Diabetic test strips: How they work and where to get them (2024)

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. People living with diabetes need to monitor their blood sugar levels continuously in order to manage their condition.

The American Diabetes Association recommends regular checks with a healthcare professional, depending on your age. However, in between checks, it is possible to monitor your condition at home using diabetic test strips.

Diabetic test strips are a vital tool in the management of blood sugar levels. These small, disposable strips are used along with a glucose meter to measure the amount of glucose, a type of sugar, in a person’s blood.

Let’s take a closer look at diabetic test strips, their use, and how they work.

How do they work?

Diabetic test strips are small, disposable strips you use with a glucose meter to measure the glucose level in your blood. They work by using a chemical reaction to detect the glucose in a blood sample.

The test strip is made up of several layers, including a plastic backing, an electrode layer, and a reagent layer. The reagent layer contains an enzyme called glucose oxidase, which reacts with the glucose in the blood sample.

To use the test strip, you prick your finger with a lancet (similar to a small needle) to draw a small drop of blood. You should then place the tip of the test strip onto the blood sample, and the blood is absorbed into the reagent layer.

Once the blood is absorbed into the reagent layer, the glucose oxidase enzyme reacts with the glucose in the blood sample, producing a small electrical current. The glucose meter then measures the electrical current and calculates the glucose level in the blood.

The glucose level is displayed on the meter’s screen, usually within a few seconds of placing the test strip onto the blood sample. The entire process takes only a few seconds and is relatively painless.

However, note that different brands of diabetic test strips may have slightly different mechanisms and use different enzymes to detect glucose. Still, the basic principle of using a chemical reaction to measure glucose is the same.

A 2021 study suggests that you can use test strips even if you are taking other medications, and it will not affect the results of the tests.

Where to get them

Diabetic test strips can be obtained on prescription and over the counter (OTC) at pharmacies, medical supply stores, and many websites, including eBay and Amazon.

If you have a prescription for diabetic test strips from a healthcare professional, you can get them from a pharmacy or medical supply store by presenting the prescription to the pharmacist.

Many insurance plans cover the cost of diabetic test strips with a prescription. However, it is important to check with your insurance provider to determine the specific details of your plan and coverage.

Alternatively, diabetic test strips are also available for purchase OTC at pharmacies and medical supply stores without a prescription. However, it’s important to note that the cost of OTC diabetic test strips can vary depending on the brand and quantity.

When acquiring test strips, ensure that the test strips you purchase are compatible with your glucose meter and that you use them correctly to get accurate readings.

If you’re unsure which option is best for you, consider talking with a healthcare professional or a pharmacist to determine the most appropriate and cost-effective method for obtaining diabetic test strips.

If you need help covering the cost of medications, Optum Perks’ free Discount Card could help you get up to 80% off prescription medication. See how much you can save on your medication here.

How to use the test strips

General steps on how to use diabetic test strips include:

• Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly. This will help ensure that you get an accurate reading.
• Turn on your glucose meter and insert a fresh test strip into the device. Make sure that the code on the meter matches the code on the test strip container.
• Prick your finger with a lancet to draw a small drop of blood. You may need to adjust the depth of the lancet to get the right amount of blood.
• Touch the tip of the test strip to the drop of blood. The strip will absorb the blood, and a small screen on the meter will show the glucose level in your blood.
• Wait for the glucose meter to display the reading, which usually takes just a few seconds. Make sure to write down the result or record it in your logbook, if necessary.
• Discard the used test strip properly and dispose of any lancets in a sharps container or other appropriate disposal method to prevent injury and infection.

It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific glucose meter and test strips, as well as any specific instructions from a healthcare professional, since the process may vary slightly depending on the device.

It’s also important to check the test strips’ expiration date and store them properly according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure accurate results.

When to speak with a professional

Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following:

• Your blood sugar levels are consistently outside of your target range despite following your diabetes management plan.
• You experience symptoms of low or high blood sugar levels, including increased thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, frequent urination, or confusion.
• You have questions or concerns about your diabetes management plan or medication.
• You are experiencing any other new or unusual symptoms.

Summary

Diabetic test strips are small, disposable tools used by people with diabetes to monitor their blood glucose levels. The strips are inserted into a blood glucose meter, which then reads the amount of glucose in the blood sample.

People with diabetes use these readings to make decisions about their food intake, medication dosages, and other factors that affect their blood sugar levels. There are several types of diabetes test strips available, including those that use electrochemical, colorimetric, and optical sensing technologies.

Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and people with diabetes can choose the type that best fits their needs and lifestyle. Not all diabetic test strips are created equally, and different brands may have varying accuracy, reliability, and cost.

Therefore, you might consider talking with a healthcare professional about which test strips are most appropriate for your needs.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.