icon-nav-help
Need Help

Submit your question to our team of health care professionals.

icon-nav-current-questions
Current Question

See what's on the mind of the community right now.

icon-conf-speakers-at-a-glance
Meet the Team

Learn more about our world-renowned team.

icon-nav-archives
CWD Answers Archives

Review the entire archive according to the date it was posted.

CWD_Answers_Icon
January 12, 2001

Blood Tests and Insulin Injections

advertisement
Question from Guilford, Connecticut, USA:

Can other substances in the blood, besides glucose, affect the glucose reading on a meter?

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

Under normal circumstances, meters are very specific for glucose, but in certain medical conditions, substances can interfere with the meter’s accuracy. For example, sometimes, if blood is very acid, or has a lot of ketones, it can confuse the meter.

It is also important to remember that sugar on your hands can affect the readings, if the strips are contaminated.

JS

[Editor’s comment: Please see: How to Assure that your Blood Glucose Meter is Working Accurately.

SS]