Hi @A DiabetesTeam Member,
I do 2500 finger sticks a year, 7-8 a day for an average, 99% in 1 fingertip. I use the smallest lancet available at the least depth setting.

I hydrate, and sip 5-8 litres water daily. By 1400-1500 hours I have sipped 7/8 of my daily water intake, so I have fewer loo visits at night.

When I was diagnosed with diabetes we went to the pharmacy to get a complete blood glucose test kit.
My copays were $50.00. $20.00 copay for the 50 test strips. I got 50 lancets, a lancet pen, the blood glucose meter.

The test strips were more than a dollar a piece. And my insurance would only authorize 50 test strips a month with a monthly copay of $20.00.

I decided that the only way to get a handle on how foods affect my blood glucose numbers was to test before meals, and 2 hours. So I decided to go out of pocket.

I researched blood glucose meters that had lower cost test strips. Relion from Walmart, Metrix, Auvon. We use a dual channel tens machine from Auvon and love it, so we went with Auvon.

When I bought the Auvon blood glucose test kit, it came with 100 lancets, lancet pen, 100 test strips, blood glucose meter and carry bag. $28.00. At the same I purchased 300 test strips for $34.00.

Within 3 weeks I purchased a 2nd Auvon test kit, with 150 test strips for $30.00. I put 150 test strips on monthly auto ship.

150 test strips is now $22.00. Whenever I start to run low I purchase another 300 test strips.

Within 3-4 weeks I knew how each food affects my blood glucose numbers.

It's not a cgm, but testing before and after every meal. While keeping to my nondiabetic range of 4.0(72) to 7.8(140), saved my life.

My blood glucose meter, my blood glucose numbers spreadsheet, and my food journal, tell me what foods I can eat somewhat freely, what foods I must limit, and what foods I must almost totally avoid.

Good luck in learning what each food does to your numbers.

Mentioned Users

A Diabete...

Have to test - get a meter like the Walmart Reli-On that has relatively cheap test strips and start sticking

Do the right before and 2 hours after eating for various meals and correct from there

I wear a CGM now (insurance covered) but when it wasn't I still occasionally bought a single sensor (about 80 bucks up my way) and went on a 14 day "eat as many different meals as I can to see what they do to me" - I learned a ton using a sensor a couple times a year

Testing blood sugar before eating and two hours after first mouthful of food will give you an idea of how that food affects your glucose level

I'll let you know when I test after a Moon Pie and coffee! LOL

What were your 2 hour numbers.