I have insulin resistance and I've decided to start testing a fasting blood sugar in the morning to make sure it's in the normal range and to help keep me honest about my diet. Anyway, I bought one of those meters where you are supposed to be able to test your forearm or leg instead of your fingers. But I've tried it several times in those areas and I can't make it bleed enough! I even tried putting a warm towel there to increase circulation, but no go. Does anyone have any tips? My fingers are getting sore and it's only been a few days.

Nancy

Nancy - Some of those monitors take such a small spot of blood, are you getting any at all? Some monitors require a part that you need to take it in the arm/leg. What kind of monitor do you have? I am fimilar with some of them as I was a supervisor at a diabetic supply company. I might be able to help you a little if you tell me what kind you have.

I have the one touch ultra. It only does require a small drop, but no, the most that has happened so far is that I can see some blood on my arm, but not a drop that flows or that I could transfer to the strip. Even though I try to "milk" it.

Nancy

Nancy - The ultra dosen't take a whole drop of blood. It is so small you won't believe it. Try it, when you see that blood stick the strip up to it, the strip sucks it in like a straw, you don't have to drop the blood on the strip. It's a fancy damn machine! I don't know about some of the newer models out now, but the Ultra use to be the best!

Nancy - Did you get your monitor to work on your arm? Another thing you can do: There's an 800 number to Lifescan on the back of the monitor. If you call that number they will take you step by step on how to do it. If you have one of the older monitors and it takes a special piece, they will send that part to you. They are very good to work with, and they are very patient with people who call with problems.

Try hanging your arm down, pat the area you plan to stick, even shake your hand a bit to draw blood down, then do as Betty says, use the lancet to make a blood drop, then if necessary you can GENTLY squeeze the area to cause a big enough drop of blood, then touch the strip to the edge of the drop and let it draw the blood into itself. Warm compresses are a good idea too. If you can't get it to work, Betty is right, call the company and ask for better instruction.