Which hand?

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Duncan Heenan - 23 Apr 2008 07:18 GMT

I doing my finger prick tests I have noticed that I get a consistently
higher reading (between 0.5 and 1.0 higher) from blood taken from my right
hand than my left. I have tested the machine with control solution, and it
is OK. I always use a new lancet & strip for each test. I always wash my
hands before testing, and have verified this effect by testing both hands
within seconds of each other. I am right handed.
Does anyone else have the same thing? Can anyone explain this phenomenon, or
is there some kind of amazing coincidence going on? I have been watching
this for about 2 weeks now, and it seems consistent at any time or BG
level.

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Duncan Heenan
(Speaking personally)

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Nicky - 23 Apr 2008 08:19 GMT

>I doing my finger prick tests I have noticed that I get a consistently
>higher reading (between 0.5 and 1.0 higher) from blood taken from my right
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>this for about 2 weeks now, and it seems consistent at any time or BG
>level.

Can't say I've noticed it myself. I assume you're healthy, with
symmetrical blood pressure? :P

If you're still scoring 10+, that's likely within meter error; or it
might be caused by being slightly faster with your right hand, and
changing the oxidation status of the blood.

Kinda interesting, though. Presumably you don't actually have
different blood status on both sides of your body. I'd be interested
in the explanation - maybe run it past anyone you're seeing in the
medical line, see if they have any ideas?

Nicky.
T2 dx 05/04 + underactive thyroid
D&E, 100ug thyroxine
Last A1c 5.6% BMI 25

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Duncan Heenan - 23 Apr 2008 11:37 GMT

>>I doing my finger prick tests I have noticed that I get a consistently
>>higher reading (between 0.5 and 1.0 higher) from blood taken from my right
[quoted text clipped - 24 lines]
> D&E, 100ug thyroxine
> Last A1c 5.6% BMI 25

I have no idea if the blood pressure / status etc varies between my arms, as
I've never asked! I rarely go over 10, except after particularly starchy
meals, and am not on medication, as I was only diagnosed 3 months ago and am
on diet & exercise currently. My initial diagnosis was 'mild' (7.2 / 7.4 on
the fasting blood tests), but my doctor classed me as diabetic to get me in
the system early, as I have a family history of diabetes, and so neither of
us expects it to go away.

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Duncan Heenan
(Speaking personally)

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Nicky - 23 Apr 2008 19:51 GMT

>I have no idea if the blood pressure / status etc varies between my arms, as
>I've never asked!

Be interesting to find out, if you come across someone with a home BP
kit, or come across a mobile NHS testing unit over the summer...

Nicky.
T2 dx 05/04 + underactive thyroid
D&E, 100ug thyroxine
Last A1c 5.6% BMI 25

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Andy Hall - 23 Apr 2008 20:09 GMT

>> I have no idea if the blood pressure / status etc varies between my arms, as
>> I've never asked!
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> D&E, 100ug thyroxine
> Last A1c 5.6% BMI 25

I have one of these - an Omron one exactly the same model that the GP has.

The reported measurements on *one* arm vary +/- 5mm on my systolic
reading of around 125mm typical and +/- 2-3 on the diastolic of around
80mm on measurements taken immediately consecutively.

Even so, I can't see why a difference in blood pressure between arms
would influence BG levels.

Something to do with muscle use in dominant hand and arm? Except here
the logic is wrong for that since NG is higher on right hand.
Diffrent skin chemistry?

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Nicky - 23 Apr 2008 20:23 GMT

>Even so, I can't see why a difference in blood pressure between arms
>would influence BG levels.

I was wondering about venous clearance, and blood that had been moving
more slowly having a local difference in bg. Not sure which way,
though, as slower blood might lose its bg fast but then buffer blood
from further in?

>Something to do with muscle use in dominant hand and arm? Except here
>the logic is wrong for that since NG is higher on right hand.
>Diffrent skin chemistry?

Is interesting, n'est ce pas : ) I'm looking forward to learning the
solution.

Nicky.
T2 dx 05/04 + underactive thyroid
D&E, 100ug thyroxine
Last A1c 5.6% BMI 25

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