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Blood glucose monitoring

Updated: 9/27/2023
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13y ago

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Definition

Blood glucose monitoring refers to the ongoing measurement of blood sugar (glucose). Monitoring can be done at any time using a portable device called a glucometer.

See also:

Alternative Names

Home glucose monitoring; Self monitoring of blood glucose

How the test is performed

The traditional glucose meter comes with test strips, small needles called lancets, and a logbook for recording your numbers. There are many different kinds of these meters, but they all work essentially the same way.

A complete testing kit can be purchased from a pharmacy without a prescription. Your doctor or nurse can help you choose the equipment that's right for you, help you set it up, and teach you how to use it.

You will prick your finger with the lancet and place a drop of blood on a special strip. This strip uses a chemical substance to determine the amount of glucose in the blood. (Newer monitors can use blood from other areas of the body besides the fingers, reducing discomfort.) The meter displays your blood sugar results as a number on a digital display.

How to prepare for the test

Have all test items within reach before starting -- timing is important. Clean the needle prick area with soap and water or an alcohol swab. Completely dry the skin before pricking.

How the test will feel

There is a sharp prick.

Why the test is performed

This test reveals your blood sugar level.

If you have Diabetes, you can use it to carefully monitor your blood sugar levels at home. Regularly checking your blood sugar level is one of the most important steps you can take in managing the disease. It provides your doctor with important information regarding the control of your blood sugar.

When you keep track of your blood sugar you will:

  • Start to see patterns that will help you plan meals, activities, and what time of day to take your medications
  • Learn how certain foods affect your blood sugar levels
  • See how exercise can improve your numbers

Testing allows you to respond quickly to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This might include diet adjustments, exercise, and insulin (as instructed by your health care provider).

Your doctor may order a blood sugar test to screen for diabetes. For more information, see blood glucose test.

Normal Values
  • Before meals: 70 - 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)
  • After meals: Less than 180 mg/dL

Values can vary depending on physical activity, meals, and insulin administration. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What abnormal results mean

Low levels indicate hypoglycemia. Have something to eat. You may need to change the next insulin dose, and possibly future insulin doses as well.

If levels are too high, this indicates hyperglycemia. You may need additional insulin.

What the risks are

There is a slight chance of infection at the puncture site. A small amount of bleeding may occur after the puncture.

Special considerations

The correct procedure must be followed or the results will not be accurate.

References

American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes--2010. Diabetes Care. 2010 Jan;33 Suppl 1:S11-61.

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13y ago
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Wiki User

12y ago
Definition

Blood glucose monitoring refers to the ongoing measurement of blood sugar (glucose). Monitoring can be done at any time using a portable device called a glucometer.

See also:

Alternative Names

Home glucose monitoring; Self monitoring of blood glucose

How the test is performed

The traditional glucose meter comes with test strips, small needles called lancets, and a logbook for recording your numbers. There are many different kinds of these meters, but they all work essentially the same way.

A complete testing kit can be purchased from a pharmacy without a prescription. Your doctor or nurse can help you choose the equipment that's right for you, help you set it up, and teach you how to use it.

You will prick your finger with the lancet and place a drop of blood on a special strip. This strip uses a chemical substance to determine the amount of glucose in the blood. (Newer monitors can use blood from other areas of the body besides the fingers, reducing discomfort.) The meter displays your blood sugar results as a number on a digital display.

How to prepare for the test

Have all test items within reach before starting -- timing is important. Clean the needle prick area with soap and water or an alcohol swab. Completely dry the skin before pricking.

How the test will feel

There is a sharp prick.

Why the test is performed

This test reveals your blood sugar level.

If you have diabetes, you can use it to carefully monitor your blood sugar levels at home. Regularly checking your blood sugar level is one of the most important steps you can take in managing the disease. It provides your doctor with important information regarding the control of your blood sugar.

When you keep track of your blood sugar you will:

  • Start to see patterns that will help you plan meals, activities, and what time of day to take your medications
  • Learn how certain foods affect your blood sugar levels
  • See how exercise can improve your numbers

Testing allows you to respond quickly to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This might include diet adjustments, exercise, and insulin (as instructed by your health care provider).

Your doctor may order a blood sugar test to screen for diabetes. For more information, see blood glucose test.

Normal Values
  • Before meals: 70 - 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)
  • After meals: Less than 180 mg/dL

Values can vary depending on physical activity, meals, and insulin administration. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.

What abnormal results mean

Low levels indicate hypoglycemia. Have something to eat. You may need to change the next insulin dose, and possibly future insulin doses as well.

If levels are too high, this indicates hyperglycemia. You may need additional insulin.

What the risks are

There is a slight chance of infection at the puncture site. A small amount of bleeding may occur after the puncture.

Special considerations

The correct procedure must be followed or the results will not be accurate.

References

American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes--2010. Diabetes Care. 2010 Jan;33 Suppl 1:S11-61.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 04/19/2010

Ari S. Eckman, MD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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Related questions

Why is monitoring blood glucose levels more accurate that monitoring glucose levels in the urine?

The liver and pancreas release glucose right into the blood, therefore you will get a more accurate amount if you test your blood.


What are blood glucose monitors most useful for?

Blood glucose monitoring is for people with diabetes so they can control their blood glucose in their own home. The advantages of blood glucose monitoring are early detection of hypoglycemia, better blood sugar control, and fewer complications.


What has the author David D Cunningham written?

David D. Cunningham has written: 'In vivo glucose sensing' -- subject(s): Blood sugar monitoring, Blood Glucose, Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring, Biosensors, Diabetes, Analysis, Biosensing Techniques


Is there a blood glucose monitoring system that doesn't require to prick anywhere in the body for a blood sample?

No. Because read one's blood glucose level requires analyzing a sample of that blood.


What has the author Frederick Chee written?

Frederick Chee has written: 'Closed-loop control of blood glucose' -- subject(s): Analysis, Blood Glucose, Blood sugar monitoring, Diabetes Mellitus, Drug Therapy, Computer-Assisted, Drug therapy, Insulin Infusion Systems, Insulin pumps, Methods, Monitoring, Physiologic, Physiologic Monitoring, Technological innovations


What kind of people need to use blood glucose monitors?

People who are diabetic use blood glucose monitors to monitor their glucose. It's important for diabetics to regularly monitor their glucose to be sure that they are approriatley monitoring their glucose and can make any adjustment to their treatment accordingly.


What is medical code 82962?

CPT Code -82962- Glucose, blood by glucose monitoring device(s) cleared by the FDA specifically for home use


Is there any way in which you could measure your own blood glucose?

Almost any pharmacy will have a glucose monitoring kit. They vary in price but most a pretty accurate.


What has the author Charles Beaverstock written?

Charles Beaverstock has written: 'Effect of renal threshold on urine glucose and patient acceptance and maintenance of home blood glucose monitoring'


Who needs to use a glucose monitor watch?

More than likely people who would need to check thier blood sugar. People with diabetes may need a glucose meter watch. Generally, continuous glucose monitoring is necessary for diabetics. Type 1 diabetics in particular require regular glucose monitoring, either through finger pricks or through the use of a continuous glucose monitoring device. This is because their inability to produce endogenous insulin puts them at risk of coma or death from extreme blood sugar highs or lows.


How can I effectively check my blood glucose levels?

I would suggest checking with your physician or pharmacist. Based upon your medical history, one of these individuals will be able to tell you which method of glucose monitoring is best for you.


What are the goals of diabetes treatment?

keeping blood glucose within normal range and preventing the development of long-term complications. Careful monitoring of diet, exercise, and blood glucose levels are as important as the use of insulin or oral medications in preventing complications