Blood Glucose Meter

Diabetes is a disease that is categorized by the glucose (sugar) level within the body. Diabetic individuals must watch their blood glucose levels to stay safe. The blood glucose meter (glucometer) is a device that allows people to measure their glucose levels. This device has significantly eased the blood glucose measuring process for patients. In the past, people had to go to the hospital to have their sugar level measure. With the help of this technology, a diabetic patient can quickly measure their blood glucose level in their home. As a result, more lives have been saved because of this innovation.

1. Description of a Blood Glucose Monitor

A blood glucose meter is a small electronic device that looks like a digital counter. It has a display, a few buttons, and a test strip at its tip. This device also comes with a lancer and a lancing device.

2. Function

There are two types of diabetes – type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a kind of disease classified by little or lack of insulin within the body, leading to high glucose levels within the blood. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is classified by insulin resistance, leading to elevated glucose levels within the blood. In each case, the blood glucose monitor helps individuals measure their blood glucose level, thereby taking appropriate action to prevent it from harming their body. Other instances where a blood glucose meter can be used include the following. • Assess the effectiveness of a treatment regimen. • Determine patterns of increased and decreased blood glucose levels. • Understand blood glucose value during stress or after exercising.

3. How a Blood Glucose Meter Works

Blood glucose meters come in different forms, which are manufactured by many companies. But, all these devices function in the same manner. The first step in using the blood glucose meter is to get some blood from the patient. This process can be done by someone or by the patient. The lancing device and the lancer that come with the blood glucose meter allow a patient to draw blood from their body. The lancer is placed into the lancing device, which efficiently pierces the tip of a finger to create a wound. The patient needs to place a drop of blood on the blood glucose meter’s test strip. Next, the device analyses the blood and produces the result of the blood glucose levels. The entire process can be performed several times a day. However, this is dependent on the type of diabetic illness and its severity. Therefore, a physician usually tells their patient the number of times they should perform this test.

4. Readings

A blood glucose level varies at different times of the day. Readings depend on several factors – the value depends on whether an individual has had a meal or not. A normal before meal blood glucose level ranges from 70 to 100 mg/dL. After a meal, the blood glucose level should be lower than 180 mg/dL. These values may vary slightly from one person to another.

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