Glucose monitors are tools used in the regular measurement of blood sugar. They come in different models and types, but these monitors practically do the same thing–measure the amount of blood sugar using a sample drop of blood. It is often used on people who have diabetes and other conditions where regular blood sugar monitoring is essential. Glucose monitors or meters for home use are typically portable and battery-powered.
Essential tools for glucose monitoring
There are many kinds of glucose monitors that are sold in the market nowadays. The most common models are the skin-prick monitors, continuous monitors, saliva and tear monitors, as well as the infrared light and electric current monitors. Another option is the GlucoWatch Biographer monitor.
Skin-prick monitors
Skin-prick monitors are perhaps the most popular of all glucose monitors. They come with a lancing device that automatically draws blood, which is then placed on the glucose meter to determine the sugar level in the blood. These are considered the most accurate in the market, provided that the instructions are followed correctly.
Continuous monitors
Continuous monitors are blood sugar-testing devices that use a monitor that is wireless and a sensor for testing. The fluid device is placed under the stomach (on its side) or the bicep. The sensor is the one that checks the body fluids. After which, a radio signal is sent to another device. The monitor can operate for up to three days without the need to reset the device.
Infrared light and electric current monitors
These testing devices use an infrared light monitor instead of test strips, which can be contaminated by soiled hands and affected by moisture and the hot weather. What this type of monitor does is direct light to measure the level of blood glucose through the finger. Though these testing devices were developed as an answer to strip failure, they haven’t gained the approval of FDA yet for prescription use.
Saliva and tear monitors
Saliva and tear monitors are used to avoid repeatedly lancing the skin of the patients. These tools are used to collect saliva or tears, which are then evaluated through the test strips. Though they seem more convenient to use than other types of glucose monitors, most saliva and tear monitors have not yet been certified for prescription use by the FDA.
GlucoWatch Biographer Monitors
These monitors are used with other devices to make results readily available to the medical staff doing the test. A record can also be made through these monitors so the information or results can be easily reviewed by professionals for treatment and evaluation. This type of glucose monitor is often placed to a wrist watch, and it works by sending a current (in low levels) in the skin so blood can be drawn into the test strip. For up to 12 hours, blood is drawn every 20 minutes.
Most glucose monitors are now the average size of the human hand and designed to be battery-powered. Some monitors use test strips that contain chemicals. These chemicals react with the glucose in the blood, which is drawn from the patient. The most common design is the plastic test strip with one dot on the tip filled with glucose oxidase. Other models of blood glucose kits use alternative sites for puncture, such as the forearms and other less sensitive areas. Different monitors also differ in the time it takes to read a strip, which may range from 3 to 60 seconds.
Importance of glucose monitoring
Blood glucose monitoring is done to avoid complications that often occur when the blood sugar becomes too high. This is especially important for people with diabetes, where a healthy range is at 90 and 130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL after meals. Regular glucose monitoring is important in order to prevent periods of hypoglycemia, which can happen when blood sugar levels fall too low. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include shaking, fast heartbeat, dizziness, feeling anxious, hunger, and vision problems. Irritability, headaches, and weakness are also common symptoms. This condition can be life-threatening, which means that it must be treated immediately before symptoms get worse. It is often immediately treated by a shot of insulin.
Diabetic patients are often taught how to perform glucose self-tests. These are usually done before meals, after meals, and at bedtime.
Risks of glucose monitoring
Since skin-prick monitors are the most popular tools when drawing blood for glucose monitoring, there is a small risk of infection at the puncture site. A small amount of bleeding can also occur after the puncture, so care should be taken when drawing blood.
Conditions that require glucose monitoring
Any condition that requires blood glucose readings on a regular basis will require regular blood glucose monitoring. Diabetes is one of the primary conditions that require strict glucose monitoring to manage the symptoms and effects of the disease. Individuals prone to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia will also require blood glucose monitoring.
Accuracy of glucose monitors
Most monitors sold in the market must meet the accuracy standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This means that they must provide results that are within 20% of the laboratory standards for 95% of the time. There are several factors that may affect the accuracy of the monitor as well. These include the calibration of the meter, ambient temperature, pressure that was used to wipe off the strip, size and quality of the blood sample and high levels of certain substances in the blood.
Cost of glucose monitors
Most glucose monitors are not cheap because of the expensive test strips used. In most cases, meters are provided at no cost to encourage customers to buy the more expensive test strips. A test strip usually costs around $0.35 to $1.00. The patient needs to use these test strips at least 4 to 10 times a day. Some insurance policies cover the cost of glucose strips but the number of strips varies according to the insurer. Users should be wary of counterfeit test strips that produce inaccurate results.