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Glucometer


One of the most efficient methods to learn about your diabetes and how different foods, medications, and activities affect it is to test your blood sugar level. Keeping track of your blood glucose levels can assist you and your doctor in developing a treatment strategy for this illness.
This blog will inform you all you need to know about Glucometer, as well as which Glucometer are the best in India.

What Is a Glucometer?

The amount of glucose in your blood is measured with a glucometer. It's a small medical device that uses a fingerstick sample to test your blood.
People with diabetes types 1 and 2 or gestational diabetes benefit from having a glucometer. Keeping track of your blood sugar levels will help you understand how diet and activity affect your glucose levels, as well as help your doctor adapt your treatment plan.

What does a Glucometer Package contain?

A battery-operated digital meter, lancets (small needles), a lancet device that adjusts the depth of the fingerstick based on skin thickness, test strips, control solution, and tracking software or a blood glucose logbook are all included in the kit. A glucose-specific enzyme is inserted in the test strips, which responds to the blood sample. The device reads the strip using electrochemical technology.

Types of Glucose Meters

Standard and continuous glucose monitors are the two types of glucose metres.

  • Standard Glucose Meters It measures current blood glucose using a fingerstick sample placed on a test strip and inserted into the device; it's a suitable fit for folks who don't need regular testing or insulin injections.
  • Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) People with type 1 diabetes, those who need strict blood sugar control, those who use an insulin pump, those who don't have warning signs or symptoms of low blood glucose, and those who have frequent high or low levels will benefit from this type of Glucometer. It's non-invasive and doesn't require fingersticks, and it uses a sensor on your skin to test blood glucose in real time.

Benefits of Glucose Meters

There are numerous advantages of having your own blood sugar testing kit at home. Which include:

  • Convenient to use. One of the most significant advantages of a glucometer is that it allows a patient to test their blood sugar levels from the comfort of their own home, eliminating the need to visit a doctor on a regular basis. This is especially useful for people who need to monitor their blood sugar levels on a daily basis.
  • Accuracy of reading. Modern glucometers use advanced technology and very sensitive strips based on specific chemicals to correctly determine every component of blood. As a result, you may achieve near-laboratory accuracy from the comfort of your own home or even while travelling.
  • Possibility to make medical decisions. A glucometer provides a precise reading of your blood sugar level, allowing you to make important dietary or medicine decisions. For example, if your sugar levels are low, you should eat a brief snack before working out to avoid feeling ill or unconscious. The readings will also show you how any new medication or diet may affect your diabetes. Furthermore, a quick onset of high blood sugar is a warning sign that something is wrong and you want medical attention. This has the potential to make the difference between life and death.
  • Suitable for seniors. While glucometers are recommended for all diabetics, the benefits are particularly notable for elderly. This is due to the fact that seniors frequently find it difficult to leave their homes and travel to a clinic each time their blood glucose levels need to be checked.
  • benefits of smart glucometers and apps. Most modern apps can sync data to other apps and websites, as well as function with Bluetooth. These aptly termed smart glucometers allow you to collect data, measure insulin levels, and even keep track of your diet and activity. All of these records are kept on applications, and the information can even be shared with family members or doctors.
  • Cost-effective. This significantly reduces the cost of laboratory tests for blood sugar levels.

How to Use a Glucometer?

For a standard Glucometer the following steps can be recommended:

  • Check that the meter is clean.
  • After removing a test strip, quickly close the strip container, as strips can be easily damaged.
  • Wash and dry your hands before gently massaging them to promote blood flow.
  • Prick your finger with a lancet (a little needle included in the glucometer kit). The lancet is inserted into the lancing device (which is also included) and adjusted to the proper depth to puncture the thickness of your skin. Squeeze a small amount of blood onto the test strip from the tip of your finger. Each time, use a new, clean lancet.
  • Insert the strip into the metre. After a few seconds, your reading, which is usually expressed in milligrammes per deciliter (mg/dL), will appear.
  • Keep track of your findings in a logbook or on the meter's software. Make a note of anything that may have caused the reading to fall outside of your desired range, such as food you recently ate or any activity.
  • Dispose of the lancet and strip properly.

Meanwhile, in order to use a CGM, a sensor wire is inserted just beneath the skin and secured with an adhesive patch. A transmitter is linked to the sensor and transmits your blood sugar values to a receiver (in many cases, it can be your smartphone). Depending on your CGM, you may still need to test your blood glucose with a regular glucometer to ensure that the device is working properly.

How to Read a Glucometer?

Once you've determined your blood glucose level, you'll need to determine whether it falls within your normal range.
The following target ranges for non-pregnant persons with diabetes. However, because blood glucose targets vary depending on your age, length of diabetes, and other problems you may have, consult with your doctor about their recommendations for your specific treatment plan.

Timing TARGET BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVEL
Before a meal 80-130 mg/dL
One to two hours after the beginning of a meal Less than 180 mg/dL

What to Consider When Purchasing the Best Glucometer?

