Contents:
- Medical Video: How to Test Your Blood Sugar
- What is a blood sugar measuring instrument?
- Things that must be considered
- 1. What is the total cost?
- 2. Is this tool easy to use?
- 3. Is the treatment easy?
- 4. Can this tool save the results of previous test history?
- 5. Do I need special features?
- Factors that affect the results of checking blood sugar
- 1. Technique of use
- 2. The skin of the testing place is dirty
- 3. Environment
- 4. Test strips do not match
- 5. Changes to the tool or strip
- 6. How to make sure the blood sugar meter works properly
Medical Video: How to Test Your Blood Sugar
People with diabetes must be familiar with blood sugar measuring devices. Because the tool is very important to monitor your blood glucose levels. Many types of blood sugar measuring devices are available on the market. If you are confused, here is a guide to choosing one that is suitable for you to use everyday.
What is a blood sugar measuring instrument?
A blood sugar measuring device is a small computerized device that serves to measure and display your blood glucose levels.
Monitoring blood glucose levels will provide valuable information for you and your doctor about how food, exercise, medication, stress, and other factors affect the rise and fall of blood sugar in your body. From the numbers printed on the measuring instrument, it will help you and your doctor develop a better treatment plan.
There are many types of blood sugar measuring devices available on the market, from basic models that only read the results of blood sugar checks, to more sophisticated versions that offer features such as memory for storing information.
This certainly has an impact on the cost of each tool. Depending on the brand and technology offered, standard measuring instruments may be cheap. But measuring instruments with sophisticated methods certainly offer more expensive prices.
Learn what options are available before choosing it. Consider the initial costs (how much it costs to buy) and the long-term costs (how expensive the testing strips and other equipment). Then, discuss with your doctor and learn how to use blood sugar measuring devices correctly.
Things that must be considered
Before deciding to buy a blood sugar testing device at home, consider the following points.
1. What is the total cost?
Some gauges have expensive prices, but the problem is not only at prices. Some devices have strips that are sold separately or must be refilled, and you should consider these costs too.
2. Is this tool easy to use?
Test procedures vary for each tool, and some tools require procedures that are more complicated than others. Also consider how much blood is needed for each test, whether you can see the test results on the screen easily, and how long it will take to read the results.
3. Is the treatment easy?
Is this tool easy to clean? Does this tool need to be calibrated (disettings every reset will be used) quickly and easily?
4. Can this tool save the results of previous test history?
Because storing your test results is very important for long-term care, it is important to always record your test results every time you check. If you feel comfortable writing your test results in a journal, you can have a standard tool that can only read results without saving them.
However, if you travel frequently or are lazy to take notes in a journal, look for a device that has memory. Some tools can store data that you can review and move to later journals.
There are even more sophisticated ones, some tools have facilities download file if it is connected to your computer and can send it through e-mail to the doctor.
5. Do I need special features?
If you travel a lot and will often carry this tool with you, you might want to choose a device that is smaller and easier to carry. People with visual impairments can choose to use a monitor that has an easy-to-read screen. While for children, choices are colorful. Other special features include:
- Audio capabilities, for people with hearing loss
- A lit screen to help see if you are in a low-light environment
- Various memory capacities to store your test results
- Other features like having outlet USB
Factors that affect the results of checking blood sugar
The accuracy of the test results depends on a number of factors, including the quality of the tool and the strip, and how well you operate this tool. The following are other factors that can affect your glucose reading:
1. Technique of use
Misuse is still the number one reason for error in testing. Be sure to find out how to use the tool to test your blood glucose by asking your doctor or health care provider.
2. The skin of the testing place is dirty
The food, drinks, or lotions left in your hand can affect your blood glucose reading. So, be sure to wash and dry your hands before you test them. If you clean the skin with alcoholic cotton, make sure the location of the skin to be pierced is completely dry.
3. Environment
Room height, humidity and temperature can all affect the results of your glucose by affecting your body or the strip you are using. Some gauges are equipped with instructions on how to get the right results in certain situations.
4. Test strips do not match
Test strips can be very expensive, so you might be tempted to try other brands of strips or cheaper generic strips to save money. However, your measuring device may not be designed to use this strip, so your test results may be affected. Make sure you buy an alternative test strip that suits your machine.
5. Changes to the tool or strip
Manufacturers can make changes to machines or strips, and other brand strip manufacturers or generic strip manufacturers are not always aware of this.
Therefore, the test strip can become incompatible with the meter. If you are not sure whether a particular test strip will work or not with your measuring device, contact the manufacturer of your blood sugar gauge.
6. How to make sure the blood sugar meter works properly
To ensure accurate readings, read the instructions provided in the package. If you have questions, contact the seller. You can also take your measuring device to the doctor and ask him to teach the basic use of this tool.
When you are in a doctor's office, compare the results of your machine test with a machine in your doctor's office. This will help you to see if your machine is calibrated correctly or not.
