Caused by the low or insufficient production of insulin by the pancreas, diabetes is a chronic condition associated with abnormally high levels of sugar or glucose in the blood. This condition is among the metabolism disorders that affect the way our bodies digest food which is being used for energy and growth. This is also a lifelong disease that requires a lifelong treatment. Monitoring blood sugar levels through the use of blood sugar monitors is one of the many tasks required in the treatment of said condition.
People may acquire either of the two types of diabetes: the insulin dependent diabetes or the non insulin diabetes, or simply type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively. Type 1 diabetes or insulin dependent mellitus (IDDM) is a type of diabetes characterized by the incapability of the pancreas to produce insulin. In this condition, the body undergoes autoimmune attack. The immune system also produces abnormal antibodies that damage the body's own body including the pancreas. The inability of the pancreas to produce insulin requires patients to rely on insulin medication in order to survive. Type 1 diabetes often attacks younger and lean individuals and is common among people under the age of 30.
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is the diabetes condition common among older individuals. As such, this disease is also referred to as adult onset diabetes mellitus (AODM). People suffering from this type of diabetes have pancreas that are still able to produce insulin. However, insulin produced is often insufficient for the body's need. Oftentimes, insulin produced is also defective and suboptimal that the patient eventually needs insulin medication. As this disease is common among older individuals-with data showing the increase in incidence of type 2 diabetes for each decade after 40 years of age regardless of weight-physicians require the regular monitoring of blood sugar levels even at home through the use of blood sugar monitors.
As was previously stated, monitoring blood sugar levels is vital to the treatment of diabetes. The normal range of blood sugar before meals is 70 to 120 mg/dl while after meal levels-which is approximately two hours after eating-should be under 140 mg/dl. As such, blood sugar monitors should always be at hand to monitor blood glucose levels. Generally, levels of blood sugar are being monitored before and after meals and before the patient's bedtime.
A lancing device, glucose meter, and a record book make up a blood sugar monitor. To read the value of blood sugar levels, the lancing device is being used to prick the finger of the patient. From the pricked finger, blood is taken and applied in the glucose meter where the blood sugar levels will be measured. Results will then be recorded in the record book. Among the many blood sugar monitors now available in the market, notable and trusted brands include Accu-Check Advantage, One Touch Ultra, Sure Step, and Freestyle.
Diabetes is a disease which is classified as hereditary. Nonetheless, it may still be minimized or ultimately prevented if managed appropriately. Among the many ways people to accomplish such are a healthy diet, regular exercise and the constant monitoring of blood sugar levels through the use of blood sugar monitors.
People may acquire either of the two types of diabetes: the insulin dependent diabetes or the non insulin diabetes, or simply type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively. Type 1 diabetes or insulin dependent mellitus (IDDM) is a type of diabetes characterized by the incapability of the pancreas to produce insulin. In this condition, the body undergoes autoimmune attack. The immune system also produces abnormal antibodies that damage the body's own body including the pancreas. The inability of the pancreas to produce insulin requires patients to rely on insulin medication in order to survive. Type 1 diabetes often attacks younger and lean individuals and is common among people under the age of 30.
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is the diabetes condition common among older individuals. As such, this disease is also referred to as adult onset diabetes mellitus (AODM). People suffering from this type of diabetes have pancreas that are still able to produce insulin. However, insulin produced is often insufficient for the body's need. Oftentimes, insulin produced is also defective and suboptimal that the patient eventually needs insulin medication. As this disease is common among older individuals-with data showing the increase in incidence of type 2 diabetes for each decade after 40 years of age regardless of weight-physicians require the regular monitoring of blood sugar levels even at home through the use of blood sugar monitors.
As was previously stated, monitoring blood sugar levels is vital to the treatment of diabetes. The normal range of blood sugar before meals is 70 to 120 mg/dl while after meal levels-which is approximately two hours after eating-should be under 140 mg/dl. As such, blood sugar monitors should always be at hand to monitor blood glucose levels. Generally, levels of blood sugar are being monitored before and after meals and before the patient's bedtime.
A lancing device, glucose meter, and a record book make up a blood sugar monitor. To read the value of blood sugar levels, the lancing device is being used to prick the finger of the patient. From the pricked finger, blood is taken and applied in the glucose meter where the blood sugar levels will be measured. Results will then be recorded in the record book. Among the many blood sugar monitors now available in the market, notable and trusted brands include Accu-Check Advantage, One Touch Ultra, Sure Step, and Freestyle.
Diabetes is a disease which is classified as hereditary. Nonetheless, it may still be minimized or ultimately prevented if managed appropriately. Among the many ways people to accomplish such are a healthy diet, regular exercise and the constant monitoring of blood sugar levels through the use of blood sugar monitors.
About the Author:
Maria Georgia's husband is diabetes patient. Taking care of a diabetes patient requires Maria to constantly monitor the blood sugar level of the patient wherein she uses her Beurer Blutzuckermessgeraet GL.