Understanding Glucometers: Usage, Accuracy, and How They Work

Understanding Glucometers: Usage, Accuracy, and How They Work

If you or someone you know is having diabetes, you’ve probably heard of glucometers. You know how important it is to keep a check on your blood sugar levels. Going to the doctor every 3 months for updates isn’t enough. So, what other ways can you monitor your blood sugar? A Glucometer is a device that checks blood sugar levels, which is necessary for diabetes control. In this blog, we will cover what a Glucometer is, how to use it, and how it works. Let's jump into it.

What is a Glucometer?

A glucometer is a small and easy-to-carry device used to measure the level of glucose in your blood with a fingerstick sample. Glucose is a sugar that our bodies need as a source of energy. An imbalance in glucose level can lead to several health problems. So, it is necessary to check glucose level daily.

A glucometer comes with a complete kit containing a Digital Meter, Lancets, Lancet Device, Test Strips, Control Solution, Tracking Software, or Logbook. By regularly checking your blood sugar, you can balance high (hyperglycemia) and low (hypoglycemia) blood sugar levels.

There are 2 Commonly Types of Glucometers:

Standard Glucose Metres: This is also called a blood glucose meter. This device needs a small amount of blood from your fingertip and puts the blood on a test strip, and the device reads your blood sugar level. 

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): This type of monitor comes with a disposable sensor that is placed under your skin and gives accurate blood sugar readings without any painful process.

The difference between Standard Glucose Metres and Continuous Glucose Monitors are:

A standard glucose meter can be used to measure your blood sugar levels at the moment, whereas continuous glucose monitors can be used multiple times a day. CGM is pain-free compared to SGM. If we talk about the price range, CGM is quite expensive.

How to Use a Glucometer?

Using a Glucometer is easy and time-managing for diabetic patients. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Step 1 - Clean the Glucometer before use.
• Step 2 - Take out the test strip with clean hands.
• Step 3 - Insert a new small needle into the lancing device, set it to the right depth for your skin, and put a hole in the side of your fingertip.
• Step 4 - Get a Drop of Blood and Apply Blood to the Test Strip.
• Step 5 - Insert the Strip into the Meter and Record Your Test Results.
• Step 6 - Dispose of the needle and test strip.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Usually, we make many mistakes while doing the test without knowing the consequences of the negligence. Some of the basic mistakes are:

• Not sanitizing hands can lead to inaccurate readings.
• Using an expiry test strip is harmful and can cause infection.
• Inappropriate placing of the Glucometer.

Components of a Glucometer

• Test Strips: These strips come with chemicals that react with glucose in your blood.
• Lancets: It is a small needle used to make a hole in your finger.
• Lancing Device: A tool that holds the lancet and allows you to adjust the depth of the prick.
• Meter: The device that reads the test strip and displays your blood sugar level.

Conclusion

A glucometer is a patient monitor, an important part of diabetic patients’ lives. With these devices, it is easy for you to take precautions and consult a doctor to prescribe you the diet and exercise to follow to balance the glucose levels. By having an idea about what Glucometer is, its types, and uses, you can easily check and manage your diabetes.