Having the right tools to check blood sugars levels can make a big difference in the experience. Most kids use the meter, test strips and lancing device that they were given at time of diagnoses. You might have better options for checking blood sugars.
The first step is to check your insurance formulary (pharmacy list) for the list of lancing devices and lancets that are covered by your insurance plan. Or determine if paying cash is better.
Lancing Device
Depth of Penetration – look for a lancing device that offer options for changing the depth of penetration of the lancets. Finding the right penetration level on the lancing device delivers the correct blood sample size (without squeezing/milking) required for your test strip. Also, change the penetration level based on the different thickness of skin (toes have thicker skin than fingers) or for reducing pain on sensitive areas.
Device Size – the size of the lancing device is a consideration for kid’s small hands and their schedules. Kids need a lancer that is easy to hold, small and portable. It is also helpful is the lancer holds multiple lancets at one time.
Lancets
Needle Gauge – determine the needle gauge (thickness of the needle) that works best. Typically lancer needle gauges are:
- 28 gauge is the thickest needle (hurts more)
- 30 gauge needle
- 33 gauge is the thinnest needle (hurts less)
Efficient – look for lancing devices that has an easy and efficient way to change the lancet.