What is Blood Sugar Monitoring?
The sugar content of the blood is a good indication of how well your diabetes is being controlled. They also reveal whether or not your diet, exercise, and medicine plan are working effectively. It’s possible that keeping your blood sugar levels in the ideal range may assist you in avoiding or lessening the chance of issues (complications).
How can Blood Sugar Levels be Checked?
Blood sugar levels should be tested regularly to maintain excellent diabetes control. Blood samples are required for most blood sugar monitoring techniques. Blood sugar testing may be done at home using a variety of equipment. The amount of glucose in the blood sample is measured with a tiny gadget known as a glucometer or glucose meter.
According to the American Red Cross, a finger prick is usually sufficient to utilize on a test strip. A spring-loaded instrument that quickly pricks the fingertip may be used instead of a specialized needle (lancet).
After removing the cap from the drop of blood, you apply it to the test strip. You may deposit the strip in advance of applying the droplet of blood or vice versa. The blood sugar level is then measured by the meter. Meters are designed to be used with finger-prick blood drops. However, certain meters can be used with blood drawn from the arm or other locations.
There are many different kinds of monitors to select from. They come in various prices, ease of use, size, mobility, and testing duration. Each test strip requires its own set of conditions. If utilized correctly, most blood sugar meters give precise results. They offer information and outcomes that may be heard if you have vision impairments. Some monitors can provide oral instructions in Spanish and other languages if you have physical difficulties making it difficult to view the results.
Blood sugar monitoring devices may keep track of blood sugar for extended periods. You could be able to program the gadget to notify you if your blood sugar levels get too low or high. You might have to check your blood sugar levels four times a day occasionally. Many things can alter blood sugar levels. They are as follows:
- Diet
- Exercise
- Diabetes medicine
- Illness
- Stress
What are Non-Invasive Blood Sugar Monitors?
If you do this regularly, a finger prick may become unpleasant and difficult. New devices that don’t require a blood sample are being developed. However, the majority of these have not been authorized by the FDA. Some of these gadgets use one of the following methods to measure blood sugar:
- Light is focused on the upper arm or finger using infrared rays.
- To raise blood via the skin, low-level electricity can be used.
- Saliva or tears
Continuous Glucose Monitoring
It’s worth noting that continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) may be a viable alternative for blood sugar monitoring. It monitors your blood sugar level throughout the day and night. This can assist you in making better food, exercise, and medication decisions. It can also reveal trends and patterns that might aid your doctor in managing your diabetes.
CGM also gives you the percentage of time your blood sugar has been in the normal range (or too high or too low) at any one moment and your blood sugar levels at other times. This standard range varies depending on your age and other circumstances. Inquire with your doctor if CGM is suitable for you.
There are a few different CGM systems on the market. They have been classified as therapeutic devices and must be prescribed by a doctor. It includes a sensor, transmitter, and receiver or monitor. A tiny piece of equipment called a sensor is inserted beneath the skin to track your blood sugar levels. A transmitter transmits information to a receiver. A transmitter may be part of an insulin pump or a separate gadget.
What are the Recommended Blood Sugar Level Ranges?
High blood sugar levels (ml/dL = milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood) are defined as being above 180 mg/dL and below 70 mg/dL. High blood sugar levels (ml/dL) might be a symptom of insufficient insulin production, owing to overeating, inactivity, or other causes. Taking too much insulin or other diabetes treatments, skipping or delaying a meal, exercising excessively, drinking too much alcohol, or having other causes of low blood sugar levels (below 70 mg/dL) might result in hypoglycemia.
Insurance and Blood Glucose Monitoring
Check whether your insurance covers blood glucose monitoring equipment and testing materials. Many merchants provide rebates or discounts on trade-ins if you don’t have insurance.
Patients who use a glucose meter should also consider how often they need to purchase test strips. In addition, the ADA recommends that consumers consider the ongoing cost of test strips when choosing one. The cost of each test strip varies from 50 cents to $1. Each insurance plan covers different amounts of strip counts and per-strip charges.
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