In order to conduct an effective treatment of diabetes, it is necessary constantly to monitor blood sugar levels. There are special devices designed for use mainly in the home, called a blood glucose meter.
Blood glucose meters are not used to diagnose diabetes, but only to monitor changes in blood sugar levels.
In addition to the instrument itself, the package usually includes a test strip, stick to pierce, battery, manual, carrying case. In selling a large number of blood glucose meters, which differ by the following parameters:
Analysis time (5 to 45 sek);
Amount of blood needed for analysis (1 to 3 ml, or mm3);
Memory on the number of measured results (10 to 200 and more);
The ability to connect to the computer;
Original pen to pierce;
Other devices (such as audio reminders, sound analysis, the backlight, removing the average value of) that make the measurement more convenient.
The method of analysis is reduced to puncture the skin and applying a special device to a special blood test strip is inserted into the blood glucose meter. After a while the display shows the result of measurement.
When choosing a blood glucose meter, note the following:
Price / performance ratio (ie, the measurement accuracy, a set of necessary functions);
Cost, availability and uninterrupted supply of test strips;
The features of the apparatus;
Size and compactness of the set;
Warranty period.
Less accurate but more expensive method is to determine the level of sugar in the urine. For this purpose a special test strips. The principle method for determining based on changing the color intensity of the bar depending on the concentration of sugar in the urine.
This method is less accurate because the sugar in the urine is determined only by raising blood sugar more than 9 mmol / l. Accordingly, lower values can not be determined.
In cases where there is suspicion on the development of ketoacidosis, using special test strips for the determination of ketone bodies in urine. The principle of the method is similar to the definition of sugar in the urine – to change the color intensity indicator depending on the presence of ketones in the urine.
See Also
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