Diabetes is a disease in which the blood sugar or glucose levels in our system are too high. Our blood carries the glucose to all of the cells in the body providing it with energy. Normally insulin (a hormone) made by the pancreas triggers the cells in the liver, muscle and fatty tissue to absorb the glucose from the blood and store it in the liver and muscles. When the body does not produce enough insulin, or if the insulin does not function the way it should, glucose stays in the blood instead of being absorbed by the cells. Your blood glucose level then gets too high, resulting in pre-diabetes or diabetes. The principal source of glucose is in the foods we eat: starchy foods such as bread, rice and potatoes or from sugar and sweet foods.
The primary tools used for monitoring blood sugar levels are the Blood Glucose Meter in conjunction with a glucose chart (log). The chart is an essential part of the monitoring requirements and is used to keep a daily record of your blood sugar levels which can be invaluable to you, your doctor and/or healthcare professional. There are a wide variety of blood glucose meters available to the diabetic but the operating principle is almost the same for all. A sample of blood is taken through the use of a lancet (quantities vary depending on the meter) and placed onto a blood glucose strip, this is then inserted into the meter, within a short time the meter provides a digital record along with a readout of your blood glucose level.
Choosing A Blood Glucose Meter
Due to the number of meters available, deciding on the right one for oneself can be rather difficult, here are some tips which may be of assistance in helping you find the right blood meter to meet your needs. Although cost may be a factor in your choice, this should not be the main criteria for your final selection.
1. You will need a blood glucose meter that can be easily read, especially if there a problems with your vision. One with a large digital readout will be adequate in this situation.
2. The quantity of blood required for testing varies so it would be prudent to choose a glucose meter which requires a minimal amount of blood while still providing accurate readings.
3. A meter which offers multi-site testing would also be recommended.
4. Some blood glucose meters may need programming if you are not confident in your ability to do this, you can choose a meter which is preprogrammed.
5. A major feature of the new blood glucose meter is its memory capacity. Some meters save only the last blood test while others may save up to five hundred (500) previous results. This capacity does affect the cost so you will have to decide what is appropriate for your personal needs.
6. Depending on your situation the size of the meter may be a factor. Blood Glucose Meters can vary in size. They can be as small as a cell phone but your manual dexterity must be taken into consideration when making a purchase, in addition it will also affect the display size.
7. Consider the cost of the blood glucose test strips for whichever meter you choose. Depending on the frequency of your testing this can be an extremely expensive proposition.
Blood Glucose Monitoring is highly recommended for all diabetics whether it is done by oneself or a caregiver. Monitoring highlights patterns of blood glucose changes. The information gathered can then be used to determine the most effective way of managing your illness. This may involve dietary adjustments, exercise and scheduling of your insulin dosages. Testing also indicates when emergency measures need to be taken in response to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) levels.
Any sufferer of a chronic illness is aware that controlling or overcoming the illness can be extremely costly. Diabetes is no exception. Your health comes first but with careful management it is possible to minimize the cost while still maintaining and improving ones quality of life. Self monitoring increases patient involvement in self-care but is only effective if done correctly and in parallel with your health-care provider or doctor. Added suggestions for those living with diabetes are to participate in a diabetes education program, exercise when possible and follow a strict diet as recommended by your doctor.
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