Seniors, especially those over the age of 65, are more prone to illnesses such as diabetes. If you have diabetes, you will most probably require a blood glucose monitoring system to measure the level of glucose in your blood. Senior patients that are concerned with their healthcare can help their doctors to do a better job because they already have the necessary information with them. A monitoring system plays a major role in keeping diabetes under control. It can also help in minimizing the risk of certain complications associated with the fluctuating levels of glucose in your blood.
Blood glucose monitoring systems are generally small in size. These devices are computerized to allow you to measure the level of glucose in your blood more effectively. The good news is that when you have information regarding your blood glucose, your nurse or doctor can help you come up with a treatment plan that best suits your needs. This includes the necessary exercise routine, medication, and the type of foods you should consume. A monitoring system is also an essential device to patients that take insulin and other diabetes medication because it helps them know their health status. Failure to control blood glucose levels may even lead to blindness, kidney diseases, and seizures, among other complications.
Currently, technology has taken a new phase and you can easily find a good monitoring system in the market. There are different types of monitors tailored for at-home use. They range from basic models to advanced models. Before you select a monitoring system, however, there are a lot of considerations that you have to make to ensure that you get the one that best suits your health care needs. Since there is a myriad of devices in the market, you should be sure to consult your doctor to help you decide on which type of monitor to use.
What Are Blood Glucose Levels?
Commonly asked is the question, what are blood glucose levels? Well, this is the amount of glucose in your blood. Keeping blood glucose at the required level is important because glucose is essential for the normal functioning of numerous body tissues, especially in the brain. Glucose is also the main source of energy in your body. For individuals that are not diabetic, the normal blood glucose levels range between 4.8 and 5.6 millimoles. Normally, blood glucose levels are lowest in the morning, but they rise after you have eaten your first meal.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Real-Time Blood Glucose Data
Real-time blood glucose data is essential in giving awareness to patients with diabetes. A real-time continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM) is much better compared to a finger stick. This device features a continuous display that shows real-time blood glucose data to always keep you knowledgeable of your current blood glucose levels. With such a device, a diabetic patient is able to enjoy the peace of mind he or she deserves because it alerts him or her when the glucose levels reach dangerous highs and lows respectively. When you have real-time blood glucose data at hand, you will be able to take the appropriate action to keep your glucose levels under control.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Comparing Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems
There are many gadgets available in the market; and comparing blood glucose monitoring systems is essential. Why is this? This is because you need to ensure that you get the most accurate results. Comparing blood glucose monitoring systems is also essential because some monitors fail to attain the minimum required standards per se. For blood glucose levels that are over 4.2 millimoles, the monitor should be accurate within 20 percent. Likewise, for glucose levels that are below 4.2 millimoles, the monitor should be accurate within 15 mg. A monitor that produces inaccurate readings may end up putting you in a lot of danger.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Cost of Blood Glucose Meters
With the wide array of monitoring systems in the market, the cost of blood glucose meters should be one of the major factors to consider. Some blood glucose meters tend to be pricey, and your health coverage may not cater for these costs. You may be required to offset the balance from your pocket. You should also keep in mind that test strips are sold separately from the monitoring system, and you may end up spending a decent sum of money on them. As such, before you settle on the monitor you want to buy, you should be sure to compare the cost of blood glucose meters first.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Glucose Meter Without Blood
With the advancement in technology, you do not have to prick your fingers to check your blood glucose levels. You can now use a glucose meter without blood. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave the green light for needle-less blood glucose monitoring system. The glucose meter without blood allows you to monitor your blood sugar through a sensor, which you have to apply on your arm. People with diabetes can now wave bye to the pain from pricking their fingers every day to check their blood glucose levels all thanks to technology advancement.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]What Glucose Monitoring Systems Are Used For
When you take your grandmother to the doctor for her routine checkup, you may hear the doctor ask for her monitoring system. If you are new to this, you are left wondering what glucose monitoring systems are used for. To clear your doubt, glucose monitoring systems are used to measure the level of glucose in the blood. They are usually small devices and are mostly used by people who have diabetes. Monitoring systems are essential because they help diabetic patients control their blood sugar levels to avoid further complications.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Small Blood Glucose Monitoring Device
In the world we live in, technology is evolving to cater for the needs of all the people. People keen on monitoring their blood glucose are not left behind. Small blood glucose monitoring devices have been made available in the market to help serve the people better. Today, people want a device that is light, portable, and one that can fit in the pocket with no fuss. From this trend, manufacturers realized that a small blood glucose monitoring device is just as necessary. People with diabetes are required to check their blood glucose levels at least twice a day. No one would want a device that is enormous, especially if he or she travels a lot. Manufacturers have upped their game and are now producing small blood glucose monitoring devices.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Replacing Your Blood Glucose Monitor
If you are a diabetic, it is imperative to have a monitoring system that is in its best working condition. This ensures that you get accurate results. Replacing your blood glucose monitor is recommended after one or two years of usage. Reliability is key when it comes to measuring blood glucose levels. A faulty device may give you wrong readings that may lead to serious health complications. Routine maintenance sessions, such as replacing the batteries and cleaning the battery, are also necessary to ensure your monitor functions appropriately.
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