One of the cool things about being a diabetes coach is that Cyrus and I get to learn from our clients. New products and innovative ideas are coming into our inbox all the time. In this article, I will tell you about a cool blood glucose testing device that I now use every single day and absolutely love!
I vividly remember when our client Tim posted in our private Facebook group about a new device that allows for pain free blood glucose testing! This clearly peaked my interest and I started looking into it right away.
If you are living with diabetes, then you know the frustrations around pricking your finger to test your blood glucose. It can be a real pain (pun intended) and anything that can improve that process is quite exciting.
So I went to the Genteel website and started watching videos. I was quite intrigued by what I saw.
In a nutshell, here’s how Genteel works. The lancing device first pricks you gently, then applies a suction to your skin to PULL a small drop of blood out of your skin.
Just make sure that you apply the suction for about 5 seconds and watch as a drop of blood magically appears with practically zero discomfort. I swear by this device, and I love how it helps me prick myself without any pain.
I’m an Amazon Prime member so I was quite excited to see that I could order it on Amazon and get it the next day!
In addition, I was also happy to hear that I could use all the old lancets that I already have at home.
Let’s Talk About the Importance of Testing Blood Glucose
For those living with insulin-dependent diabetes, it is absolutely essential to test your blood glucose frequently. If you have a CGM, you can test less frequently, but it’s still essential to test multiple times per day.
For those living with non-insulin dependent diabetes, the goal is to eventually stop testing your blood glucose, but in the process of getting there, testing your blood glucose is imperative.
If you are like me, then you want every test to be as painless as possible. And you want to get enough blood on each prick so you don’t have to do it a second time!
I use the Genteel lancing device every single day and have been doing so for 5 months. I’d like to tell you all about it and share some pro tips for using the device properly.
Robby’s Favorite Benefits
I have been living with type 1 diabetes for over 17 years now. I spent 16 of those years without a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and would test myself approximately 10 times per day.
The only places I would prick myself were my fingers. In the past 5 months I have only had to prick my fingers a handful of times. Using the Genteel lancing device, I now use my arms and right above my kneecaps. Those are my favorite spots and it truly has been liberating not to prick my fingers anymore.
My fingertips are very happy!
The Drawbacks
After using the device on a consistent basis, I can only think of 2 drawbacks.
- Size: The Genteel lancing device is larger than other finger pricking devices. For me, that is not a problem. I carry around an insulin kit that easily fits the Genteel lancing device.
- Learning Curve: There is definitely a learning curve to figure out which setting is best for your skin. In the beginning, you may have a few frustrating experiences where you may want to prick your skin more than once to get enough blood. But once you learn how to use the device correctly, this will no longer be a problem.
Overall Review: Two Thumbs Up!
As someone living with Type 1 Diabetes (meaning that pricking myself is a huge part of my daily routine), I can absolutely say that the Genteel lansing device has changed my life.
Being able to test areas other than my fingertips–and do so without pain–truly affects my well-being. It’s a game-changer!
I love using the Genteel device and I can’t imagine going back!
Give Your Fingers a Break and Try Genteel for 120 Days RISK FREE
Start using Genteel like we do. Get $20 OFF today with coupon “MD20”. Click the button below, and try Genteel for 120 days and make your fingers…smile!