Medical equipment has been changing with new technologies. They make the lives of patients simpler. One such tool is a glucometer that changed the way of living for patients with diabetes.
People with diabetes undergo a lot of medications and injections of insulin all the time. It is necessary for them to regularly check and maintain their blood sugar levels. Glucometer helps them with maintaining this level and saves them a run to the clinic.
A glucometer has made lives healthy and better for many people. This article aims at discussing the uses and benefits of a glucometer in detail.
What is a glucometer?
A glucometer is medical equipment used to measure the level of sugar in your blood. Diabetic patients need this compact and small device to check their blood sugar levels again and again. It helps in detecting blood sugar levels at home without any hassles.
A glucometer checks whether your blood sugar level is too high, too low, or correct and gives you instant feedback on it. Thus, it is beneficial for the regular monitoring of levels of glucose in your bloodstream. It is an easy-to-use and conveniently sized tool.
A glucometer is a highly sophisticated machine that requires only one drop of blood to observe the sugar levels. You can use it on the go as it is portable and can be used anywhere. You can purchase a glucometer online after taking a doctor’s consultation.
A lancet device, which comes with a glucometer, is used to pierce or puncture the skin for a very tiny blood sample. Then, the blood comes in contact with the chemical on the test strip attached to the glucometer. This way, a glucometer gives an accurate reading immediately.
What are the uses of a glucometer?
As mentioned earlier, a glucometer is a device used to check the blood sugar levels in a diabetic patient’s body with the help of a single drop of blood. But, before going into the depths of it, we need to know the reason behind checking our blood sugar levels regularly.
Diabetes is a health condition that affects the way glucose breaks down in our bodies. The food we eat gets converted into glucose so that we can derive energy from it. This glucose then goes through our bloodstream that travels to different parts of our body.
If this glucose level goes up, the pancreas produces insulin. Diabetes comes into being when there is a deficiency of insulin in your body. The lack of insulin in your body can lead to several health issues like vision loss, kidney disease, and heart disease in the long run.
Thus, it is necessary to maintain the blood sugar level of a diabetic person. The frequency depends on the type of diabetes you have. People with Type-1 diabetes should use a glucometer four to ten times a day, and those with Type-2 diabetes should use it two to four times a day.
Level of Blood Sugar
The most crucial role of a glucometer is to analyze the level of glucose in the blood. This helps the patients know their current situation. If the reading appears to be risky for the patient, they can talk to the healthcare provider and the doctor.
Not monitoring the blood sugar levels can put you at risk of getting hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Both are severe health conditions that can occur due to changing levels of glucose in your body.
Recognizes Patterns
Diabetic patients need to keep a track record of all their readings. You can do this manually by writing down all the glucometers readings you take in a day. However, technology makes our lives easier.
Certain glucometers can sync with your phone and keep a track record of all your readings. This way, you don’t have to sit with a diary always and can do the testing literally anywhere.
Analyses Changes
A glucometer is generally used when there can be a potential change in your blood sugar levels. The common timings for using a glucometer are after waking up, before going to sleep, before and after exercise, before and after meals, during routine changes, and during sickness.
Even when a patient undergoes any other medications, treatment, or therapies, they need to be particular about their condition. A glucometer helps you track such changes and observe a drastically changed reading.
Conclusion
Glucometers or glucose meters are helpful medical equipment that can also save you a lot of time and money. Using a glucometer can be overwhelming at the beginning. You can choose from alternatives like non-invasive glucometers or CGMs (continuous glucose monitor).
We hope this article fulfils the purpose of helping you understand the benefits of a glucometer. If you are using a glucometer or just bought one, please help us by sharing your experience in the comment section below.
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