Glucometer

Keeping a check, on your blood sugar levels is crucial in managing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It helps you understand how various factors, such as foods, medication and physical activity impact your blood sugar readings. Armed with this knowledge you can collaborate with your healthcare team to create a diabetes care plan that suits you best. By making decisions you can potentially. Even prevent complications related to diabetes like heart attacks, strokes, kidney diseases, blindness, and amputations. Your doctor will guide you on when and how frequently to monitor your blood sugar levels.

Most blood sugar meters offer the convenience of saving your results. Alternatively, you can also use a smartphone app. Maintain a written record like the one shown in the photo. Remember to bring along your meter, phone, or record whenever you have an appointment, with your healthcare provider.

Traditional vs. Continuous Glucometers:

There are two types of devices that can be used to monitor blood sugar levels and the decision on which one to choose depends on your requirements.

• Standard blood glucose meters are designed to measure your blood sugar levels at a particular moment, in time.
• Continuous glucose monitors constantly keep track of your blood sugar levels throughout the day.

You can easily purchase blood glucose meters without a prescription from drugstores or online retailers. They may also be available, through healthcare providers.

Basic Blood Glucose Meters 

A glucometer is a handheld device with a digital screen used with disposable test strips treated with glucose-reactive chemicals. Some glucometers come with a lancing device to obtain a blood sample by puncturing the skin. To measure blood glucose, a person places a drop of blood on the test strip, which is then analyzed electronically and displayed as a numerical result on the screen, typically within seconds.

Most blood glucose meters run on batteries and offer memory storage. Additional features to consider include a backlit screen, portlight, Bluetooth for smartphone app connectivity, cloud storage, USB rechargeable batteries, accuracy with a 0.3-microliter blood sample, voice technology, alternate site testing, blood pressure measurement, and ketone measurement.

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs):

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) employ a sensor inserted under the skin, typically on the abdomen or upper arm, to measure glucose levels in interstitial fluid between cells. This data is transmitted wirelessly to a monitor, smartphone, or tablet. Many CGMs can also wirelessly transfer results to a computer or care management system. Examples include the Freestyle Libre System (Abbott Diabetes Care), G4 Platinum, G5 Mobile, and G6 (Dexcom).

CGM-Insulin Pump Combos:

Certain CGMs serve a dual function as both continuous blood glucose monitors and...