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Diabetes 101 Alternate Site Testing Nutrition Tips Exercise and Diabetes Diabetes and Your Health Diabetes Facts Diabetes Tips Diabetes Glossary

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When is testing on the finger preferred?

It is important to note that when your glucose is changing rapidly, there may be a difference in the glucose readings between your finger and other test sites, like the forearm, upper arm, thigh, calf, and other areas of the hand. Because blood flow to the finger is three to five times faster than other alternate sites, blood samples from the finger may show changes in your glucose sooner than the forearm, upper arm, thigh, calf, and other parts of the hand.

The possible difference in glucose readings between the finger and other alternate sites could delay your detection of hypoglycemia. Vigorous rubbing of the alternate test sites before lancing will help to minimize the difference between finger and other alternate site test results.

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