A Diabetes Meter Is An Essential Tool?

Answer 1

A Diabetes meter, also referred to as a blood glucose monitor, is the most important tool a person diagnosed with diabetes can have for understanding and treating their condition. Combined with keeping track of meter readings in a log and a book that details the nutrient components of foods, the meter will provide information needed to help a person keep blood glucose levels under control.

The monitor operates by measuring glucose circulating in the bloodstream at the time of the test. Once the meter is turned on, a fresh glucose testing strip should be removed from its container and inserted into the monitor. A special device called a lancet is used to quickly poke a tiny hole in the side of a finger. By touching the end of the testing strip to the small bead of blood that appears, the sample is sucked up into the strip. In seconds, a number appears on the screen. This is the current glucose level; a snapshot in time. Levels vary from second to second throughout the day and night and show higher levels after eating.

Free meters may be offered by the doctor's office upon diagnosis. If a person has medical insurance, the company may offer a free meter. Insurance companies usually have preferred meters, so it is important to know which meters they will support with provided or discounted blood glucose strips.

When money is a consideration for someone without insurance, often the expense of testing strips will determine their choice of a meter. Testing strips can be very expensive. Meters vary in size and their features can range from simple models to others that upload readings directly to a computer. Check store brands of meters and strips as they are usually cheaper and may have been manufactured by name brand companies.

It is not enough to simply take readings. Learning when and how often to test, what the numbers mean, and how various foods effect glucose levels will provide valuable information to manage diabetes. It is through utilizing this information and making the concerted effort to lower glucose levels that a diabetic person will avoid organ damage and live a healthier life.