With prediabetes comes routine blood tests.

Truth:  They will be frequent but they don’t have to be bad. The following tips really help needle phobes!

1. Drink lots and lots of water the day before. Phlebotomists say that being well hydrated “plumps up” veins, which makes it easier for the phlebotomist to draw blood, resulting in MUCH less pain.

2. Ask the phlebotomist to use a “butterfly” or thinner needle. What a difference it makes!

3. Bring a distraction to the lab. The mind cannot focus on two things at once, so try reading a riveting  book or watching a show online during the procedure. To up the ante, also pinch your arm or dig your fingernails into your skin, so you can focus on a physical sensation other the needle.