STOP Making These Blood Sugar Mistakes
Dr. Eric Berg DCPublished on December 4, 2025
Summary authored by editor@wellifi.com
TLDR Summary
This article discusses common mistakes in blood sugar testing and emphasizes the importance of proper management for those at risk of diabetes. A low-carb ketogenic diet is highlighted as an effective method for reversing type 2 diabetes.
Key Points
- Normal blood sugar levels are tightly regulated by the body, with only a small amount present at any given time.
- Insulin is responsible for maintaining blood sugar levels by removing sugar from the bloodstream.
- Most of the sugar in a diabetic’s blood is produced by the liver, not from dietary intake.
- Avoid common blood sugar testing mistakes, such as not washing hands or using expired test strips.
- Reversing type 2 diabetes can be achieved through a low-carb ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting.
Avoiding Common Blood Sugar Mistakes: A Guide to Managing Diabetes
In today's article, we will explore common mistakes people make when testing their blood sugar and provide essential information for those heading towards diabetes or already living with it. Understanding blood sugar management is crucial for preventing and even reversing type 2 diabetes.
What is Normal Blood Sugar?
In a healthy individual, the body maintains only about one teaspoon of sugar in the blood. When someone is pre-diabetic, this amount increases to one and a half teaspoons, and in full-blown diabetes, it reaches two teaspoons. Despite the average person consuming 50 to over 100 teaspoons of sugar daily (including hidden sugars from starch), the body manages to control blood sugar levels through insulin.
Insulin’s Role in Blood Sugar Control
Insulin acts as a vacuum cleaner, removing sugar from the bloodstream and storing it in the liver and muscles or converting it into fat. Most of the sugar in a diabetic's blood (80%) is produced by the liver, which can create glucose from various sources, including protein and fat. This process is often exacerbated by insulin resistance, where the body struggles to utilize insulin effectively.
Common Mistakes in Blood Sugar Testing
Here are 13 common mistakes to avoid when testing your blood sugar:
- Not washing your hands: Residual sugars from food can alter readings.
- Using wet alcohol wipes: Wait 30 seconds for alcohol to dry to avoid false readings.
- Using expired test strips: Expired strips can give inaccurate results.
- Testing after extreme temperatures: Both saunas and cold plunges can affect readings.
- Taking medications: Some medications, like Tylenol and vitamin C, can elevate blood sugar.
- Squeezing your finger: This can mix interstitial fluid with blood, skewing results.
- Using different fingers: Stick to the same fingers for consistency.
- Continuous glucose monitors: These measure interstitial fluid, leading to delayed results.
- Testing at high altitudes: Less oxygen can affect readings.
- Drinking coffee: Caffeine can raise blood sugar levels.
- Ignoring the dawn phenomenon: Morning cortisol spikes can lead to higher blood sugar levels.
- Dehydration: Being dehydrated can also affect blood sugar readings.
- Overlooking A1C testing: Understand that different factors can affect A1C results.
Reversing Type 2 Diabetes
Reversing type 2 diabetes is achievable, particularly by addressing the liver's role in glucose production. A low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet can significantly reduce liver fat and insulin resistance. Within weeks, substantial improvements can be made. Combining this diet with intermittent fasting and regular exercise can further enhance results.
Additional Tips for Managing Blood Sugar
To support your blood sugar management, consider the following:
- Incorporate apple cider vinegar diluted in water before meals.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Manage stress levels with mindfulness practices.
- Ensure adequate sleep and sunlight exposure.
Conclusion
Understanding how to properly monitor and manage blood sugar levels is key to preventing and reversing diabetes. By avoiding common testing mistakes and implementing dietary changes, you can take control of your health and improve your quality of life.
