Glucose Meters - Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels

Glucose meters, also known as glucometers, are handheld devices used to measure the concentration of glucose in the blood. They are essential tools for people with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly.
Category
Device
Where to get
Available for purchase at pharmacies, medical supply stores, and online retailers
Applicable for
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Jane Cox

Glucose Meters FAQ


Image credit: diabeticcorner.com

Why should you use a blood glucose meter?

Exercise, food, medications, stress and other factors affect your blood glucose level. Using a blood glucose meter can help you better manage your diabetes by tracking any fluctuations in your blood glucose level. Many types of blood glucose meters are available, from basic models to more-advanced meters with multiple features and options.

How do you use a glucose meter?

Place a test strip into the device before pricking your finger. Prick your finger with a lancing device and place a small amount of blood on a test strip. Insert the test strip into the meter to receive a blood glucose level reading. After testing a blood sample, glucose meters typically display blood sugar results as a number on a digital screen.

Does a blood glucose meter measure whole blood glucose?

This is important because home blood glucose meters measure the glucose in whole blood while most lab tests measure the glucose in plasma. Currently, there are many meters on the market that give results as "plasma equivalent," even though they are measuring whole blood glucose.

How does a blood glucose meter work?

A small drop of blood, obtained from slightly piercing a fingertip with a lancet, is placed on a disposable test strip that the meter reads and uses to calculate the blood glucose level. The meter then displays the level in units of mg/dL or mmol/L .

What is a blood glucose meter?

A blood glucose meter is a small device that checks the amount of glucose in your blood so that you can work out how much insulin to take or whether you need to manage a hypo or hyper. What comes with a blood glucose meter?

Why do you need a blood glucose meter?

Keeping an accurate idea of your blood glucose levels is an integral part of successful diabetes management. Blood glucose meters allow you to do this.

How do you use a blood glucose meter?

To use most blood glucose meters, you first insert a test strip into the device. Then with a special needle, you poke a clean fingertip to get a drop of blood. You carefully touch the test strip to the blood and wait for a blood glucose reading to appear on the screen.

Do I need a blood glucose meter if I have diabetes?

If you have diabetes, you'll likely need a blood glucose meter to measure and display the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. Exercise, food, medications, stress and other factors affect your blood glucose level. Using a blood glucose meter can help you better manage your diabetes by tracking any fluctuations in your blood glucose level.

Glucose Meters References

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