How can I Measure Blood Glucose Level at Home?

Every diabetic person, especially who has newly discovered about it has one question in mind, how can I measure blood glucose level at home? Let us find the answer.

How can I Measure Blood Glucose Level at Home?

How can I Measure Blood Glucose Level at Home

  • We all are familiar that the instrument which is known as glucose meter is available in the market, so as to determine the exact concentration of glucose in our blood.
  • It is known to be the key element of home blood glucose monitoring system for people with diabetes mellitus or hypoglycemia. This meter displays the level of glucose in the quantity of mg/dl or mmol/l.
  • Blood glucose testing is very important test to perform on your own. It is necessary to maintain your glucose levels at normal.
  • According to studies, is it known that the testing machine produces glucose readings, approximately 10 % lower than its actual content.
  • Self-testing on a regular basis is a means of determining if your current care plan is working, or needs adjustment.

Measuring Blood Glucose Level at Home

Step 1

  • Wash and dry your hands properly
  • Cleansing your hands can help to get the most accurate reading possible
  • It removes the contaminants that might interfere with the blood sample.
  • You can also use an alcohol wipe to clean your hands properly

Step 2

  • Prepare your supplies
  • Get everything ready including testing strip, lancet as well as glucose meter
  • Place the cap back on the container of the testing strips, so as to prevent them from damaging.

Step 3

  • Move your hand for one minute
  • This can help the blood move into the area from where the sample is going to be taken out.
  • It makes easier to retrieve your sample

Step 4

  • Take the sample
  • Prick any finger with the lancet
  • Touch the drop of blood cautiously to the test strip
  • Insert this strip into the glucose monitor

Step 5

  • Write the results in a log which is meant just for your glucose readings
  • You need to write the time as well. It plays an important role in the results you receive.

Every diabetic patient should test their blood sugar levels regularly at home. Knowledge regarding your blood sugar levels allows you to change the diabetes management strategy if the levels are not normal.

Regular testing of blood sugar prevents you from the risk of having long-term complications due to diabetes.

Ways to Test your Blood Sugar with Diabetes

Traditional Home Blood Sugar Monitoring

  • This is the traditional method of testing your blood sugar
  • These meters vary in features, speed, size, readability, portability, and cost
  • Latest devises give results in less than 15 seconds
  • Some meters also have software kits that give information along with graphs and charts of your past test results.

Meters that Test Alternative Sites

  • These new meters can allow to take blood for test other than the regular fingertip site.
  • These sites include forearm, base of the thumb, upper arm, and thigh

Lasers to Draw Blood

  • In 1998, this laser to draw blood was accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
  • The laser device produces a beam of light that can penetrate the skin on the finger instead.
  • As it does not contain any pricking step, it reduces pain and discomfort

MiniMed

  • It includes continuous glucose monitoring system
  • This device contains small plastic catheter that can be inserted under the skin.
  • It collects small amounts of fluid and gives the sugar content over 72 hours

GlucoWatch

  • FDA approved this GlucoWatch in 2001
  • This is a watch-like device that can help people to measure the blood sugar via tiny electric currents.
  • It draws small quantity of fluid from the skin followed by measuring blood sugar levels 3 times per hour for nearly 12 hours.
  • GlucoWatch is known to be the first step towards continuous sugar monitoring, noninvasive device.

From this, you can now easily explain to someone who asks you, how can I measure blood glucose level at home.