How different types of glucometers work

A glucometer is a device that is designed to measure the level of glucose in the blood. It is also used to diagnose carbohydrate metabolism in people who suffer from diabetes.

Thanks to it, the blood glucose level is determined based on the data received.

How a glucometer works

The basic principle of the glucometer is to determine the amount of "sugar" in the blood. There are two variations of this action. The first option is photometric determination, and the second type is electromechanical.

Modern glucometers allow you to show the exact sugar content of a person. Thus, the photometric principle of operation is based on determining glucose by changing the shade of the reagent. The electrochemical type shows the sugar level by measuring the current that appears during the process.

Modern types of blood glucose measuring devices consist of a system with a controlled release of blades for piercing the skin, an electronic unit equipped with a liquid crystal display and test strips.

Initially, nothing is particularly clear, the device seems strange and it is not at all clear how to use it. In fact, there is nothing terrible about it. Modern devices allow you to quickly get used to them. After all, this device should be in the home of every person suffering from diabetes.

How does a glucometer work?

Many people are interested in how a glucometer works and how to measure glucose levels. So, as mentioned above, there are two principles of operation. One of them is called photometric, the second is electromechanical.

So, the first option works as follows. When blood glucose and a special reagent, which will be applied to the test strip, interact, the latter is colored blue. So the intensity of the shade depends on the concentration of glucose. The optical system of the device analyzes the color and determines the sugar level based on this data. However, this device has its drawbacks. It is too fragile and requires special care, and the results obtained have a large error.

The next device is electromechanical. In this case, glucose interacts with the test strip, resulting in a small electric current. The device, in turn, records this value and determines the sugar level. In this case, the results can be considered more accurate.

Accurate glucometer

What requirements should an accurate glucometer meet? First of all, this definition means the veracity of the result obtained. When buying a device, the seller must show how accurate the device is.

To perform this test, you need to measure your glucose level directly in the store. Moreover, for the accuracy of the result, it is worth doing this 3 times. The obtained data should not differ from each other by more than 5-10%. Otherwise, the device cannot be called accurate.

You can do the analysis in the laboratory and with the received result go to test the devices. The permissible error of the glucometer can be no more than 0.8 mmol/l. Otherwise, you should refuse to buy a certain model. The permissible deviation can only be 20% and no more.

In words, many devices are precise, but is it really so? Therefore, it is difficult to single out ultra-precise devices from them. It is necessary to test them yourself. In this case, you will be able to buy a really good device.

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Accuracy of glucometers

What is the accuracy of glucometers and how to check it yourself? This criterion refers to the truthfulness of the result when determining the level of glucose in the blood.

To check the accuracy of the device, it is worth resorting to using some rules. It is necessary to start testing the device right in the store. To do this, blood must be taken at least 3 times and then compare the results obtained with each other. The maximum deviation should not exceed 5-10%.

It is recommended to have a sugar content test done in a laboratory and take the data obtained to test the device. In general, the results should not differ by 20%.

Accuracy for a glucometer is a very important criterion. After all, if the result is unreliable, a person may miss the time when he needs to inject insulin. This can lead to a number of complications. Therefore, jokes with this indicator are bad. When choosing a device, it is worth making sure that its accuracy does not deviate by more than 20%.

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Checking glucometers

How are glucometers checked? This process is carried out directly in the store itself. You need to take the device and check the glucose level. The test is done about 3 times, and then the data obtained is compared with each other.

If the error does not exceed 5-10%, then you can safely choose such a device. It will show a reliable result and will not fail in a difficult situation. This procedure is called an accuracy test. Perhaps this is the only way to test the device.

Naturally, you need to look at the external indicators of the device. Right in the store, you should try to select the main functions, set the time, date and see how the device does all this. If there are some delays or shortcomings, then you should move on to considering another device. After all, this one is clearly not working properly and in the future may not respond to a sharp increase or decrease in sugar levels.

You should also pay attention to the components. The test strips should not be expired. In addition, they are stored exclusively in specific packages. This fact should also be taken into account. If everything is OK, then you can safely buy the device.

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Glucometer for the elderly

Reliable and easy to use, that's what a glucometer for the elderly should be. First of all, look at the case itself. There shouldn't be too many buttons or other fancy gadgets. Working with the device is simple and convenient, that's all you need.

Also, it is worth paying attention to the lack of coding. It is not so easy for elderly people to understand all the innovations. A person just needs an instant result without any special actions. It is important that the screen is large and has automatic backlighting. Because the numbers are not always easy to see.

