Information on Glucose Monitoring Systems

People with diabetes must monitor their blood glucose levels regularly, to prevent symptoms and complications that can be caused by elevated glucose levels. Diabetics can monitor blood glucose using glucose meters, which analyze blood samples, or with continuous glucose monitoring systems, which use implanted sensors to measure glucose levels.

Testing With Glucose Meters

• A diabetic draws blood with a lancet and deposits the blood sample onto a test strip. The strip is inserted into a glucose meter, which measures the glucose level and displays its reading. While most meters are built to analyze blood drawn from the fingertip, others can read samples drawn from the arm or thigh.

Coding

• Test strips are encrypted with a code number that's printed on their vial. While some meters automatically recognize codes, others require users to scroll through a list of codes using the meter's buttons, until they find the matching code. Other meters require the user to insert a code chip or key packaged with the strips.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring

• Continuous glucose monitoring systems transmit glucose level data from a sensor implanted beneath the skin to a wireless monitor that sounds an alarm if glucose levels rise or fall to pre-determined levels. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, these systems aren't as accurate as traditional glucose meters.