Blood
glucose monitors help diabetics to keep track of their blood glucose
levels wherever and whenever they want. The results allow them to make
appropriate medical and lifestyle choices, also it is helpful to avoid
hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia episodes. It is other wise called as
diabetes meter, diabetes monitor, blood glucose meter.
The
most common way to check glucose levels involves pricking a fingertip
with an automatic lancet (lancing device - Lancet is a small instrument
for pricking the skin with a quick-action fine needle.) to obtain a
blood sample and placed on a disposable test strip then using a glucose
meter to measure the blood sample’s glucose level.
Choosing a Glucose Meter
Consider the following when choosing glucose meter
Volume of blood needed for a test,
Testing speed, Instrument size,
Option to store test results in
memory,
Meter cost,
Test strips cost
Glucose Meters usage procedure
The following are the general instructions for usage of a glucose meter:
First, set
out your glucometer, a test strip, a
lancet and an alcohol prep pad.
Wash
your hands to prevent infection. Decide where you are going
to
obtain the blood from, usually a finger. Some of the newer monitors let
you use your forearm or another less sensitive place.
Turn on
the glucosemeter and place a test strip in the machine when the machine
is ready. If coding is required then enter the code. Watch the
indicator for placing the blood to the strip.
Make sure
your hand is dry and wipe the area
you've selected with alcohol pad and wait until the alcohol evaporates.
Pierce
your finger tip on the soft, fleshy pad and obtain a drop of blood.
Place the drop of blood on or at the side of the strip.
The glucose
monitor will take a few moments to
calculate the blood sugar reading.
You may use
the alcohol pad to blot the site
where you drew the blood if it is still bleeding.
Glucose
meters and the strips, both have instructions for use, read carefully
these instructions for proper use and accurate reading.
Glucose monitor - Cleaning & maintenance
Every
monitors need to be taken care of in order to function properly. Some
need more cleaning and maintenance than others, and this may be another
factor to consider in choosing a monitor. Be sure to follow the
manufacturer’s instructions regarding proper care of your monitor. This
is important because a monitor may provide inaccurate readings if it is
dirty, old, or stored at extreme temperatures.
Non-coded & Plasma glucose monitor
Confirm
the glucose monitor is non-coded (now a day’s all the monitors
available are non-coded still confirm) and confirm the readings are in
plasma glucose (some glucose monitor gives blood glucose value instead
of plasma glucose).
Glucose levels in plasma (one of the components
of blood) are generally 10%–15% higher than glucose measurements in
whole blood (and even more after eating).
All information is intended for
your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice
or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt
medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician
before starting a new fitness regimen.
The
most common way to check glucose levels involves pricking a fingertip
with an automatic lancet (lancing device - Lancet is a small instrument
for pricking the skin with a quick-action fine needle.) to obtain a
blood sample and placed on a disposable test strip then using a glucose
meter to measure the blood sample’s glucose level. 
