If you have ever noticed that the readings on your new blood glucose meter are sometimes inaccurate, it might be due to subtle operational errors, such as unwashed hands, expired test strips, or incorrect operational steps.
How to use blood sugar monitors? This guide is your clear, step-by-step Sinocare companion to mastering home testing. Read on to learn how to use Sinocare continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and blood glucose monitors (BGM).
Select a button below to explore CGM or BGM products.
Guide to Use Sinocare iCan Continuous Glucose Monitoring
- Download the iCan CGM app on your phone, and register an account. Scan the QR code on the Sensor Pack label or enter the full SN Code.
- Wash your hands and disinfect the insertion site with alcohol pads.
- Open the sensor package, firmly press the Sensor Applicator down into the tray (with the blue mark lined up) until you hear a click, and it comes to a stop.
- Turn the blue gear from the “locked icon” to the “unlocked icon” till you hear a click.
- Vertically lift the armed Sensor Applicator and place it over the insertion site, then press the middle button until you hear an injection sound.
- The transmitter will connect with the app, and you can start the sensor.
FAQs
1. Where should the CGM sensor be placed?
The preferred sites are the outer upper arm and the abdomen (areas approximately 5cm to the side of the navel). These areas have stable subcutaneous fat tissue and minimal interference, providing more accurate data.
Factors to Avoid:
- Muscles and Bones: Avoid placing it over muscular areas, close to bones, or in skin folds.
- Scars, Moles, and Tattoos: Avoid skin with scars, moles, lumps, inflammation, or tattoos.
- Clothing Friction Areas: Avoid sites where belts, underwear edges, or other clothing may cause frequent friction or pressure during daily activities.
- Insulin Injection Sites: Ensure a distance of at least 5 cm from any insulin injection site.
2. What should I do if the sensor falls off?
The Sinocare iCan i3 CGM is designed for single use. If your sensor is partially or completely detached, it can’t monitor blood glucose accurately and must not be continued to be used. This is also to prevent potential infections caused by sensor contamination.
Remove the detached sensor. Clean and thoroughly dry the new insertion site, ensuring it is free of any oils or residues. Then, follow the guidance in the app to install a new sensor.
Analyze the cause of detachment, such as excessive sweating, impact, friction, etc., and take precautions to avoid similar issues during future use.
3. Is the Sinocare iCan CGM waterproof?
Yes. The Sinocare iCan CGM sensor is rated IP28 waterproof. It can be used for up to 2 hours at a depth of 2.5 meters. Bathing and swimming are permissible.
However, please note:
- Don’t wear the device during activities involving prolonged submersion or high water pressure, such as diving.
- When bathing, it is also advisable to minimize prolonged direct water impact on the sensor.
- After any water-related activity, it is recommended to gently dry the device surface.
4. Why am I not receiving blood glucose alerts?
The iCan CGM app can be set to alert you to high/low blood sugar via sound or messages. If you are not receiving alerts or are receiving them too frequently, you can check the following:
- Ensure that “high glucose alert” and “low glucose alert” are enabled and that the threshold settings are appropriate.
- Make sure the app has permission to run in the background on your phone and is not being forcibly closed by “Power Saving Mode.” Also, check whether your phone is in silent, Do Not Disturb, or airplane mode.
- Verify if the signal between the transmitter and your phone has been interrupted.
- Check if the transmitter is malfunctioning.
5. What should I do if the connection signal is lost?
When the app shows a connection interruption, please follow these steps to troubleshoot:
- Distance: Ensure the phone and transmitter are within 6 meters.
- Bluetooth: Check if your phone’s Bluetooth is turned on. Try temporarily turning it off and then on again in your phone’s Bluetooth settings.
- Water: A large amount of water may temporarily interfere with the signal. Dry the area and wait for a moment.
- Pressure: Prolonged pressure on the sensor from your body (such as from lying on your side) may affect signal transmission. Adjust your position.
Try restarting or reconnecting the CGM App. If the issue persists, please contact customer service.
6. How to Properly Dispose of Used CGM Devices?
Please do not discard used CGM devices casually. They are considered medical waste and must be disposed of properly according to local regulations. You can consult your doctor or your healthcare team for guidance on the correct disposal method.
Guide to Choosing the Correct Test Strips for a Glucometer

Escolhendo a tira de teste correta para medidor de glicose no sangue
O uso diário de um medidor de glicemia é certamente uma boa escolha e também uma necessidade para pessoas com diabetes, pois permite verificar como o corpo reage ao longo do dia, sendo também útil ...
FAQs
1. Can I use expired test strips?
No. The enzymatic activity in expired test strips diminishes, which can lead to inaccurate blood glucose readings. This may misguide your treatment and cause unnecessary anxiety. It is recommended to check the expiration date of the test strips before each use.
2. Why is my blood glucose reading inaccurate?
- Sugar or alcohol residue on the finger.
- The test strip vial was not tightly sealed, causing exposure to moisture, heat, or direct sunlight, leading to test strip deterioration.
- Expired, bent, or damaged test strips.
- Incorrect insertion of the test strip.
- Insufficient blood sample.
- Contamination inside the blood glucometer.
- Cold hands, which reduce blood flow, may result in a lower reading.
3. Why won't my blood glucose meter turn on?
The battery may be depleted and need replacement. If the device still does not respond after replacing the battery, it may be damaged.
4. Why shouldn't I squeeze my finger?
Excessive squeezing of your finger can cause interstitial fluid to mix with the blood, diluting the glucose concentration in the whole blood and leading to artificially low measurement results.
5. What should I do if the reading is unusually high/low?
If the reading is significantly different from expected, you can immediately retest with a new blood sample.
Check whether there were any operational errors or if the test strips are within their expiration date.
If in doubt, visit a clinic or hospital to perform another test at a similar time. If the reading is confirmed to be accurate, it indicates extreme blood glucose fluctuations in your body. Consult a healthcare professional and seek medical attention immediately.
Daily Usage Tips

Glucose Strip Storage
- Store the test strip vial in a cool, dry place, avoiding moisture, high temperatures, or refrigeration.
- Close the vial immediately after removing a new test strip.

Glucometer Cleaning
- Gentlyently wipe the blood glucometer with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
- Carefully clean the test strip insertion port with a dry cotton swab.

Battery and Storage
- Replace the battery when the low battery indicator appears.
- If the blood glucose meter is not used for a long time, remove the battery.
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