CA
A 43-year-old member asked:
when you have to prick your finger for diabetes. any tips on how to make it hurt less?
2 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in

Dr. Susan Wingo answered
Endocrinology 33 years experience
A few: Anything that increases blood flow to the hands will let you get a blood drop with a lower needle setting. Wash your hands in warm water and rub and squeeze your hands and wrists to promote blood flow. Shake your hands after drying them. Be sure to prick the sides of the fingertip where there are fewer nerve fibers. Ask your doctor about alternate site testing. Bd: http://tinyurl.Com/6prma5d.
6042 viewsReviewed Jan 1, 2021

Dr. Jennie Law answered
Endocrinology 14 years experience
Also: Choose smaller gauge lancets, and choose a system that allows testing with smaller amts of blood. Set the lancet dispenser to a shallow setting (so it doesn't poke as deep), in addition to poking the sides if the finger.
6042 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Jan 1, 2021
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