The principle of operation of different types of glucometers

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

Thanks to him, the level of glucose in the blood is determined on the basis of the data obtained.

Principle of the glucometer

The main 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 one is electromechanical.

Modern glucometers allow us to show the exact content of human sugar. Thus, the photometric principle of operation is based on the determination of glucose by changing the shade of the reagent. The electrochemical form shows the sugar level by measuring the current that appears during the process.

Devices of modern types for measuring glycemia consist of a system with adjustable ejection of blades in order to pierce the skin, an electronic unit that is equipped with a liquid crystal display and test strips.

Initially, nothing is particularly clear, the device seems strange and it's not at all clear how to use it. In fact, there is nothing wrong with that. Modern instruments allow you to quickly use them. After all, this device should be in the house of every person suffering from diabetes.

How does the glucometer work?

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

So, the first option works as follows. In the interaction of blood glucose and a special reagent that will be applied to the test strip, the latter stains blue. So the intensity of the shade depends on the concentration of glucose. The optical system of the device carries out color analysis and, from these data, determines the level of sugar. The truth is, this device has its disadvantages. Too fragile, and it requires special care, and the results obtained have a great error.

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

Accurate blood glucose meter

What are the requirements of an accurate glucometer? First of all, this definition is understood as the truthfulness 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 the glucose level directly in the store. And for the accuracy of the result it is worth doing this 3 times. The received data should not differ from each other in more than 5-10%. Otherwise, you can not call the device accurate.

You can do the analysis in the laboratory and with the result you get to go to test the instruments. The permissible error of the meter can be no more than 0.8 mmol / l. Otherwise, it is worth to abandon the acquisition of a certain model. The allowable deviation can be only in 20% and no more.

In words, many devices are accurate, but is it really so? Therefore, it is difficult to single out of them ultra-precise devices. You need 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 accuracy of glucometers and how to check it yourself? By this criterion we mean the truthfulness of the result during the determination of the glucose level in the blood.

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

It is recommended to make an analysis of the sugar content in the laboratory and to go with 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, then a person can 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's worth making sure that its accuracy does not deviate by more than 20%.

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Checking the glucometers

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

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

Naturally, you need to look at the external performance of the device. Immediately in the store it is worth trying to choose the basic functions, set the time, date and see how the device does it all. If there are some delays or shortcomings, then it's worth to go to another device. After all, this is clearly not good, and in the future may not react to a sharp increase or decrease in the level of sugar.

Pay attention to the accessories. Test strips should not be overdue. In addition, they are stored exclusively in certain packages. This fact is also worth considering. If everything is normal, then the device can be safely bought.

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Glucometer for the elderly

Reliable and easy to use, this is what a glucometer for the elderly should be. The first thing is to look at the body itself. There should not be too many buttons and other tricks. Working with the device is simple and convenient, it's all that's needed.

In addition, it is worth paying attention to the lack of encoding. Elderly is not so easy to deal with all the innovations. A person just needs an instant result without much action. It is important that the screen is large and with automatic backlighting. Because the numbers are not always easy to see.

The minimum of functions, simple use and the exact result, this should be the device. Under this description, the Contour TC perfectly fits. Perhaps, this is one of the only devices in which there is no coding. It's easy to use. It is necessary to bring a finger to the device, and it will take the right amount of blood itself. The result will be available in just 7 seconds. A similar action is possessed by Ascensia Entrust. 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

Choose a glucometer for children is not so difficult. It is important that they are easy to use, and the result was accurate. Naturally, it is better to give preference to compact models with the function of storing the latest results.

There are devices in which you can set 4 modes of sound signals. This will not only avoid a sharp decrease or increase in sugar, but also warn the child that it's time to do the test. It 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 value of blood glucose for 14 days.

The device has a large display, no extra buttons and other things. This is the ideal model for a child. What is most interesting is not just a device for measuring glucose levels, but also a whole game console. Therefore, the baby will enjoy it much more interesting. Yes, and take with them, too. Because it is not at all clear 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, smaller brothers also suffer from diabetes. Everything happens with them just like a person. It is always necessary to monitor the level of sugar in the blood. In order not to carry the animal to the veterinary clinic, it is enough to conduct the test at home.

Gluco Calea is a device that was specially designed for our smaller brothers. To use the device is very simple, it is no different from human. It is worthwhile simply piercing the skin to the animal, and in any place and bring a drop of blood to the test strip. After 5 seconds, the result will be available.

Characteristics are standard. It allows you to get an average of 2 weeks. The accuracy is at a high level. The device is fully automatic, it is independently turned off and configured. It is possible to save the latest data.

Now, animals will be able to "follow" the level of glucose, naturally, with the help of their host. You can buy such a device both in the medical equipment store and on the Internet.

Glucometer for the Blind

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

To use them is very simple. The device itself tells you what to do and listens to the user's commands. After the procedure, the device sounds the result. The best model is the Clover Chek TD-4227A.

This device was specially designed for people with poor vision. It's a pleasure to work with such a device. He himself says 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 easier to work with it several times.

The device is accurate, therefore it is not worth doubting the data obtained. In addition, it has the function of storing the latest results and can easily voice them. He can calculate the average glucose value for two weeks. In general, this device does not have any shortcomings.

Repair of glucometers

Repair of glucometers is performed exclusively in the service centers. Do something yourself can not. Although no, it is possible if the device is powered by batteries and they suddenly sat down. In this case, it's enough just to buy new ones and insert them into the device. Now it is ready to work with full force.

But what if the damage is serious? Is it not possible to insert a test strip or disappear the image on the display? Only the service centers are engaged in such matters. And all of them should be attached to the shop where the purchase was made.

In general, these devices rarely fail. But in order not to get into trouble, it is worth checking the device immediately, at the time of purchase. It is necessary to look at how he determines the level of glucose. Check its accuracy and the operation of all functions. This can save many problems in the future. Therefore, do not be lazy and check the device, without departing from the ticket office. After all, in some cases it is easier to buy a new glucometer, rather than repair it.

Sugar measurement by glucometer

How is sugar measured with a glucometer? This is a very simple process, especially for those people who understand the device of this device. In general, everything is done easily. It is enough just to pierce 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 figures obtained are the level of glucose in the blood. If the figure exceeds the permissible value or vice versa, the device beeps and the display shows data regarding this issue. Naturally, a person should know what is the norm of sugar for him. Because the situations are different.

There is nothing incredible about this. Learn to determine the level of sugar is very simple. First, there are special marks on the display, and secondly, the device will tell if something is wrong. Therefore, there can be no grounds for experiencing. Everything is done simply. In any case, the device will report problems and prompt you when you need to enter insulin.