The only reason to replace your meter is if you determine it is not WORKING correctly with its strips. To check, use the control solution that comes with your meter. “It’s an essential monitoring supply that many people don’t know about or use,” says Janine Freeman, RDN, CDE, a member of the American Association of Diabetes Educators Board of Directors.

To use control solution, put a drop (similar to the amount of blood you need) on a STRIP and do a test. Your vial of strips GIVES you a glucose range in which the result should fall. If it's in the range, your meter and strips are working correctly. If not, contact the manufacturer, which will offer advice and possibly a free replacement meter. “Use control solution each time you open a new box of strips or any time you SUSPECT your meter or strips aren’t working together,” says Freeman, who also suggests cleaning and disinfecting your meter at least once a week, when blood is on the meter, and before allowing anyone else to use it. Consider upgrading your meter ever five or so years because there is so much innovation, Freeman says.

The only reason to replace your meter is if you determine it is not working correctly with its strips. To check, use the control solution that comes with your meter. “It’s an essential monitoring supply that many people don’t know about or use,” says Janine Freeman, RDN, CDE, a member of the American Association of Diabetes Educators Board of Directors.

To use control solution, put a drop (similar to the amount of blood you need) on a strip and do a test. Your vial of strips gives you a glucose range in which the result should fall. If it's in the range, your meter and strips are working correctly. If not, contact the manufacturer, which will offer advice and possibly a free replacement meter. “Use control solution each time you open a new box of strips or any time you suspect your meter or strips aren’t working together,” says Freeman, who also suggests cleaning and disinfecting your meter at least once a week, when blood is on the meter, and before allowing anyone else to use it. Consider upgrading your meter ever five or so years because there is so much innovation, Freeman says.