Things That Measure Blood Sugar Levels

Diabetics must measure their blood sugar levels to prevent highs and lows that could cause dizziness, sweating and even comas. Diabetics use meters to measure blood sugar levels. Meters are either continuous measures of blood sugar or random measures.

Random Measures

• Diabetics take random measures with a glucometer. This is a glucose meter, which measures a drop of blood from a prick on the skin.

Process

• To use a glucometer, the diabetic washes his or her hands and then uses a lancet or needle to prick the finger or arm area.

Readings

• The glucometer has a test strip that draws in the blood for a reading. Readings take 5 seconds. Readings are measured in millimeters per deciliter or mg/dL. An average reading is 70 to 100 mg/dL.

Continuous Measures

• Besides random testing, continuous glucose monitors or meters measure the blood sugar level every few seconds and takes an average. Measures are recorded in millimeters per deciliter.

Effects

• The diabetic wears a sensor under the skin that takes blood-reading averages every 5 minutes. The averages are sent to a monitor that is worn on a belt.