Hi Graygold24. I'm brand new to this community, but I've been living with diabetes for years. I also cringe at the thought of poking my self in the tip of the finger. Just not a fun experience. What I've found helps me is to use the side of my thumb. Much less sensitive and it doesn't seem to develop the kind of sensitivity that using a finger tip does. That is, I can poke in the same general area many times without developing a cringe reflex. I'm speaking just for myself, and I only test one or two times a day, so it might be a totally different experience for you or someone else. I would at least suggest you give it a try. It might help.
Good luck!