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Blood Glucose Monitor
- Use of Blood Glucose Meter |
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What is a Blood Glucose Monitor?Glucose Meters and Glucose MonitorsA Glucose Monitor (also known as a glucose meter) is a machine that helps you test how much glucose (sugar) is in your blood. You take a small sample of blood - usually from the fingertip. The blood sample is then placed on a specially coated strip and inserted in the glucose monitor, which then measures the level of glucose in the blood sample and shows the result on a digital display. Glucose Monitors Essential for Type 1 DiabetesGlucose monitors are used mainly by diabetic patients, especially those with type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent), as self-monitoring of blood glucose is one of the fundamentals of good diabetes management. Instructions for Using Glucose MonitorsHere are general instructions for using a glucose meter: 1. Wash hands thoroughly, with soap and warm water and dry completely. Alternatively, clean the finger to be used for the blood sample with alcohol, and dry completely. 2. Prick the fingertip with a lancet. Learning to Use Your Glucose MeterAs stated above, self-monitoring of blood sugar is a vital part of good diabetic management, so it's important that you know how to use your glucose meter and interpret its results. When starting, you should get training from a diabetes educator. The educator should watch you test your glucose to ensure correct usage and answer any questions. Taking Care of Your Glucose MonitorSome glucose meters need regular cleaning. This is usually done with soap and water, and a dampened soft cloth to avoid damage to sensitive parts. Some glucose monitors do not require regular cleaning, although they may provide electronic alerts indicating when they need cleaning. A few glucose meters can be cleaned only by the manufacturer. Buying a Blood Glucose MonitorThere are lots of self-monitoring glucose meters on the market. So before you buy a particular blood glucose meter, make a list of the features - like, cost, ease of use, accuracy, portability, user-friendly features, that are important to you and your lifestyle. Then talk to your doctor or diabetes educator about your treatment needs and what type of meter is right for you. Blood Glucose Monitor Price Guide - $25-$90Glucose meters are getting more sophisticated (and more expensive!). Many now include a range of additional features, such as expanded memory to store blood results, the ability to record insulin dose, as well as computer compatibility to connect with companion software programs that can log data on medication dosages, exercise, food, and more. As a rough price guide, most glucose monitors fall within the range $25-$90. Note: Blood glucose monitoring and management is a serious process. In case of problems, please contact your doctor and/or diabetes educator. |
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Carbs-Information.com provides general information about the glycemic index (GI), glycemic load (GL), low GI diets, GI values for all food groups, health problems of high blood glucose including metabolic disorders such as pre-diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinism as well as type 1 and type 2 diabetes. But no information is intended as a substitute for medical advice. Copyright 2003-2013. |