Diabetes Monitors | Blood Glucose Monitor & Test Kit

Thanks to the latest advances made in medical technology, there are a number of blood glucose monitors | diabetes monitors and test kits available for concerned patients. If you suffer from diabetes, you will require a blood glucose meter for measuring and displaying your blood sugar level. Factors like stress, medications, food, and exercise play a crucial role in affecting your glucose level. By utilizing a blood glucose monitor, you can treat your diabetes better and track sudden fluctuations.

From basic testing kits to advanced monitors with multiple options and features, you have a wide array of testing devices to choose from. The cost varies depending on the features and functions offered by the device. We recommend listing your priorities properly before purchasing a model.

Why Should You Perform Blood Glucose Monitoring Tests?

In the lack of comprehensive blood sugar monitoring, several health conditions may affect your body and damage it, sometimes with irreversible consequences. It is better to be safe than to be sorry.

High Blood Glucose Levels can cause:

• Kidney Disease
• Blood flow obstruction
• Vision damage
• Nerve issues
• Heart disease

Low Blood Glucose Levels can cause:

• Sweating
• Jitters
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Confusion

Glucose monitors can provide you with results in a matter of minutes. Therefore, should any of these symptoms occur to you, you can check your sugar levels and confirm whether they are caused by fluctuating blood sugar levels or other conditions.

How Are Blood Glucose Monitoring Tests Performed?

Wash both your hands in a thorough manner before you start. This will prevent infections from breaking out at the site of the finger-prick. If you’d like to utilize alcohol wipes instead, ensure the site is dry before you commence.

Place a new testing strip inside the meter. Then, prick one finger using the lancet. We recommend pricking the sides as that will reduce finger discomfort. Shift the blood onto a test strip, which is in the meter. The monitor will then analyze your blood to give you a blood glucose level reading on the digital display, which should take only a minute or so.

While finger pricks don’t normally require any bandages, you can use one in case bleeding does not stop. It is crucial to follow any instructions provided by your testing kit for ensuring accurate readings.

If you suffer from Type I diabetes, you’ll have to conduct regular blood glucose tests 4+ times a day. This should be done before & after exercise and meals. If you suffer from Type II diabetes, consult your doctor to know how often and when you should be testing your blood glucose levels.

Ideal Blood Glucose Range

The ACE and AACE recommends that you maintain premeal and fasting glucose values firmly between 80-130. Your post-prandial readings should be below 180. Your 2-hour post meal glucose values should also be kept below 140 mg/dL. But these suggestions differ based on individual cases. It is important to consult your doctor regarding your optimal levels.

How to Select the Right Blood Glucose Monitor?

It is important to be aware of the features and functions offered by a blood glucose monitor before purchasing them. When stored and used properly, diabetes monitors are usually accurate in their readings. Here are a few factors that have to be considered before you select a blood glucose monitor.

Insurance Coverage: Consult your health insurance provider to know coverage details. A few insurance providers restrict coverage to certain models only or have a cap on the number of testing strips allowed. Cost: The cost of these monitors varies based on the features offered. Don’t forget to the add test strip costs as well.

Maintenance and Ease of Usage: Some monitors tend to be easier to operate compared to others. See whether the test strips and the monitor are easy to use. Are you able to see your readings clearly? How much blood is needed? Do you have any difficulties getting the blood on the strips?

Special features: If you have any special needs, check for monitors that cater to these requirements. This may include easy-to-handle, large buttons, illuminated screens, comfortable test strips, and audio output, which can help people who have vision difficulties.

Information Retrieval and Storage: Check how your monitor stores and logs information. A few may track everything that you would normally track in an information log, like the date and time of your test, its result, and other trends. Other monitors offer a feature that allows you to send blood glucose readings to mobile devices or computers, which can be forwarded to your physician via email.

Support: Many glucose monitor manufacturers provide toll-free numbers you can contact for help. Search for monitors that provide detailed instructions regarding usage. A few manufacturers also provide user manuals, which can be accessed via their websites.

Innovative Glucose Test Kits

While finger pricks are highly preferred for most blood sugar test kits, researchers are coming up with new devices that allow you to test your blood sugar without the finger prick. You can consult your doctor regarding these alternatives.

Alternative Site Monitor

This draws blood samples for testing from areas that are less painful compared to the finger, like your thigh, or the arm, or your palms. However, they aren’t as accurate compared to fingertip blood samples, especially when your blood sugar levels are fluctuating on a rapid basis.

Continuous Glucose Testing

This makes use of a sensor that’s placed underneath the skin for measuring your blood sugar levels. Every recording is then transmitted to a recording device that’s worn on the body. When your blood sugar levels fluctuate to dangerous levels, it starts sounding an alarm.

However, it is expensive and needs sensor replacements every 3-7 days (varies between brands). You also need to compare your blood sugar levels with traditional monitors for confirming your readings and for programming the device.

If you’re unsure about the blood sugar monitor you need even after going through these features, costs, and others factors, consult a diabetes educator or your doctor for a monitor recommendation.

Monitoring your blood glucose on a regular basis is important if you want to control your diabetes condition properly. By recording and identifying significant changes and fluctuations in your glucose levels, you will have access to more information, which can help you understand how stress, exercise, food, and other important factors influence your condition.

Disclaimer: All content, including text, graphics, images and information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information.