Are you one of the increasing number of people with
diabetes who needs to monitor their blood sugar levels at
home. If so, it is important to know how the tests work and
what can effect the results giving inaccurate readings.
Diabetes Mellitus is a widespread disease that is caused by
high blood glucose. However, it is not extremely difficult
to cure and there have been cases of patients recovering
from diabetes and continuing a normal life. There are many
ways to control and monitor diabetes. For a long time,
urine has been used as a way to check the amount of glucose
in the body. However, it is no longer considered reliable.
In its place, now blood is used. A machine that is now very
commonly used to evaluate abnormal and normal blood glucose
level is the Blood Glucose Monitor.
A blood glucose monitor or glucose meter is a small
portable battery-powered electronic device that now comes
in several models. The glucose meter is used to determine
the deviations from the normal blood glucose level. The
glucose test and the glucose reading are used to diagnose
diabetes. These machines provide glucose readings from 0 to
600 mg/dl. Newer models now allow people to use blood from
places other than the fingertip, which is the most common
place from which it is extracted. Some models have large
digital display and even spoken instructions for people
with visual problems. Some models require smaller drops of
blood than others. One must be careful while choosing a
model, as it is an expenditure that has to be thought over.
It is advisable to discuss with other users before buying
one as all models have their pluses and minuses.
A blood glucose meter is an instrument that can be used
even at home. This Blood glucose meter is used for taking a
glucose test and it is a must have for those undergoing
diabetes treatment. There is usually a special coated strip
on which a drop of blood is placed. The blood is usually
taken from the fingertip using a lancing device, which
shoots a small, lancet into the skin. However, it is not
necessary for it to be taken from the fingertip and
sometimes blood is taken from other places like the
forearm, thigh, calf or upper arm as the fingertip often
gets calloused and sore. The blood is placed on the
opposite side of the strip though this depends on the blood
glucose meter. Then this strip is inserted into the blood
glucose meter.
The blood reacts with chemicals on the strip and the blood
glucose meter receives an electronic pulse. The machine
then calculates the amount of glucose in the blood and
displays glucose reading on the digital screen. A record of
the readings will go a long way in helping the physician
decide on the kind of diabetes treatment that needs to be
given to the patient.
There is also another way of detecting the abnormal or
normal blood glucose level in the body. Here, the drop of
blood is placed on a special strip that changes color,
depending on the amount of glucose. There is a color-coded
index that comes along with it that will have listed the
particular color the strip changes into when it reacts with
the blood and judges the amount of glucose in it. There
will be different colors for different amount of glucose.
However glucose reading is not very accurate, as it does
not give you the exact amount of glucose present.
A blood glucose monitor gives fairly accurate readings if
used properly. The glucose meter has to be maintained. It
may become old and dirty and if it is kept at high
temperature or humidity, the machine's glucose reading may
become inaccurate. It must be cleaned with a slightly damp
cloth every now and then, to keep it dirt free. The hand
from which the blood is taken must be clean and dry.
Otherwise, the dirt may interfere with the glucose test
results.
This glucose test will help people keep track of the
glucose level in their blood and control their normal blood
glucose levels and continue their diabetes treatment
effectively. They will be help patients to make dietary
changes and adjust their consumption of fat and
carbohydrates. This will help them maintain normal blood
glucose level and undertake any glucose treatment if
necessary.
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Michael Jennings has a special interest in diabetes and
invites you to find out how to manage diabetes naturally
through diet. He also supplies up-to-date information on
blood glucose monitors and diabetes to help you in the
management of your condition ==>
http://www.meters-blood-glucose.com
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