Methods of Glucose Estimation

Glucose is a sugar found in blood and is a source of energy. Insulin is the substance the body uses to regulate glucose levels. When these levels get too high, people can develop diabetes, which is a dangerous condition. For people with diabetes, the glucose level must be monitored closely, sometimes on a daily basis. It is important for patients to have a means of estimating glucose levels without having blood drawn and sent to a laboratory, which is not practical on a daily basis.

Meters

• The glucose test meter is one method to estimate glucose levels.

  A standard for many years has been the blood glucose meter. According to Diabetes Forecast, many companies manufacture this device, which obtains a drop of blood, places it on a test strip, and has the meter read the strip. For the person who needs a daily check of his glucose level, this is a viable method that has greatly improved throughout the years.

Blood

• Any estimate of blood glucose levels involves a blood sample. For the individual testing herself at home, there must be a way to obtain a small amount of blood in a reasonable, relatively painless, and quick manner. According to Up to Date, an instrument known as a lancing device is used, preferably on the fingertip for a more accurate reading.

New Technology

• The future of estimating glucose levels might be found in an MIT glucose meter that uses a painless, infrared light. This technology is not yet available for the public, but it is a method whose time will certainly come. The meter reads the glucose level based on vibrations from the skin after using the infrared light. The meter is programmed to take all variables into account and give a reading.