Why Finger Stick and Venous Blood Glucose Levels Can Differ

A Practical Breakdown

Welcome to another article in my short but enlightening series on blood glucose, where we’ll explore the often-overlooked aspects of this vital topic. In this series, we delve beyond the basics to uncover intriguing insights, starting with some surprising facts about the seemingly simple task of measuring blood glucose levels. Get ready to challenge conventional thinking and deepen your understanding of how blood sugar interacts with your health.

When it comes to monitoring blood glucose levels, many people don’t realize that the type of blood sampled plays a crucial role in interpretation. Capillary blood (from a finger stick) and venous blood (from a blood draw) are physiologically different, and understanding these differences can clarify why glucose levels might not perfectly match between the two methods. This understanding is particularly important for those managing conditions like diabetes or anyone curious about metabolic health in general.

The Key Difference Between Capillary …