Blood Glucose Monitoring Methods

Blood glucose monitors help people with diabetes check their blood glucose levels. Many people test their blood sugar at least once a day, some much more often. Testing assists diabetic people in monitoring their diet and exercise programs. Keeping track of blood glucose levels is an important part of a diabetic's life and cannot be ignored. By not testing your blood glucose, you risk the many side effects of uncontrolled diabetes.

Blood Glucose Meters

• Most home glucose meters use test strips and a drop of blood. Get the blood by piercing your skin with a lancet. Some people like alternate site measurements because the blood is collected from a part of the body other than the fingertip and causes less pain.
  Placing the blood on a test strip allows the monitor to determine the amount of glucose in your blood. The test strip contains the chemicals necessary to measure your blood glucose correctly.
  Many different brands of blood glucose meters are available. Often companies offer a free blood glucose meter so that you will buy the strips and lancets from them.
  The newer systems use less blood and give you the blood glucose reading in less time. The average cost is free to $70. Replenishing the strips and lancets are the real cost. Research the cost before making a purchase, and allow yourself plenty of time before your supply is depleted.
  Reduce the cost by purchasing them at a large store, or checking online for the best price.
  Choose a meter with lower cost strips. Get advice from your doctor or other health care professional.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring

• Continuous glucose monitoring utilizes a small sensory device to measure blood glucose. A professional inserts it under the skin of your abdomen, and it stays in place for up to a week and then must be replaced. This monitor checks glucose levels in tissue fluid. The transmission apparatus sends information about glucose levels with the use of radio waves from the sensor to a wireless receiver. You must check blood samples with a glucose meter initially to calibrate the continuous glucose monitor.
  Continuous glucose monitoring costs more than other glucose monitoring, but they enable better glucose control. Setting alarms to alert you if your glucose levels are too low or too high is possible. Use continuous glucose monitoring for a short time with the approval of your doctor

Testing A1C

• A1C, called hemoglobin A1c, measures the amount of glucose attached to the hemoglobin in red blood cells. It gives an estimate of how your blood glucose has been doing over the past few months.
  A1C tests help the doctor assess your blood glucose results and your specific diabetic treatments.
  Get an A1C home version. The results appear accurate. Buy an A1CNow Selfcheck without a prescription at various online pharmacies or at your local drugstore. The product includes a kit for two tests