Diabetes is a serious condition. Controlling blood sugar, with the help of regular glucose testing, is an important step in treating this disease.
In order to determine the correct type and dosage of medication, your doctor needs to review you blood sugar or glucose level frequently.You can help by self-testing and sharing the results with your doctor.
The rule of thumb is to test glucose before eating, an hour or two after eating, and before going to bed.You should also test your blood sugar if you feel any symptoms that indicate your sugar is fluctuating, when you begin taking a new medication or when the doctor alters the amount of medication prescribed.If you are not sure how frequently you should test, ask your doctor to recommend a routine.
Over two dozen portable glucose meters are available today, and they offer many different features. The more modern devices offer convenience of use, better accuracy, and many require less blood to be collected in order to establish a glucose reading.
Portable glucose meters are battery-operated units that are small enough to carry in the pocket or purse.They come with an instruction manual that explains the process, deciphers error messages, and usually includes a telephone number you can call if you need technical support.Read reviews and ask your doctor or pharmacist to help you choose a meter that adequately meets your needs.
TIPS FOR USING A PORTABLE GLUCOSE METER
-Make sure hands are clean before testing.Wash hands thoroughly or use an alcohol wipe to clean the finger from which you intend to obtain the blood sample.
-Make sure you obtain enough blood to get an accurate reading, so you do not have to prick your finger again.
-Insert the test strip according to the directions and wait the allotted amount of time.
-Always make sure the test strips you are using are compatible with your meter, in order to achieve an accurate reading.Some strips may closely resemble others, and a generic brand may look like your normal brand of strips, but may not be compatible with your machine.
-Check to see if the manufacturer has recently changed the test strips.Strips are changed frequently due to high competition in the diabetes testing supply industry.
-Carefully dispose of all items that have blood on them.Clean the machine according to manufacturer's directions if blood gets on the machine.
-Write down the reading and keep this information in a place where it is readily attainable (some newer meters offer a hardcopy printout for more convenient record keeping).
