Has anyone else experienced getting different readings at the same time on different fingers? I use One Touch Ultra meter and can get 20 or more point difference between 3 fingers. Example: index finger read 168, second finger read 206 and ring finger read 220. Do our fingers contain different strengths of blood sugars?

I am giving up on this whole diabetes thing. Since having a bad bacteria sinus infection that started last November and finally let up the end of March, my blood sugars are very high and jump all over the place. I am T2 and had been taking Glucovance for 4 years (every day I felt like I was over 90 when I'm only 60). I finally made my doc realize that something was very wrong so he just took me off that med and put me on Actos and Lantus. I feel remarkably better over all but sugars are still out of control. What makes this all worth living with?????

Moosemom,
It's not uncommon to get different readings on different fingers, or even different readings taken consecutively in a short period of time on the same finger.

Part of the reason is that blood glucose monitors are only accurate to within 20%. So, if you get a reading of 208, it could be as low as 166 or as high as 250. Understand, it's not ALWAYS a full 20% off, but that is the allowed accuracy tolerance. And no, this isn't perfect, but it's the best technology we've got so far, and blood glucose monitors have enabled diabetics to keep their levels consistent and avoid major complications, so they are a big improvement over the old days. The other part of the reason for the discrepancy is that glucose does, indeed, vary in how quickly the changes get to different parts of the body, and since glucose levels are constantly fluctuating, the readings can vary minute to minute. The tests are just one point in time.

I think it's possible (probable, even) that you are simply not yet on the right regimen for your diabetes, and that the poor glucose control is what's making you feel so crummy. Type 2 is a complicated illness, in that it affects both the pancreas and the soft tissues of the body. Usually, the tissues become insulin resistant, which causes the pancreas to work overtime trying to produce enough extra insulin to compensate, and eventually some of the insulin-producing cells die off (either entirely, or they become weaker and less effective at producing insulin). Not ALL the cells die off, but enough so that the body is no longer producing as much insulin as it needs. Type 2 is a progressive illness, and it's also a varied illness. Some people can control it with diet and exercise alone for years, some people need medications sooner or later, and some people will need insulin sooner or later.

I think it's a good think that you are finally on some insulin, but I suspect you may need to be on more insulin...not just a larger dose of Lantus, but possibly on multiple daily injections that include a rapid-acting insulin like Humalog or Novolog for use immediately before eating. I know this is NOT what you want to hear, but it may actually be what you need, and what will help you feel much better.

If you're not seeing an endocrinologist, I suggest that you find one and make an appointment asap. If you are seeing an endo, ask him to give you some target blood glucose levels for AM fasting, before meals, 2 hours after meals, and bedtime. Start monitoring frequently (and don't bother testing in several fingers at the same time...you'll just make yourself nuts, lol), keep a log, and see if you can figure out where your problem areas are, then ask him for help in adjusting your medication regimen so as to deal with your own, unique situation.


Is it worth it to put in that much work? Well, studies have shown that tiight control can minimize complications by as much as 87%, and usually by at least 55-60% (depending on what specific complication you're talking about). Surely, preventing kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy, heart disease, muscular/logament problems (like frozen shoulder), etc., should be worth it. But the best reason to put in the work is that, once your glucose levels are under good control, you will immediately feel one heck of a lot better, with more energy all the time.

Ruth

Ruth, thanks for the input. We don't have an endo in my part of the world. Closest one is 350 miles away. My doc is a DO but doesn't seem real up on the whole diabetes thing. The doc that diagnosed me put me immediately on insulin and I crashed a couple of times...each after mildly exercising. He then put me on the Glucovance. I can't tell you how much better I feel right now just getting off that stuff. I have energy back and can now get some things done around my house....can't sleep past 6am where as I was not getting up before 10 before....or dressed until after noon. I am going back to work part time (I retired because I just couldn't get going or take the stress of the job)so the meds did have some effect on me.

My bg is morning is still very high but I admit I overate the last couple of days due to depression. I am getting back on my diet of 60 carbs a day max and see what changes. I do keep a log and have blood tests regularly. My biggest problem is depression and that causes over eating. It was better before I gave up riding and training horses. I stopped at 55 and everything has gone down hill since. Not enough activity. I had a total knee replacement due to injury (from hay moving, not horses) when I was 53 and then tore the tendons around the knee in a fall and it has not recovered well...limits my ability to walk alot...also have partially fused spine due to arthritis so back is a problem. All of this has hit in the last 5 years....enough, I'm rambling.

Again, thanks for your input...it really does help.

Moosemom, on the meter thing - I use an Accuchek Advantage, and lots of times if I do several tests right in a row, clean, different fingers, I'll get 20 or more points difference. It just drives me crazy! Other times the difference will be 5 points or less. I've mentioned it to the Diabetes educator nurse that I see a couple of times a year, and she keeps saying, like SamQKitty says, that the bg levels are constantly fluctuating, just do one test and forget about it. But I just don't buy it that it is fluctuating 20 points or more up or down in a matter of seconds! I use Novolog 70-30, before breakfast and supper, and try to adjust the dose to the reading. 20-25 points up or down cetainly would make a difference. I have fair control, no complications so far, after 11 years.
Also, my sympathy and concern on the knee and arthritis. (I have osteo in knees and shoulders) I know it can be depressing to be cut off from favorite activities - I can't really go hiking any more. I swim for exercise several times a week, and it really helps me stay in a better mood and keep flexible. You might consider swimming or water aerobics if it is available where you live.
And congratulations on going back to work! Sometimes having a regular routine can help a lot too. Best wishes!

if you take 3 BS readings from the same hole in the same finger the results will usually be quite different
most metres have a decimal point reading which I think makes them seem lots more accurate than they really are, none the less I agree they are very useful

I get this as well, I was really worried and exasperated over it when i first got diabetes but since that time have gradually become accustomed to the fluctuations.

I checked mine on the index finger and it was almost 20 pts different tonight as well.....