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Information on Glucose Meters

According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC), nearly 8 percent of people within the United States have some form of diabetes that is either diagnosed or undiagnosed. Many of these individuals have to monitor their blood sugar levels routinely in order to maintain optimal health. There are numerous types of blood glucose meters available for this purpose, so having information about glucose meters can assist an individual in making the choice about which meter is right for them.

  1. Definition

    • Blood glucose meters are medical devices that measure how much sugar (glucose) is in an individual's blood at any given time. They help an individual to determine whether they need to eat more or less to keep blood glucose levels stable, and are of assistance in determining whether an injection of insulin may be needed to get blood glucose levels to the appropriate level. Most meters are now small enough to fit in the palm of the user's hand.

    How They Work

    • Almost all blood glucose meters work by taking a small sample of the individual's blood. This typically is done by the individual themselves, who pricks their fingertip or other body part with a lancet and places a blood droplet on a one time use glucose meter strip or reusable disk. The glucose meter reads the test strip or disk and then calculates and displays the amount of glucose in the blood.

    Types

    • There are several types of meters available. These include all-in-one meters (the lancet is built in), combined meters (meters that also have a blood pressure cuff), food monitoring meters (used to monitor glucose before and after meals), continuous monitors (provides continuous readings for several days and are used only to develop a treatment plan), and visually impaired meters (provides voice instructions for those with sight problems). The newest type of meter, wristwatch meters, are worn on the wrist and do not require a blood sample. They use electrodes to measure blood glucose via fluids underneath the skin.

    Cost

    • The cost of a blood glucose meter varies depending on the type and the manufacturer. The cheapest meters run around $30, while the most expensive (the continuous meters) can run as much as $1,400. Many insurance companies will cover the cost of a meter if it is used for a documented medical condition related to blood glucose, such as diabetes.

    Problems

    • One of the main problems with blood glucose meters involves the necessary blood sample. Repeated poking of the fingers with a lancet can lead to extreme pain over time. Additionally, many meters need to be coded repeatedly and require the user to insert a test strip or strips every test or few tests. New technology, such as that behind the wristwatch meter, is eliminating these problems.

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