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The glucometer is an extremely practical device, thanks to which you can quickly determine the concentration of glucose in the blood. How does it work? Who should use it? We explain.
Glucometer, or colloquially apparatus for measuring sugaris a portable medical device that measures blood glucose. The special design allows for the current reading of the result, providing information about the health condition. Thanks to this, it is possible to monitor the course of diabetes treatment at home – without the need for laboratory tests.
A blood glucose meter intended for home use most often has a compact size. Its operation is very simple – just start the device, insert the test strip, and then apply a drop of blood to the appropriate place on the strip.
Depending on the design of the device, the measurement of glucose concentration is carried out by means of:
- photometric method – the amount of reflected light is recorded depending on the color change of the test field
- electrochemical method – the intensity of electric microcurrent flowing through the reactive field on the strip test is measured.
The device automatically reads and analyzes changes, and then displays the result in numerical form.
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Also read: “Myths about a diet for diabetics”
The glucometer is an excellent diagnostic tool dedicated primarily to diabetics – people suffering from diabetes. Thanks to regular measurements, they can check the effectiveness of diabetes treatment and at the same time react immediately to sudden fluctuations in blood glucose.
There are no obstacles to use the meter also in the prevention of diabetes. The device can be used to perform measurements on people who have a genetic burden of developing diabetes.
The meter is a device that is used several times a day, both on an empty stomach and for 2 hours after each meal. Some models of meters turn on automatically when the strip is brought up. Others should be enabled with a dedicated button.
How to use the meter? Before drawing blood, wash your hands thoroughly in warm water, but never rub your fingers with alcohol or a disinfectant. If an alcohol-based agent is used, it should be ensured that it is completely removed from the skin. Alcohol can falsify the result.
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The puncture should be deep enough for a drop of blood to flow out by itself. Avoid squeezing it from your finger as this may also result in a false test result. Glucometers have different sensitivity, so if the puncture is difficult for some reason, it is worth choosing a device that will require a lower dose of blood for the analysis.
The next steps for using a standard blood glucose meter are:
- preparation of the lancing device,
- preparing the strip (after removing it from the vial, close it tightly as soon as possible) and placing it in the test socket,
- setting the meal indicator on the screen,
- removing the lancing cap, mounting the lancet and removing its cover, where the sterine needle is located,
- applying the lancing device is a fingertip and pressing,
- applying the test strip to the blood drop (until the meter beeps).
The result will appear on the meter screen. The time of measurement as well as its circumstances should be noted each time. This will allow for the correct assessment of the health condition, and therefore also the correct course of treatment. That’s why it’s worth driving diary to control blood glucose.
Order your DIAVUE ToGo blood glucose meter for home use today. The device is available at a promotional price on Medonet Market.
Check: Hyperglycemia – causes, symptoms, treatment
Glucometer – types
Newer and newer technologies allow the construction of next generations of glucose meters. Despite this, standard glucometers with a needle still enjoy the greatest approval of the medical community. It is because of their credibility.
The following types of blood glucose meters include:
- standard glucometer with needle (colorimetric – also called photometric, biosensory – called electrochemical),
- non-invasive glucometer, i.e. a device that, when applied to the most bloodied parts of the skin, scans it and displays the numerical result (in the case of rapid changes in the sugar level, the measurement must be supplemented with a blood glucose meter test with a needle); sometimes it may take the form of a wrist meter.
A fairly new solution entering the market are non-puncture glucometers, i.e. non-invasive glucometers. They allow you to measure glucose without breaking the continuity of the skin and each time you use the glucose meter strips. The use of a glucometer without a needle is possible thanks to the use of modern scanning technologies, including spectrophotometric and optical methods.
The cost of the meter is small. The equipment costs about PLN 30-40. It also happens that in some diabetes clinics you can get it for free. However, the diabetes-related expenses do not end with the purchase of the meter. There is also a number of drugs and accessories.
So, glucometer and rehabilitation relief? Indeed, Polish tax law clearly states that a person suffering from diabetes may deduct rehabilitation costs and costs facilitating the performance of life activities in the annual PIT settlement. In the case of diabetes, the deduction may include:
- expenditure on the purchase of a glucometer,
- purchase of accessories, i.e. batteries, lancets, lancets, pens, pen needles,
- purchase of test strips for measuring sugar and ketone bodies,
- purchase of insulin and drugs, but only a surplus of over PLN 100 each month.
See also: «Reimbursement for medicines for seniors. How to use it?
As for the meter, user feedback confirms the reliability of the results. Currently, few laboratory tests are performed, because the accuracy of the blood glucose meter result in the laboratory is very similar. However, it is not identical. The error in the case of a home camera can range from 10-15%. compared to the results of laboratory tests.
However, you should be aware that there are many factors that may disturb their truthfulness. Therefore, it is very important to:
- Always start working with a new device by reading the information provided by the manufacturer,
- wash the meter after each use,
- choose test strips that match the equipment model,
- store blood glucose meter strips in closed packaging,
- do not use expired strips,
- take measurements away from sources of electromagnetic waves.
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Pregnant glucometer
The meter is also useful for women who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The device allows you to control the blood sugar level after meals, so you can assess the effectiveness of the appropriate diabetic diet. Pregnant women should measure at least twice a day. If the meter readings are too high compared to the applicable standards, the diabetologist may recommend that you turn on insulin.
There are many more restrictions in the case of pregnant women who suffer from regular diabetes. It is recommended that they measure their sugar level with a blood glucose meter at least 4 times a day. In addition, it is good for them to perform round-the-clock glycemic profiles every 2-3 weeks.