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What Can Cause False High Blood Sugar Readings?

This content has been medically reviewed by Akhil Shenoy.

Key Takeaways:

  • False high readings can occur due to faulty meters, expired test strips, or improper handling. Regularly calibrating your meter and using fresh, properly stored test strips can help ensure accurate results.

  • Factors like unwashed hands, medications (such as vitamin C or Tylenol), high altitudes, dehydration, and lack of sleep can all affect blood sugar readings. Being mindful of these can reduce the risk of false highs.

  • Medical issues like anemia, kidney disease, and infections can alter blood sugar measurements. Consulting your healthcare provider is essential if you suspect these conditions are affecting your results.

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diabetes reading

Living with diabetes involves closely monitoring blood sugar levels, with glucose meters providing crucial readings for effective management. However, there are instances when the readings may seem unusually high, causing frustration and concern. Understanding the common factors behind false high readings is important, as it helps address the issue. This article will explore these factors and provide tips on reducing inaccuracies in test results.

Why Accurate Blood Glucose Readings Matter

Accurate readings allow you to:

  • Make informed decisions about your diabetes management, including adjusting your medication, diet, and exercise as needed.
  • Notice trends and patterns that help you understand how your body responds to different foods, activities, and medications.
  • Avoid unnecessary worry and stress. Knowing your meter is accurate gives you peace of mind.

Common Causes of False High Glucose Meter Readings

1. Issues with Your Glucose Meter

  • Faulty Equipment: Like any electronic device, glucose meters can malfunction. If your meter is old, damaged, or not properly calibrated, it may give inaccurate readings. Regularly check your meter's accuracy using control solutions and compare your readings to lab test results. If you suspect your meter is faulty, contact the manufacturer.
  • Test Strip Problems: Using expired or damaged test strips is a common cause of inaccurate readings. Test strips can be affected by exposure to air, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Always check the expiration date and store your strips properly in their sealed container at room temperature. If you notice any discoloration or damage to the strips, discard them.
  • Handling Incorrectly: Errors can also result from inserting the test strip incorrectly or not applying enough blood to it. To avoid this, it's important to follow along with the instructions in your meter's user manual.

Check your coverage for continuous glucose monitoring supplies through your insurance now!

Check your coverage for continuous glucose monitoring supplies through your insurance now!

2. External Factors

  • Washing Hands: Any residual sugar on your skin can contaminate the blood sample and lead to a glucose meter giving falsely high readings. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before testing, even if you use alcohol wipes on your fingertip.

  • Medications and Supplements: Some medications and supplements can temporarily affect blood sugar levels.  For example, high doses of vitamin C can interfere with the chemical reaction used by some glucose meters to measure blood sugar, leading to falsely elevated readings.

  • High Altitudes: If you're at a high altitude, the lower oxygen levels can sometimes interfere with glucose meter readings. This is because the reduced oxygen can affect the electrochemical reaction used by the meter to measure glucose. If you live at a high altitude or are traveling to one, consult your doctor or meter manufacturer for guidance on adjusting your testing procedure.

3. Lifestyle Factors

  • Dehydration: Your blood becomes more concentrated when you're dehydrated, which can lead to higher blood sugar readings. It's important to stay properly hydrated to maintain accurate testing and overall health. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially in hot weather or after exercise. If you're experiencing symptoms of dehydration and blood sugar fluctuations, consult your healthcare professional.

If you suspect an underlying health condition is affecting your readings, consult your healthcare provider.

Aeroflow Diabetes Can Help

Managing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. Aeroflow Diabetes provides a wide range of diabetes supplies and resources to help you stay on top of your health. Want better control of your blood sugar and fewer worries throughout the day? Consider switching to a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM).

CGMs provide real-time glucose readings, alerts for highs and lows, and valuable data to help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about your diabetes care plan. You may be eligible to receive a CGM at little to no cost through your insurance. Aeroflow Diabetes can help you through the process and deliver the supplies you need right to your door.

Check Your Coverage for CGMs Through Insurance

With a 4.8 rating from Google users, Aeroflow Diabetes helps individuals qualify and receive continuous glucose monitors at low cost through insurance. 

Here's how it works:

1. Fill out our Eligibility Form. You submit your information.

2. We verify your coverage. Our Diabetes Specialists will verify your insurance coverage.

3. You'll choose the CGM that's right for you. You'll select the CGM you'd like to receive.

4. We fulfill your order. We ship your items straight to your door.

Why You'll Love Working With Aeroflow Diabetes

Dr. Akhil Shenoy

Dr. Akhil Shenoy is a Medical Advisor for Aeroflow Diabetes. Dr. Varughese is board-certified in internal medicine and endocrinology, with special interest in treating Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancers. He is dedicated to empowering patients to live healthy lives by prescribing patient-centered solutions and educating them about their own medical conditions. He currently practices endocrinology in Wellspire’s Memorial City and Humble locations.

About the Author

Julia Dietrich is the Marketing Coordinator at Aeroflow Diabetes. A graduate of Kean University with a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising, Julia has contributed to many marketing campaigns across different industries and understands well how important diabetes prevention, management, and education are for overall health and wellness.

Outside of her work, Julia enjoys photography, cooking, and spending time with family. Her background in marketing and dedication to patient advocacy and wellness, coincide with her commitment to educate and promote diabetes management.

Aeroflow Diabetes Disclaimer

Information provided on the Aeroflow Diabetes website is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or care from a healthcare professional. Aeroflow recommends consulting your healthcare provider if you are experiencing medical issues relating to diabetes care.

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