Diabetes affects millions of Americans. Type 1 Diabetes is a condition caused by an inability of the pancreas to control insulin levels in the blood. Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body cannot regulate sugar levels in the blood. Both are serious afflictions and need monitoring.Get a blood sugar monitor, lancet and test stripsDecide if you want a device that tests on your fingers, or if you would rather have the ability to test on other areas. Finger pricks require the least pressure, but they can make fingers sore over time with repeated testing. Once you have decided on your monitor, you are ready to start testing.If you have recently found out that you are diabetic and are looking for a blood sugar monitor, many manufacturers offer a free monitor along with test strips. Ask your pharmacy for details. Code your monitor and install stripMost blood sugar monitors require coding -- matching the machine to the test strip being used. This ensures an accurate blood count. Each monitor is different, but coding simply requires holding down a specific button and clicking forward the numbers, much like setting an alarm clock. Once the strip code and the monitors match, slip your test strip into the monitor. Now that you are coded and loaded, you are ready for the hard part.Draw bloodUse your lancet to create a small "prick" on your finger, or other chosen area of skin, to expel a small amount of blood -- no more than a match head. Gently touch the test strip to the blood. The strip draws the blood into the monitor for the actual test. Your monitor will likely blink for a moment and reveal a number.Record your resultsYou should have a journal handy to record your results if you require constant monitoring. Compare them daily to see if there are certain foods that raise of lower your blood sugar. Make sure to let your doctor know if your numbers fall too high or too low.Diabetes is a disease that you can control with a little diligence. While it is disheartening to live with any chronic condition, you do not have to let it control your life.