Good diabetes management is important both for your child’s day-to-day health and to help prevent any diabetes-related problems in later life. Regular blood glucose testing is a key part of this. But what is involved?

Your paediatric diabetes team will usually provide a blood glucose meter for you to check your child’s blood glucose level with. They will normally have a few to choose from and will help you in making the right choice. Your meter will come with a finger pricking device and an initial supply of lancets (which get a drop of blood from the finger) and testing strips (which you apply a drop of blood to in order to get the result). They will also explain to you how to get further supplies on prescription from your GP.