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The only way you can be sure you have your diabetes under control
is to test, test, test. For those with type 1 diabetes, it is
recommended that you test at least 7 times a day. There is no
recommended number for people with type 2 diabetes, you may be
comfortable with getting the results from your doctor-ordered
hemoglobin A1c every 3 months. For those who prefer to keep track of
their own sugar levels and their own progress a home glucose monitor
is necessary.
This diabetic meter, or monitor, uses a few drops of blood on a
test strip to evaluate the amount of sugar in the blood. The meters
use the chemicals on the test strip to measure how much glucose in
the blood, either using electricity or light. The monitor has a
display for the results or some models for the visually impaired
read the results aloud. You can get models that store the results
for a day, a week or a month. Other models can download the results
directly to your doctor’s computer, your pc or prints them out for
you to keep a record.
It is probably best to discuss what type of meter to buy with
your diabetes educator, either a specially trained nurse or your
doctor. A pharmacist is another person who should be able to give
you helpful advice. You should first decide what your priorities are
in a meter and then make your choice. If you are going to be
monitoring often, you may want to find a diabetic meter that
requires a smaller sample. Do you want to compare days of tests? Get
one with more memory capability. Are you fastidious or a little
careless? Maintenance and cleaning are issues to look into.
Other factors to keep in mind include testing speed, portability
of the meter, cost of the device and cost of the test strips. Make
sure the meter is easy for you to use. You are the one who has to
use it 7 or 8 times a day, make sure it is not a chore for you. When
you are first diagnosed, find a support group or go to a hospital
event and talk to other people with diabetes to find what works for
them and why.
The most important aspect of choosing and having a diabetic meter
is that you use it. It is a valuable tool in your fight to control
this disease. If you are newly diagnosed and want to stay off oral
medications and insulin injections, use every tool available to
maintain your blood glucose at normal levels.
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