When purchasing a glucometer, there are numerous aspects to consider, including:

  • Ease of use. Consider how quickly you get answers, the size of the metre, and the frequency of testing required, but the number of times you should check your blood glucose levels per day might vary depending on the kind of diabetes you have and how well your glucose levels are controlled. Calibration requirements, the meter's ability to test at alternate sites, such as the forearm or palm, and connectivity with apps for convenient tracking and monitoring are all aspects that can affect ease of use.
  • Accuracy. Although neither regular glucometers nor continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are as accurate as laboratory tests, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires glucose metre findings to be within 15% of lab results 95% of the time. Before purchasing a glucometer kit, look for the phrase "FDA approved" on the package.
  • Information storage and retrieval. This can include characteristics such as whether the metre is Bluetooth compatible, how readings are presented, physician access, whether you can download your readings, and what type of historical data the metre gives.

How to store a Glucometer?

  • To avoid influencing the system's accuracy, do not allow dust or foreign bodies into the test strip slot.
  • Never decompose, demolish, repair, or modify the system.
  • Keep the system away from any electromagnetic fields. (For example, a television, a microwave oven, or a mobile phone).
  • Avoid allowing the monitoring system to collide with other devices while in use.
  • Avoid direct sunlight and humid environments.
  • To clean the system, please use a soft cotton cloth.

Cautions about the Test Strips

  • Because the test strip is sensitive to humidity, please store it with the vials and lid covered.
  • Do not leave test strips to be exposed for an extended period of time.
  • For accurate results, remove test strips with clean, dry hands.
  • Do not re-use test strips. The Test Strip is only good for one use.

How to Clean a Glucometer?

It is simple to maintain your Glucose Meter; simply keep it dust-free. If you need to clean it, please carefully follow the instructions below to get the best performance:

Do:

  • Turn off the metre.
  • Gently wash the metre surface with a delicate cloth gently soaked with 75% medical alcohol.
  • Before wiping the meter's surface, make careful to squeeze out any excess liquid from the cloth.

Do Not:

  • Get any moisture in the code chip or test strip slot
  • Spray any cleaning solution directly onto the metre
  • Soak the metre in water or liquid
  • Pour liquid into the metre.

Top 5 Best Glucometer Machines in India

Dr. Morepen BG-03 Glucometer Machine

Special Features

  • Ergonomics: The Dr Morepen BG03 Glucometer Machine has been built to fit comfortably in your palm.
  • Biosensors: The machine is outfitted with advance technology that will undoubtedly produce highly accurate results. Accuracy with no compromise appears to be a winning mix.
  • Beepers: The Dr Morepen Machine includes sound technology that can alert you if your blood glucose levels are abnormal. This is useful because many people are unable to maintain track of abnormal glucose levels and must be reminded on a regular basis.

AccuSure Blue Glucometer Machine:

This device has a variety of features at a reasonable price, the specifics of which are listed below.

Specific Features

  • Quick Response: It produces results in roughly 8 seconds or less, which is excellent for a product of this calibre and range.
  • Flexibility: The AccuSure Glucose Monitor Machine measures blood glucose levels from all sources, including arterial, venous, and capillary. It will also supply you with readings of newborn blood glucose levels.
  • Download Compatibility: The AccuSure Machine includes storage and downloading features. You can save up to 450 readings and use them as reference values later. It also offers download compatibility options, which are really useful.

Ashton UK Glucometer Machine and 60 Strips

Special Features

  • Alternative Site Testing: The product can be applied to different body areas. This is especially useful for people who, for whatever reason, do not have their fingers available for blood extraction, are terrified of doing so, or for any other reason.
  • Ketone Warning: Diabetic ketoacidosis is the most lethal complication of type I diabetes and must thus be avoided. The machine contains an alarm mechanism that alerts you to the possibility of ketoacidosis. This is especially useful since it allows one to escape the potentially fatal and emergency conditions that insulin-dependent diabetes brings.
  • Portable: This is especially handy if you are a diabetic who is constantly on the go or travelling.

Dr.Odin Glucometer Black GDH-FAD with 25 Sugar Strips

Special Features

  • Battery Life: The product has an excellent battery life based on over 500 testing. This is especially useful if you are a frequent traveller.
  • Accuracy: The Dr Odin Glucose Monitor Black GDH-FAD is one of the most accurate devices on the market, regardless of price category. There aren't many devices that are as accurate as this one, so it's a must-have.
  • No Manual Coding: Some glucometers require coding and calibration, but this device does not. This is simple to use and does not necessitate any manual coding.

AccuSure Sensor Glucometer with 25 Test Strips

Special Features

  • Multi-Use: The product includes the ability to test not only newborn blood glucose levels, but also arterial, venous, and capillary blood levels.
  • Easy to Read: The AccuSure Glucose Meter has one of the largest screens on the market, making it a visual delight. Because of its legibility and display quality, it may be utilised by any population to record and grasp its readings.
  • Quick Response Time: It has exceptional time-saving qualities.