People suffering from diabetes need to measure their blood sugar levels from time to time. You should be able to measure your own blood sugar levels because it can become an important tool in managing diabetes. There are different electronic devices (glucose meter) present in the market that you can use to measure your blood sugar levels. with new technologies coming up it is possible to know our blood sugar levels without piercing a needle.
Why is Testing Blood Sugar Levels Important?
Checking blood sugar levels provides a person with useful information on how to manage diabetes. It can help you to:
- Understand how different factors like illnesses can affect your blood sugar levels
- Understand how diet and exercise affects the blood sugar levels
- Monitor the effects of different diabetes medications on the blood sugar levels
- Identify the blood sugar levels which are too high or too low
How often to test Your Blood Sugar levels:
The question as to how often to check the blood sugar levels depends on the type of diabetes you have. Doctors may recommend a person suffering from type 1 diabetes to check his blood sugar levels four to eight times per day. People suffering from type 2 diabetes are recommended to check their blood sugar levels about two or more times a day.
Different methods to Check Blood sugar levels:
The following is a list of different methods to measure the blood sugar levels of a person in India:
- Blood Glucose Meters:
Different blood glucose meters are available in the market. But choosing the right blood sugar meter can be tough because newer products are coming in the market all the time. Some manufacturers have even introduced new software packages which help you to know about the trend of blood sugar levels in your body. Your doctor may recommend the best glucose testing meter for you based on your specific needs. It’s essential that you know how to measure your blood sugar levels correctly through the device. You will get poor results if your technique is improper and you might get inaccurate medication dosing.
Some popular glucose meters present in the market to measure blood sugar levels include:
- Accu-Check Aviva Plus
- Relion Confirm
- Prodigy Voice
- Iquick Saliva Analyzer:
The glucose levels can also be measured by a testing device known as Iquick Saliva analyzer. This device is in use in some parts of the world but it needs to be approved by the US Food and and Drug Administration (FDA).
A meter is used in this method and saliva is captured on a single wick instead of blood on a test. The technique is to put the wick into your mouth and then into the meter for glucose blood testing.
Iquickit Saliva Analyzer is not yet available in the market, It may become available soon says Dr. Ron Clark, Co founder of Iquickit Saliva Analyzer.
- Glucotrack:
Glucotrack is a device which attaches to the earlobe and is used to measure the blood sugar levels. The ear clip is attached to a small cable to a main unit which has the size of a cell phone. The blood glucose measurements are provided by the mu. video below will let you know more about Glucotrack
[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9wtj179mq4[/embedyt]
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test:
This is another test used to check the blood sugar levels of a person. You need to fast overnight for this test. You have to take a drink which contains 75 g of glucose after that. A blood sample will be taken after two hours. A blood glucose level of 11.1 mmol/L is an indication that you have diabetes.
- Fasting Blood Glucose Levels Test:
A blood test is taken every morning before you eat anything to achieve an accurate result in this method. You shouldn’t eat or drink anything for 8 to 10 hours before a fasting blood glucose test. A level of 7.0 mmOl/L or high indicates that you have diabetes.
Which Method Is the Best?
This question is a difficult one to answer. Different patients have given testimonials that they have had better experience with blood glucose meters as compared to other methods. Some people prefer the glucotrack and the Inquick Saliva Analyzer method because it doesn’t use your blood and so it doesn’t hurt. Some people think that the fasting blood glucose levels test is the best one because it is the least costly. In conclusion, the choice of the best method depends mainly on your preference and the kind of person you are. So you should choose the method which suits you the best.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
