testing: Summary
The best fingers for glucose testing are the middle or ring fingers (the second and third fingers). The best spot on your finger for glucose testing is the side of your fingertip. You should rotate your fingers for glucose testing to avoid soreness and calluses.
Choosing the best finger and spot for glucose testing can help you get accurate and reliable results with less pain and risk. You should also follow the instructions and precautions for using your glucometer correctly. You should consult your doctor or diabetes care team if you have any questions or concerns about testing your blood glucose level or managing your diabetes.