diabetes709

A meter cannot be calibrated. You can use the control fluid to verify that the strips are within range, but there is nothing anyone can do to change the accuracy of the meter. What is most necessary is what you and Richard already said. Understand the range of accuracy, and be sure to wash your hands with soap and water every time. Handle the strips carefully, keep them and the meter in the same place so the environment, temps and humidity, are the same, and try to remember that the meter doesn't change accuracy. The differences you may find, will come from the strips, your skin, and even from your own blood.

Most "newcomers" need a while to get used to these factoids, but its best to just test once, and call it good. Then do the same thing over and over being consistent as possible. Use your meter to record trends, not to determine your exact BG levels. That cannot be done with any device. Even the lab equipment can and does vary within 10%-20%

P.S. A BG reading of 128 doesn't indicate anything. If you doctor took just that one reading, and thinks you may be diabetic and so he told you to test any old time, three times a week, find another doctor. If there is suspicion of diabetes, you need to be tested. Now. Random readings don't mean a darn thing. If I took random readings, I would not end up looking like a diabetic. That is not how its done, and its time for you to find out the truth, even if its not something you want to really know.

You need an A1c test, possibly followed by a fasting glucose tolerance test. You can buy the A1c test at many pharmacies, and do it yourself if your doctor seems unwilling.

If you have doubts, eat a nice big meal with a large helping of potatoes, or have a big old bowl of ice cream and/or a good slice of cake or brownies. Wait about an hour, then test. That number will tell you a lot about where you are headed.

Random testing? Waste of good money.

John