Measuring Blood Glucose at Home | The Meter
If you suffer from diabetes (type 1 or type 2), a key factor in your treatment and your control is to measure the level of glucose in the blood. The reading of the glucose level quickly tells you if your body is using insulin properly, or if you have enough of it. As the level of blood glucose changes often, you must learn to measure it several times a day. The best way is using a device called a glucometer. Here we give you information and tips for proper use.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, should monitor and control your blood glucose daily. Surely you know that glucose is the fuel needed by cells and that give input only if it comes accompanied by insulin. The amount of glucose in the blood is expressed in milligrams per deciliter. Look at the numbers that the American Diabetes Association (American Diabetes Association) recommends you have a goal:
- 70-130 mg / dl before meals (fasting)
- Less than 180 mg / dl, 1 to 2 hours after a meal
To know what your glucose level at any given time, you need a meter (a special device for that purpose). Your doctor or pharmacist can help you choose the best meter for you to use it correctly and keep a record of results.
Whatever the meter model you choose, have a lancing device, a lancet, test strips and monitor or little screen where you see the results of the test. The following factors help you decide which suits you best:
- Speed to get the results
- Amount of blood required
- Monitor size and numbers are easily read
- Possibility to take the blood sample from other parts of the body besides the fingers (forearm, for example)
- If you provide additional information (date and time of the result)
- Cost of test strips
- Easy to use the device or carry with you wherever you go (its size, weight)
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