Blood glucose monitors are meters that you use to check your blood sugar levels if you are diabetic. Diabetes affects approximately 27 million people a year. Approximately 6 million of those individuals are undiagnosed. Blood glucose monitors have a design that allows you to check your sugar levels frequently. This is important in keeping your diabetes under control.
History
In the early 1960s, the blood glucose monitor was invented. Leland Clark is famous for several inventions in the medical field. These include the first glucose meter, the first heart-lung machine and one of the first intensive care units.
In mid 1970s, Anton Clemens's blood glucose meter design was in use in hospitals around the United States. This was approximately 10 inches long and required an electrical outlet to use. The reading took about one to two minutes to complete.
Shortly after, in the early 1980s, blood glucose monitors were introduced for home use. Bayer and Roche commercially produced the first home blood glucose monitors.
Function
A Blood glucose monitor is a medical device that allows the users to check their blood sugar levels. These devices require lancets. Lancets are small needles with which you prick your finger or forearm. Only certain styles of meters allow you to test on your arm. Most require finger pricks. An instruction booklet and batteries also accompany the blood glucose monitor of your choice.
While the features of the different meters vary, the concept is the same. You insert a testing strip into the meter. The strips vary by the type of blood glucose monitor that you use. You will need to purchase the test strips separately from the meter. Usually, you can receive a prescription for these. Once the test strip is inserted into the machine, you pick your finger or forearm depending on the meter. You will see a small drop of blood. The blood should be on the test strip. You can usually scrape the blood onto the strip. Wait approximately 5 to 15 seconds, then the meter will display your current blood sugar levels.
You and your doctor will discuss the appropriate times to use the blood glucose monitor. These vary depending on your needs. Your doctor may ask you to test your levels an hour after meals, in the morning before breakfast and before bedtime.
Types
There are over 40 styles of blood glucose monitors from which to choose. The prices range from $40 to $150. Depending on your insurance, you can receive your meter free or at a reduced of price. However, your insurance may limit your product choices.
Accu Check Aviva from Roche Diagnostics is one of the more popular models. Even if you are on a restricted insurance company, they will pay for this meter. This is equipped with a simple to use, painless lancing device. You change the needle with every use so that it does not become worn. There is a memory option that stores up to 500 readings at a time. Your doctor can also download the data from the device. Other products from Roche Diagnostics include Accu Check Active, Accu Check Compact and Accu Check Advantage.
The Lifescan OneTouch Ultra is a popular model as well. You can test your sugar levels on your fingers or forearm with this device. This meter also gives you a reading in less than five seconds. It is accurate and flexible for testing. Other products from this manufacturer include OneTouch Basics, OneTouch UltraSmart and OneTouch UltraMini.
Home Diagnostics offers six different meters. TRUEread features a larger display and a turn on function when you insert the test strip. Your insurance may pay for this product, especially if you have Medicare. Other products from Home Diagnostics include Prestige IQ, TrueTrack and TRUE2go.
Features
Usually, a meter will display the blood levels within 10 seconds. Automatic on and off features will help the battery to last longer and relieve worry if you forget to turn the machine off. If you have trouble seeing the display even when it is large, a voice meter is available. This will allow you to hear your results. Along with the blood level readings, the date and time are also on display. There is also a meter than you can add to a compatible cell phone. This allows you to have your blood glucose monitor with you at all times without having to remember to bring it along.
Warning
Always follow your doctor's instructions when you are using your blood glucose monitor. This includes time you should test and how often. It is important for any diabetic to keep a good record of blood sugar levels. Read all instructions on the meter of your choice. All of the monitors are different and one may not work the same as another. Always keep plenty of test strips. Before testing, wash your hands or arm. If you have a sugar substance on your fingers, the blood glucose monitor reading will not be accurate.
Tags: glucose monitor, blood glucose monitor, sugar levels, glucose monitors, Accu Check