Keeping blood glucose levels within a healthy range is important for people with diabetes to help prevent serious health issues like kidney disease, cardiovascular disorders, vision loss, and early death.
A blood glucose meter is beneficial for those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes to monitor blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. Even if you are not a diabetic, monitoring your blood sugar level with a glucose monitor is a useful metric to keep tabs on your health.
A blood glucose meter, also known as a glucometer, is a portable medical device that measures the level of glucose in the blood. Doctors usually advise their diabetic patients to monitor their glucose levels at home. This is called self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG).
Blood glucose monitoring replaced urine glucose tests and revolutionized diabetes self-care. The glucometers are much smaller and more compact than they used to be. Testing has become faster, with much less blood required.
A glucose monitoring kit contains a glucometer, lancets (small needles), a lancet device, test strips, and a control solution. The process of using a blood glucose monitor is simple.
The user obtains a tiny drop of blood by pricking the skin on the finger with a lancet and then puts the drop on a test strip. The strip is placed in the glucometer, which reads the blood sample and displays the blood glucose level on the screen.
There are two types of glucose monitors -
A standard glucose meter measures the blood glucose level by a fingerstick blood sample placed on the test strip and inserted into the device. It is ideal for people who do not require frequent testing or insulin injections.
A continuous glucose monitor measures the blood glucose level in real-time using a sensor placed on your body. This device is a good fit for individuals with type 1 diabetes, people who are on insulin, or people with frequent fluctuations in blood sugar levels. It is non-invasive and does not require fingersticks.
The specific blood sugar level considered ideal for you depends on factors such as age, medications, pregnancy, how long you have had diabetes, and any other medical conditions you may have. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) suggests the following targets for someone with diabetes:
FSA Approved
Now it is easy to manage your diabetes on the go with this small, discreet blood glucose monitor. It gives accurate results from a tiny blood sample. Freestyle Lite is considered one of the best glucose meters featuring an innovative automatic calibration that eliminates the manual coding usually required by most glucose meters. The best part is it allows diabetics to test on alternate body parts, such as the forearm, thigh, and palm, instead of having to use only fingertips.
FSA Approved
FSA Approved
Comes with voice assistance, which provides step-by-step instructions and test results, perfect for individuals with diminished eyesight, anyone new to testing, or those who need extra guidance. The voice assistance also helps the user perform the initial device setup, such as time, date, and alarm, and can be used to review previous test results. The easy-to-read LCD gives the user information, including test results and averages, battery charge, unit readiness, and more.
FSA Approved
This portable glucose meter works with the Gluco-Smart app for iOS and Android devices to help manage your diabetes efficiently. The glucometer from iHealth connects to the phone via its headphone jack and displays test results instantly on the phone screen. It fits easily into your pocket and attaches to your smartphone for fast, accurate readings whenever and wherever! An added feature is sharing readings with your doctor from your smartphone or tablet.
Diabetes data reporting and management are super easy with the Dexcom receiver. This continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system is factory-calibrated and does not require fingersticks. It is designed to provide glucose readings throughout the day and night, alerting patients if glucose levels go too high or too low.
The Dexcom G6 comprises a sensor, transmitter, and display device. The sensor sends glucose readings collected via the transmitter to the G6 Receiver for display, analysis, and sharing. The data from the G6 Receiver can be uploaded to Dexcom Clarity on the desktop with a USB cable.
Blood glucose levels fluctuate, so frequent monitoring is the best practice to get your diabetes under control. HPFY carries a vast collection of diabetes supplies, including blood glucose monitors that help stabilize your blood sugar levels. Diabetes technology has come a long way, and there are many options for glucose monitoring, so find what works best for you.
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HPFY Staff Writers are product experts with years of experience in medical supplies and equipment retail. They specialize in understanding the typical usage of our products, the differentiation between brands and have insights on product popularity and features. Each article ...
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