A glucometes, also known asd self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), is the most beneficial device for diabetics. A number of types and brands of glucometers are easily available these days. Most of these are based on the following two principles:
1. Chemical
A chemical is present on the test strip. When it comes in contact with glucose, a colour is produced. The meter measures intensity of colour intensity and the level of glucose present is expressed in mg/dl.
2. Electric Current
The second type of glucometer measures the electric current present in the blood. This depends on the amount of glucose present. As soon as blood is put on the test strip, an enzyme transfers electrons from glucose to a chemical in the test strip. Thereafter, the meter measures the flow of the electrons as current. The amount of current will depend on the amount of glucose present. Thereafter, the meter produces the reading in mg/dl.
Glucometer Accuracy
Many are worried about the accuracy of the meter readings. However, there’s nothing to worry because the values are generally quite reliable. There may be a slight inconsequential difference between the sample of laboratory and glucometer reading due to the resons stated below:
10-15 per cent Difference
This difference in readings is observed because laboratory utilizes plasma blood while glucometers use
whole blood.
Higher Reading
Meters use capillary blood while laboratory make use of venous blood. Capillary blood may provide a slightly higher reading as compared to venous blood.
Test Strips
Each glucometer is available with its own test strips. You need to buy the correct strip for the glucometer. A strip has a code that must be set correctly before using.
Lancets
These are used to prick the finger and obtain a drop of blood to be placed on a test strip. Each pricking device comes with its own size of lancet. The lancets are sterile. Hence, they should not be shared.
Benefits
There are many benefits of using a glucometers for diabetics:
It allows diabetics to take care of themselves sans any need to visit doctors and labs regularly.
It works towards promoting well-being of the patient.
It helps to detect and confirm hypoglycemia.
These meters ensure better understanding of medications.
The meters helps in altering medications.
It also helps in detecting infections. Since high blood sugars may be a sign of infection or illness, timely
assistance can save many health problems.
1. Chemical
A chemical is present on the test strip. When it comes in contact with glucose, a colour is produced. The meter measures intensity of colour intensity and the level of glucose present is expressed in mg/dl.
2. Electric Current
The second type of glucometer measures the electric current present in the blood. This depends on the amount of glucose present. As soon as blood is put on the test strip, an enzyme transfers electrons from glucose to a chemical in the test strip. Thereafter, the meter measures the flow of the electrons as current. The amount of current will depend on the amount of glucose present. Thereafter, the meter produces the reading in mg/dl.
Glucometer Accuracy
Many are worried about the accuracy of the meter readings. However, there’s nothing to worry because the values are generally quite reliable. There may be a slight inconsequential difference between the sample of laboratory and glucometer reading due to the resons stated below:
10-15 per cent Difference
This difference in readings is observed because laboratory utilizes plasma blood while glucometers use
whole blood.
Higher Reading
Meters use capillary blood while laboratory make use of venous blood. Capillary blood may provide a slightly higher reading as compared to venous blood.
Test Strips
Each glucometer is available with its own test strips. You need to buy the correct strip for the glucometer. A strip has a code that must be set correctly before using.
Lancets
These are used to prick the finger and obtain a drop of blood to be placed on a test strip. Each pricking device comes with its own size of lancet. The lancets are sterile. Hence, they should not be shared.
Benefits
There are many benefits of using a glucometers for diabetics:
It allows diabetics to take care of themselves sans any need to visit doctors and labs regularly.
It works towards promoting well-being of the patient.
It helps to detect and confirm hypoglycemia.
These meters ensure better understanding of medications.
The meters helps in altering medications.
It also helps in detecting infections. Since high blood sugars may be a sign of infection or illness, timely
assistance can save many health problems.
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