Other health related problems resulting from diabetes can be prevented in the coming years if the problem of diabetes is taken good care today. And among the vital parts of successful diabetes management is keeping an accurate data of blood glucose levels which can easily be accomplished through the use of blood glucose monitors.
The procedure of the ongoing monitoring of the levels of blood sugar through the use of glucometers or blood glucose monitors is called blood glucose monitoring. This procedure is especially helpful in managing diabetes for those suffering with the disease. Nonetheless, blood sugar monitoring is also vital in the prevention of the said disease especially to those with high risks of acquiring it.
The main purpose of monitoring the blood glucose is to keep the levels of blood sugar on the normal or near normal range. Nonetheless, it also aims to ascertain the effectiveness of the diabetes treatment one follows. The readings provided by the blood glucose monitor are especially helpful in designing one's diet as well as the physical activities they can do. Portable glucometers can be used at home in monitoring levels of blood glucose, yet, others can also choose to work with a health care team.
As was already established, the devices used in monitoring blood glucose levels are called blood glucose monitors. These devices are designed to frequently and continuously check levels of blood sugar. Glucometers were invented by Leland Clark-who happens to be the inventor of many other inventions related to the medical field-in the early 1960s. Clark's monitor was further improved by Anton Clemens that by 1970s, most hospitals in the US are using blood glucose monitors. Home blood glucose monitors, on the other hand, were first manufactured for commercial use by the company Bayer and Roche.
There are several steps that need to be followed when doing blood glucose monitoring. The traditional glucose meter comes with test strips, small needles called lancets and a logbook for recording your numbers. Have all test items within reach before starting -- timing is important. Make sure to clean the needle prick area with soap and water or alcohol swab before using it. The first thing to be done is to wash ones hand using warm water to help your blood get to your fingertips. This is necessary as the blood sample needed in monitoring will be from your fingertips. Dangle your hands at your sides and dry them completely before pricking your finger. The next thing to do is to squeeze the area on the finger you are going to prick until it turns red. Use the lancet to prick the side of your fingertips. Then, put the blood sample in the test strip. It is important that enough blood is applied in the test strip area for better reading. Put the strip in blood glucose meter and once result is displayed, make sure to record the results in a log book. Doing this regularly, will help you monitor fluctuations in the blood sugar level and will help you in improving your health are practices.
Blood glucose monitoring is important not only to diabetes patients but also to those who have high risk of diabetes. Blood glucose monitors can provide readings that can act as indicators of what is happening to your body. Note that there are no bad readings as any reading can be a source of good information.
The procedure of the ongoing monitoring of the levels of blood sugar through the use of glucometers or blood glucose monitors is called blood glucose monitoring. This procedure is especially helpful in managing diabetes for those suffering with the disease. Nonetheless, blood sugar monitoring is also vital in the prevention of the said disease especially to those with high risks of acquiring it.
The main purpose of monitoring the blood glucose is to keep the levels of blood sugar on the normal or near normal range. Nonetheless, it also aims to ascertain the effectiveness of the diabetes treatment one follows. The readings provided by the blood glucose monitor are especially helpful in designing one's diet as well as the physical activities they can do. Portable glucometers can be used at home in monitoring levels of blood glucose, yet, others can also choose to work with a health care team.
As was already established, the devices used in monitoring blood glucose levels are called blood glucose monitors. These devices are designed to frequently and continuously check levels of blood sugar. Glucometers were invented by Leland Clark-who happens to be the inventor of many other inventions related to the medical field-in the early 1960s. Clark's monitor was further improved by Anton Clemens that by 1970s, most hospitals in the US are using blood glucose monitors. Home blood glucose monitors, on the other hand, were first manufactured for commercial use by the company Bayer and Roche.
There are several steps that need to be followed when doing blood glucose monitoring. The traditional glucose meter comes with test strips, small needles called lancets and a logbook for recording your numbers. Have all test items within reach before starting -- timing is important. Make sure to clean the needle prick area with soap and water or alcohol swab before using it. The first thing to be done is to wash ones hand using warm water to help your blood get to your fingertips. This is necessary as the blood sample needed in monitoring will be from your fingertips. Dangle your hands at your sides and dry them completely before pricking your finger. The next thing to do is to squeeze the area on the finger you are going to prick until it turns red. Use the lancet to prick the side of your fingertips. Then, put the blood sample in the test strip. It is important that enough blood is applied in the test strip area for better reading. Put the strip in blood glucose meter and once result is displayed, make sure to record the results in a log book. Doing this regularly, will help you monitor fluctuations in the blood sugar level and will help you in improving your health are practices.
Blood glucose monitoring is important not only to diabetes patients but also to those who have high risk of diabetes. Blood glucose monitors can provide readings that can act as indicators of what is happening to your body. Note that there are no bad readings as any reading can be a source of good information.
About the Author:
Katherine St. Clair is a diabetes patient form Georgia. Living with diabetes requires Katherine to have a proper diet and to always monitor her blood glucose level using Beurer Blutzucker Teststreifen.