Glucometers and other tools used for SMBG
Blood glucose meters/Glucometers:
This is the most useful tool for SMBG. Various types and brands of glucometers are available today based on the following two principles:
- A chemical is present on the test strip, which on contact with glucose produces a colour. The meter measures this colour intensity and the level of glucose present is expressed in mg/dl.
- The other type of glucometer measures the electric current in the blood, which depends on the amount of glucose present. When blood is put on the test strip, an enzyme transfers electrons from glucose to a chemical in the test strip and the meter measures the flow of the electrons as current. The amount of current depends on the amount of glucose present and the meter produces the reading in mg/dl.
Accuracy of Glucometers: Sometimes people are worried about the accuracy of the meter readings. The values are generally quite reliable. There may be a slight inconsequential difference between the laboratory sample and a glucometer reading due to the following reasons:
- A 10-15% difference in readings - because laboratory uses plasma blood while glucometers use whole blood.
- Meters use capillary blood while laboratory uses venous blood. Capillary blood can give a slightly higher reading than venous blood.
Advantages of glucometers: There are obvious advantages -
- It empowers diabetics to take care of themselves without the need to visit doctors and labs regularly.
- It promotes well-being of the patient.
- It helps to detect and confirm hypoglycemia.
- It provides better understanding of medications and also helps to alter medications.
- It helps in detecting infections.
Test strips: Each glucometer has its own test strips and one must be sure of buying the correct strip for the glucometer. The test strip has a code and before using any test strip the glucometer must be set to the correct code.
Lancets: These are used to prick the finger to obtain a drop of blood to be placed on a test strip. Each pricking device has its own size of lancet. The lancets are sterile and must not be shared. It can be used for multiple pricks by the same person.
In conclusion with all the modern gadgets and instruments available and with a little understanding of diabetes, one can take care of oneself by constant monitoring blood glucose levels without the need to visit a healthcare professionals regularly.
References:
- Self-monitoring Blood Glucose (SMBG): Now and the Future -Amber L. Briggs,Journal of Pharmacy Practice, Vol. 17, No. 1, 29-38 (2004)
- Heagarty, Margaret C. Life-style change: a difficult challenge. Pediatrics. 1976; 58:314-5.
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Do you wish to consult a Diabetologist for your problem? Ask your question

2 years experience
Aram clinic , Kattankulathur
my blood sugar level was 78fasting,and 157 on pp.but after taking glimpride and metformin it came too 80 fasting and 104 on pp.can i control my sugar level with healty lifestyle and cotroled diet?
after lunch I often work in the yard for l to 2 hrs and take my test when I come in. Does moving around after a meal increase the sugar in my blood more than sitting for the 2 hours?
any physical activity you perform will contribute to lowering your blood sugar level.
Where can I find a blank chart I can print off to keep track of my sugar levels?
my blood sugar level before meal is below 100. do i have to chech post meal reading after 2 hrs to know whether i have diabetics or not. navin
Can anyone please tell me what are the normal sugar levels in a type 2 diabetes, as my husband and I are having problems monitoring him.
When Target levels
Before meals 70 to 140
1 to 2 hours after the start of a meal below 180
you have to monitor BG level frequently.
Have you using Blood Glucose Meter for Monitoring?
Regards:
Rajesh Kumar
09569549707
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