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Psyching Yourself Up

Hi all. I am new to all of this, like a month or two in, and I am really finding it hard to poke myself everyday. I eventually psych myself up, but I don’t use the formal lancet poker thing. What do y’all do to get there? What do you do mentally to get there? Any tips or tricks would be much appreciated.

  1. Welcome to our community. I hope that we can be a source of helpful info and support as you navigate this new diagnosis. In addition to speaking with your doctor, these articles may be helpful to you https://type2diabetes.com/living/ten-tips-help-reduce-pain-finger-pricks and https://type2diabetes.com/living/checking-blood-sugar-when-last-thing-feel-like-doing. Wishing you the best, Kelly, Type2diabetes.com Community Moderator

    1. use the lancet device!! it is much much easier and less painful. It doesn't go in near as deep as if you just jab yourself with a lancet. I've done both. I wish you well!

      1. Thanks so much for sharing your experience! Appreciate you being part of our community. Best, Kelly, Type2diabetes.com Community Moderator

    2. 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!

      1. Welcome to our community. That's a great tip. Appreciate you sharing here. I'm sure others who read this will find it helpful as well. Please reach out anytime with questions, we're here to support you. Best, Kelly, Type2diabetes.com Community Moderator

    3. Hey Graygold24! My father has been living with diabetes for 35 years, and my brother (with whom I am very close with) has been living with T2D for the last 10 years. They both follow the same trick that rico1950 has suggested - the classic side of the thumb trick. I'm positive that you'll find a method that works best for you! 😀

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