Monday, April 10, 2006
The Importance of Blood Glucose Testing
Why test my blood sugar?
A blood glucose meter is essential to controlling your diabetes, and many different models are now available. Here is what you should know before you buy.
In 1993, a landmark study from the National Institutes of Health, underscores the value of tight blood glucose control in people with diabetes: The study divided patients into "intensive therapy" and "standard therapy" groups and compared how many of them developed the complications of diabetes. The "standard therapy" group took one or two insulin injections a day and rarely if ever tested their blood glucose levels. The "intensive therapy" group, on the other hand, took three or more injections of insulin a day or used an insulin pump, monitored their blood sugar levels at least four times a day, and worked closely with their health-care team to keep their blood glucose levels close to normal.
Amazingly, patients in the "intensive control" group had a 76% less chance of developing diabetic retinal disease, 42% less chance of developing diabetic kidney disease, and 60% less chance of developing diabetic nerve disease than those in the "standard therapy" group. And the better they controlled their blood glucose levels, the lower their risk of developing complications all across the board.
Because of these findings, health care professionals are more enthusiastic than ever about blood glucose monitoring. Blood glucose testing is crucial to intensive diabetes control, providing invaluable feedback that guides patients and doctors in fine-tuning food intake, insulin dose, and activity level.
Selecting the meter that is right for you is now an option. Meters now come in all shapes and sizes. In order for you to find the meter that best matches your needs you may want to narrow down your choices. For instance, if you have arthritis, then you may prefer a meter that is larger with strips that are easy to handle and to apply a blood sample. Or you may be a busy person with little time and desire a meter that is quick, small, and discreet. Children may prefer meters that look like "space age gadgets" or are "fun" to operate.
Items to Consider
Cost: The cost of different blood glucose meters and test strips varies considerably, and these costs may vary throughout the country. Take into consideration the special rebates, trade-ins, or other discounts offered by the manufacturer.
Ease of Use: Meters vary in terms of how much blood is required on the test strip and how many steps are involved.
Size of Display Area: Make sure you can read the meter’s display.
Test Time: Most meters provide fast results, usually less than 60 seconds. But if you want a fast meter compare the speeds of different meters.
Memory: A meter stores anywhere from your last test result up to 1,000 tests in its memory. Some also include the date and time. If you would like to be able to look back at past test results a meter with good memory may be good for you. But if you chart your test in a book this may be less important.
Hematocrit Range: If you have a condition that can affect your hematocrit levels, such as pregnancy, polycythemia, anemia, or kidney disease, make sure you get a meter that is accurate at your level.
source: Anita Austin, RPh, CDE at diabetis digest
A blood glucose meter is essential to controlling your diabetes, and many different models are now available. Here is what you should know before you buy.
In 1993, a landmark study from the National Institutes of Health, underscores the value of tight blood glucose control in people with diabetes: The study divided patients into "intensive therapy" and "standard therapy" groups and compared how many of them developed the complications of diabetes. The "standard therapy" group took one or two insulin injections a day and rarely if ever tested their blood glucose levels. The "intensive therapy" group, on the other hand, took three or more injections of insulin a day or used an insulin pump, monitored their blood sugar levels at least four times a day, and worked closely with their health-care team to keep their blood glucose levels close to normal.
Amazingly, patients in the "intensive control" group had a 76% less chance of developing diabetic retinal disease, 42% less chance of developing diabetic kidney disease, and 60% less chance of developing diabetic nerve disease than those in the "standard therapy" group. And the better they controlled their blood glucose levels, the lower their risk of developing complications all across the board.
Because of these findings, health care professionals are more enthusiastic than ever about blood glucose monitoring. Blood glucose testing is crucial to intensive diabetes control, providing invaluable feedback that guides patients and doctors in fine-tuning food intake, insulin dose, and activity level.
Selecting the meter that is right for you is now an option. Meters now come in all shapes and sizes. In order for you to find the meter that best matches your needs you may want to narrow down your choices. For instance, if you have arthritis, then you may prefer a meter that is larger with strips that are easy to handle and to apply a blood sample. Or you may be a busy person with little time and desire a meter that is quick, small, and discreet. Children may prefer meters that look like "space age gadgets" or are "fun" to operate.
Items to Consider
Cost: The cost of different blood glucose meters and test strips varies considerably, and these costs may vary throughout the country. Take into consideration the special rebates, trade-ins, or other discounts offered by the manufacturer.
Ease of Use: Meters vary in terms of how much blood is required on the test strip and how many steps are involved.
Size of Display Area: Make sure you can read the meter’s display.
Test Time: Most meters provide fast results, usually less than 60 seconds. But if you want a fast meter compare the speeds of different meters.
Memory: A meter stores anywhere from your last test result up to 1,000 tests in its memory. Some also include the date and time. If you would like to be able to look back at past test results a meter with good memory may be good for you. But if you chart your test in a book this may be less important.
Hematocrit Range: If you have a condition that can affect your hematocrit levels, such as pregnancy, polycythemia, anemia, or kidney disease, make sure you get a meter that is accurate at your level.
source: Anita Austin, RPh, CDE at diabetis digest
