Why Glucometers Are Necessary

Those who have never suffered from diabetes may not even know what a glucometer is, while those whose bodies produce insufficient insulin are well acquainted with this electronic device. To conduct glucometry, you will need not only the device with a battery but also test strips and a lancing device with sterile needles.

According to their principle of operation, glucometers can be divided into three types: photometric, electrochemical, and biosensor.

Depending on the measurement method used, invasive glucometers are divided into electrochemical and photometric.

Photometric glucometers

This type of glucometer calculates the glucose level using an optical system that reacts to the color of the blood. After the blood samples applied to the glucometer test strips come into contact with the strip, the glucose in the blood reacts chemically with the reagent, acquiring a blue color. The color change serves as an indicator for the device's optical system. However, it is important to note that glucometers of this type have significant inaccuracies, as the optical system is fragile and not durable.

Electrochemical glucometers

The data from this type of glucometer is obtained through weak electric currents generated by the reaction between the reagent on the test strip and glucose. The device detects fluctuations in these currents, providing accurate data about the glucose level in the blood. Almost all modern glucometers operate on this principle, as the results obtained are considered the most accurate.

Biosensor glucometers

Biosensor glucometers allow for glucose level determination without punctures using ultrasonic, optical, electromagnetic, or thermal methods. Although this procedure is more comfortable, the accuracy of the measurement can sometimes be questionable.

The main advantage of a home glucometer is the constant monitoring of glucose levels in the blood and the ability to adjust hypoglycemic medications independently.

How to Choose a Glucometer

The market offers a wide range of various glucometers, both imported and domestically produced. To make a choice, it is essential to consider the severity of the disease and the age of the patient.

It is worth noting that patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes will require different devices. While patients with type 2 diabetes only need to measure glucose levels, those in the first category, to avoid complications such as ischemic stroke and atherosclerosis, as well as heart attacks, need to monitor ketones and cholesterol. Accordingly, preference should be given to glucometers with extended functions.

For young children and elderly individuals, it is necessary to choose measuring devices based on the volume of the sample required. In this case, it is advisable to look for glucometers that require a sample volume of up to 0.6 µL, as the puncture will be smaller and heal faster.

Modern glucometers, in addition to their basic functions, come with several additional features that simplify sugar monitoring at home. For instance, some models can synchronize with a PC, have alarms, automatic shutdown, and automatic strip ejection. The "meal reminder" function can be particularly useful, as it helps easily track glucose levels before and after meals.

Almost all modern glucometers are equipped with a display, and some have a color screen. It is important to note that for older adults, diabetes can lead to the development of vitreous hemorrhage, negatively affecting vision or even leading to blindness. For such patients, it is necessary to choose measuring devices with larger displays or sound assistance.

Sterile lancets and test strips should be selected specifically for the model of the glucometer.

Before learning how to use a glucometer, it is essential to understand the principles of its measurements. The leading aspect here will be "calibration." Depending on how your device is calibrated, plasma or whole blood samples will be used. Typically, devices for home measurements are calibrated for glucose determination using capillary blood (plasma) samples.

Useful Information About Glucometers

When choosing a device, the consumables are important: test strips and lancets (needles for blood collection). It is necessary to select test strips strictly tailored to each device. Since insulin-dependent individuals need frequent measurements of their blood sugar levels, the quantity of necessary test strips and needles increases, making it sensible to calculate the monthly consumption of materials upfront.

Readings from even high-quality glucometers should be rechecked in a laboratory once a month.

Test strips should be stored according to the instructions and not beyond the specified expiration date. Expired test strips will not provide accurate readings. It is also essential to understand that even with strict adherence to the rules for conducting glycemia analysis at home, the results obtained are relative — expensive and modern devices also have inaccuracies, and the data they provide will differ from laboratory results. However, such a margin of error is acceptable and allows you to understand the current level of blood sugar, enabling you to take appropriate measures in time. If, however, your condition does not match the readings of the glucometer, you should immediately consult an endocrinologist or get tests done in a laboratory.