Are You Pricking Your Finger Wrong For Blood Sugar Testing? Doctor Shares How To Make It Painless

For people with diabetes, checking blood sugar is part of the daily routine. But are you making it more painful than it needs to be? According to Dr Roshani Sanghani, Senior Diabetes Doctor and top endocrinologist, many people make one big mistake—they prick their fingers in the wrong spot.

“Our fingertips are incredibly sensitive; they help us feel and interact with the world,” explains Dr Sanghani. “Sticking a needle in the middle of your fingertip is not just painful—it’s unnecessary.” Instead, she suggests a simple trick to make it much easier.

Bring your palms together in a "namaste" gesture. This makes the edges of your fingers visible, and those are the spots you should aim for when pricking. The edges are less sensitive, so it won’t hurt as much. “It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference,” she says. If you want even more options, try yoga mudras—those hand poses naturally expose the sides of your fingers too. With five fingers and two sides each, you have 10 places to choose from, so you’re not repeatedly using the same spot.

This small tweak can go a long way in making blood sugar testing more comfortable. “Testing doesn’t have to feel like a chore. If it hurts less, you’re more likely to do it regularly, and that’s key to managing diabetes,” adds Dr Sanghani.

For those who still find pricking too uncomfortable or simply want to avoid it altogether, there’s another option: continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). These devices stick to your skin and track your blood sugar levels 24/7—even while you sleep. “CGMs give you a detailed picture of how your body is responding to food, stress, and activity,” says Dr Sanghani. While they can be pricey, they’re incredibly helpful for people who want to keep a close eye on their glucose levels without frequent finger pricks.

Dr Sanghani stresses that regular testing—whether with a glucometer or CGM—is essential. “Your blood sugar levels tell you so much about how your body is handling daily life. The more you know, the better you can manage your health.”

So, the next time you’re about to prick your finger, take a moment to try these tips. Use the edges of your fingers, rotate spots, or consider a CGM if it suits you. Testing doesn’t have to be painful or intimidating. With a little change in how you do it, you can make it a quick and painless part of your routine. And the best part? It puts you in control of your health.

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