Managing diabetes is a challenge for many people. Accurate, regular monitoring of your blood glucose levels is essential to control the disease. But this often means the need to use lancets regularly. Lancets are a piercing device used to draw a small amount of blood from the fingertip or another part of the body, so that it can be tested in a glucometer to measure the exact level of glucose in the blood.
In years past, lancets were painful to use, and often had to be changed often because of their limited shelf life. However, these days they are much more user friendly. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, allowing them to fit almost any finger comfortably. They also have smaller needles, so the prick is less painful, and the lancets themselves last longer.
When selecting a lancet, it’s important to consider the size of the needle. The bigger the gauge, the smaller the needle — so depending on your skin sensitivity, you may want to consider a smaller size. In addition, it’s important to think about where you will be using the lancet. Certain areas, like around the fingernail, are more sensitive than other areas, and require a larger gauge.
Many lancets come with an adjustable depth setting, so you can control how deep the lancet pierces your skin. It is important that you don’t set the lancet too deep, since it can cause pain and discomfort, as well as bruising.
When it comes to disposal, it’s important to take all necessary precautions. Lancets are considered medical waste, and should be disposed of properly. Many companies make specially designed containers for the disposal of lancets, which help prevent the spread of infection.
By taking the time to learn how to use lancets properly, you can keep your blood glucose levels under control and stay healthy. With improved technology, these devices have gotten safer and easier to use, making testing easier and more comfortable than ever before.
