What you need to know in order to choose the right blood glucose meter

The increase in blood glucose levels can be detected quite by chance when performing regular tests. As soon as this has happened, any person should take measures for treatment in order to prevent the development of the disease. The blood glucose meter helps to control sugar level. Let's figure out how to choose it, and what to look for.

What is a blood glucose meter

In general, blood glucose meter is a device that determines the level of glucose in the blood or other organic liquid. We will be interested in a portable blood glucose meter, with which you can conduct research in the home or work environment. To use the device, you must insert the test strip in a special groove and put a little blood on it - literally a drop. After a few seconds, the device will show the result.

It should be remembered that any blood glucose meter determines the level of sugar with an accuracy of 20%.If you compare them by results, then this must be taken into account. In addition, the data of the portable glucometer will differ from the laboratory, depending on the calibration of the first. Calibration can be for plasma and whole blood. If the calibration is in plasma, then the indicator will be slightly higher than the laboratory.

Types of Diabetes

It is known that there are two main types of diabetes. In the first type, the body constantly needs insulin, as the endocrine system is disturbed. Consequently, we need constant control over the level of sugar and constant isulinotherapy. The first type is often found at a young age and can be inherited.

In the second type, insulin is produced, but either in too small a quantity or it is poorly perceived by the body itself. In any case, there is insulin, but there is a shortage. The second type can get sick people of any age, for example, due to improper diet.

Based on the foregoing, it is possible to understand how to choose a blood glucose meter for people with different types of diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes need to determine the level of sugar several times a day, and in addition to this, be tested by a doctor. Patients with diabetes of the 2nd, non-insulin-dependent, type of sugar should be measured approximately 1-4 times a week.

A large number of blood glucose meters are provided for people suffering from the first type. Patients with type 2 diabetes are advised to purchase devices that, in addition to sugar, can measure cholesterol and triglycerides( fats).

Varieties of glucometers

A good device for patients with DM-2 is Accutrend Plus. It can determine the content of cholesterol and fat in the body, allowing you to avoid complications caused by diabetes. Its cost and the cost of the test strips are quite high, but the consumption of the strips will be small. Also recommend Van Tach Ultra.

The price of test strips is of great importance for patients with DM-1, since measurements should be taken frequently( 4 times or more daily).If you are given free stripes during treatment, then you need to clarify to which blood glucose meter they fit. When choosing a device, you can pay attention to the following points.

• Glucometers differ in the principle of operation. Older models are photometric. New, convenient blood glucose meters - electrochemical. The accuracy of their measurement is almost the same.
• There are models of blood glucose meters that allow you to measure the level of ketones. This is especially true for patients with diabetes.
• In some models, there is a voice function( Sensocard Plus, Clover Check).This is important for people with poor eyesight.
• Notice how much blood the device requires. The minimum may be 0.3 microliters. Such a volume in freestyle Papillon Mini.
• The device can be calibrated in plasma or in whole blood. Most modern models are calibrated in plasma. The difference in the results was written above.

There are also additional parameters, such as storing several previous results( compact Aku-Chek), statistics for several days, separate keeping of statistics of measurements before meals and after, the possibility of communication with a computer. It is advisable to pay attention to the type of battery, to calmly find a replacement if necessary. The stiffness and size of the strip is of some importance, since it is inconvenient to handle small test strips. When buying a device, make sure that it contains all the components, according to the instructions, as well as the warranty.

According to the materials of the site adiabetic.ru