The systematic routine of regular monitoring of your blood glucose level with a glucose meter is vital to the ongoing health of a diabetic. SMBG or the self-monitoring of blood glucose involves the checking of blood sugar levels with a glucose meter. The subject simply places a small amount of blood on a test strip and places the strip in the glucose meter.
The test strips are coated with chemicals that are designed to mix together with the blood on the strip to allow the glucose meter to accurately determine how much glucose is present. Glucose meters do this in several different methods.
Some measure the amount of electricity that can pass through the sample. Others measure how much light reflects from it. The meter displays the glucose level as a number. Several new models can record and store a number of test results. Some models can connect to personal computers to store test results or print them out.
Choosing a Glucose Meter
At least 25 different meters are commercially available. They differ in several ways including:
- Amount of blood needed for each test
- Testing speed
- Overall size
- Ability to store test results in memory
- Cost of the meter
- Cost of the test strips used
Newer meters often have features that make them easier to use than older models. Some meters allow you to get blood from places other than your fingertip.
Some new models have automatic timing, error codes and signals, or barcode readers to help with calibration. Some meters have a large display screen or spoken instructions for people with visual impairments.
When you decide upon a glucose meter that works for you, you can expect to pay as much as $100.00. However some companies are offering free glucose meters.
If you are interested in obtaining a free glucose meter, then please visit this website for more information on obtaining a free glucose meter.
