1. Your sping-loaded lancet device typically has a way to adjust the tension of the spring and thus the force, depth, size of the fingerstick. I'd start there. If you are uncertain, your diabetes team nurse or physician will be happy to help you. Fingerpokes might be felt but should not be "so painful"!
2. You could begin to consider alternative site testing. This typically includes top and bottom of arm, top of thigh, and heel of the thumb toward the hand. Some glucose meters are approved for these blood site sources. Your One Touch Ultra is. Other glucose meters can require even less blood than the Ultra meter.
3. Finally, if this is a change for you in terms of blood flow or you have noted that it is taking longer for you to stop bleeding after a poke, or you are bleeding elsewhere (nosebleeds, blood in stool or urine) or bruising more easily at other spots from just the usually daily activities, then please, please talk with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist to have you tested to be certain that your blood count, platelet count (platelets are components of blood that help you stop bleeding from a cut), and the other mechanisms that help blood to clot are all ship shape!

ids     

1. Use a finer gauge lancet. You can get them as fine as 33 gauge (the higher the number the smaller the diameter). A finer gauge lancet will not draw as much blood and will not hurt as much.
2. Use an alternative site for testing. The fingers have many nerve endings; your arms do not.

dm     

Return to DQ&A main page