Lancing Devices

One of the scariest parts of diabetes for many is the idea of pricking their fingers with lancing devices and administering insulin shots. This would certainly be a cause for concern for anyone, especially those who don't like needles. However, diabetics must learn how to use lancing devices and administer insulin shots in order to manage their disease and stay healthy.

Types of Lancing Devices

There are many different types of lancing devices available on the market and each one is geared at different types of diabetic personalities. For example, some diabetics may prefer automatic lancing devices while others may want to use a lancet or a laser. The different types of lancing devices allow diabetics to use the method they are most comfortable with.

Automatic Lancing Devices

Automatic lancing devices are the most common type of lancing devices. These are devices that are spring loaded and allow the lancet to plunge into the skin with just the touch of a button. These allow diabetics to simply press a button and the skin is pricked. This is fast, easy, and not as difficult as actually pricking the skin oneself. These types of lancing devices are generally pencil or straw shaped and come in various colors. Also, lancing devices that are automatic can usually be set at different levels to penetrate the skin just enough for a blood sample.

Lancing Devices use Lancets

Lancing devices are simply the device while the actually lancet pricks the skin. The lancets for lancing devices are disposable. Generally, the lancets are thin needles that are placed in the lancing devices cartridge. There are many different lancets on the market and diabetics should consider using different types to find the right one for them.

Options Other than Lancing Devices

Lancing devices are not the only options for diabetics to receive a blood sample. Laser devices are also options and with just a single laser pulse a blood sample is retrieved. Some people find this method to be easier although it doesn't necessarily feel any better. Both children and adults may use the laser device if they have a prescription.

Lancing Devices Conclusion

There are many different lancing devices and lancets available to diabetics. Considerations for the diabetic include whether or not insurance will cover certain lancing devices or not. Most individuals on Medicare have no problems getting their testing supplies, but other insurance companies can make getting the supplies necessary a serious challenge.