Glucometer

A glucometer measures the amount of glucose in the blood. Individuals with diabetes mellitus, and some individuals who are hypoglycemic, use this medical device to monitor their blood glucose. The glucometer measures the blood on a test strip that is obtained by pricking the skin with a lancet. The glucometer has a meter that reads the blood sample and then displays the results. The results of the blood sugar analysis will usually be displayed in mg/dl, but some glucometers in Europe and Canada may display it as mmol/l.

Glucometer and Diabetes Management

A glucometer has become a very useful tool for diabetics trying to manage their diabetes. Over the past two decades doctors have strived to help their diabetic patients maintain blood glucose levels that are as close to normal for as long as possible. By using a glucometer multiple times per day, diabetics are able to track their blood sugar and respond accordingly to maintain a normal blood sugar level.

Benefits of Glucometer Use

Diabetics using a glucometer frequently are able to avoid the serious blood sugar ups and downs, hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia respectively. There are serious health complications that may result from living with high blood sugar levels over time and immediate health problems that may present when blood sugar levels drop dangerously low.

Choosing a Glucometer

Glucometers are battery powered and usually fit in the palm of your hand. There are many glucometers on the market and a wide variety of sizes from ultra small to larger. Glucometers use either test strips or discs that contain glucose oxidase to react with the blood sample so the glucometer can provide a blood sugar reading.

Glucometer Blood Samples

Older glucometer models required larger samples of blood, usually a complete drop from a pricked finger. The average amount of blood needed varies by model, but is 0.3 to 10 micorliters. Most newer glucometers require a very small amount of blood, which reduces the need to re-prick the finger if the first prick was not productive.

Glucometer Readings

Depending on the glucometer chosen, the testing time will range from three seconds to 60 seconds. Many patients prefer glucometers with faster readings so they can manage their diabetes quicker.

Glucometer Display

In the United States, most glucometers display readings in mg/dl while in Europe mmol/l is more popular. Converting mg/dl to mmol/l, individuals should multiple 0.055 by their glucose level or divide by 18. Converting mmol/l to mg/dl is achieved by multiplying the glucose level by 18.