Minimum functions, easy to use and accurate results, this is what a device should be. Kontur TC fits this description perfectly. Perhaps, this is one of the only devices that does not have coding. It is easy to use. You need to bring your finger to the device, and it will take the required amount of blood. The result will be available in literally 7 seconds. Ascensia Entrust has a similar effect. It also gives a quick result and has all the necessary functions. The device should be easy to operate and accurately conduct the test.

Glucometer for children

Choosing a glucometer for children is not that difficult. It is important that it is easy to use and the result is accurate. Naturally, it is better to give preference to compact models with the function of remembering the last results.

There are devices that allow you to set 4 sound signal modes. This will not only help avoid a sharp drop or increase in sugar, but also warn the child that it is time to do a test. This is very convenient and appropriate.

An excellent device is Bayer Didgest. It meets all the declared functions. The device remembers the latest results, allows you to calculate the average blood glucose level for 14 days.

The device has a large display, no extra buttons, etc. This is an ideal model for a child. What is most interesting is that it is not just a device for measuring glucose levels, but also a whole game console. Therefore, it will be much more interesting for the child to use it. And to take it with him too. Because it is not at all obvious that this is a device for measuring glucose, an ordinary toy and nothing more.

Glucometer for animals

There is even a special glucometer for animals. After all, our smaller brothers also suffer from diabetes. Everything happens to them exactly the same way as to humans. It is necessary to constantly monitor the blood sugar level. In order not to take the animal to the veterinary clinic, it is enough to conduct the test at home.

Gluco Calea is a device that was specially developed for our smaller brothers. It is very easy to use the device, it is no different from a human one. You just need to puncture the skin of the animal, and in any place and bring a drop of blood to the test strip. The result will be available in 5 seconds.

The characteristics are standard. It allows you to get an average value for 2 weeks. The accuracy is at a high level. The device is fully automatic, it switches off and adjusts itself. It is possible to save the latest data.

Now animals will be able to "monitor" their glucose levels, naturally, with the help of their owner. You can buy such a device either in a medical equipment store or order it online.

Glucometer for the blind

A special development is a glucometer for the blind. After all, not all people can control what they do. It is for such cases that voice-controlled devices were developed.

They are very easy to use. The device itself prompts what to do and listens to the user's commands. After the procedure, the device announces the result. The best model is Clover Check TD-4227A.

This device was specially designed for people with poor eyesight. It is a pleasure to work with such a device. It tells you what to do and immediately reports the result. It does not require the use of test strips. More precisely, they are already built into the device, this makes it several times easier to work with.

The device is accurate, so there is no need to doubt the data obtained. In addition, it has a function of remembering the latest results and can easily voice them. It can calculate the average glucose level for two weeks. In general, this device has no disadvantages.

Glucometer repair

Glucometers are repaired exclusively in service centers. You can't do anything yourself. Although no, you can, if the device runs on batteries and they suddenly run out. In this case, it is enough to simply buy new ones and insert them into the device. Now it is ready to work at full capacity.

But what if the damage is serious? There is no way to insert a test strip or the image on the display has disappeared? Only service centers deal with such issues. Moreover, all of them must be attached to the store where the purchase was made.

In general, these devices rarely break down. But in order not to get into trouble, it is worth checking the device immediately, during the purchase. You need to look at how it determines the glucose level. Check its accuracy and the operation of all functions. This can save you from many problems in the future. Therefore, do not be lazy and check the device without leaving the checkout. After all, in some cases it is easier to buy a new glucometer than to repair it.

Measuring sugar with a glucometer

How is sugar measured with a glucometer? This is a very simple process, especially for those people who understand the structure of this device. In general, everything is done easily. It is enough to simply prick your finger (forearm or shoulder) and apply blood to the test strip.

Literally 5-20 seconds and the result will be displayed on the device. The resulting numbers are the blood glucose level. If the number exceeds the permissible value or, on the contrary, is below it, the device emits a sound signal and the display shows data regarding this issue. Naturally, a person should know what the sugar norm is for him. Because situations are still different.

There is nothing incredible about this. Learning to determine the sugar level is very simple. Firstly, there are special marks on the display, and secondly, the device itself will tell you if something is wrong. Therefore, there can be no reason to worry. Everything is done simply. In any case, the device will report problems and tell you when to inject insulin.