How to use a glucometer and how to choose the right glucometer for your home?

There is a special device to independently determine the level of sugar in the blood, and it is called a glucometer. It is recommended to have in its arsenal all people who have such a disease as diabetes , but it will not be superfluous for health monitoring. There are several rules on how to use a glucometer to obtain accurate values.

How does the glucometer work?

There are several devices that differ in the technology of use:

1. Photometric products are measured by mixing blood with a reagent, which as a result acquires a blue color. The intensity of the color of the strip depends on the concentration of sugar in the blood.
2. The use of a glucometer, which refers to a photochemical group, does not always give reliable results, and it is also fragile.
3. More accurate are electrochemical products, in which, when interacting with the test strip, a current is generated and its strength is fixed.
4. Devices of a new generation are spectrometric glucometers that do not involve contact of blood with the apparatus and are easy to use. They produce a weak laser beam that shines through the palm of your hand and identifies important data.

How do I set up the meter?

Preparing the device for operation is very simple and it is necessary to carry out several manipulations:

1. First, you need to install batteries, the size of which depends on the device.
2. In the instructions, as configured glucometers, paid attention to encoding. When the machine is on, put the port in the database and if everything is done correctly, you can hear a click.
3. The next step is to set the date, time and unit of measure. To do this, hold down the main button for 5 seconds. and after the sound signal on the display you can see the memory data. After this, press the button again until the setting data appears. Some glucometers may be switched off for a while, but you do not need to remove the finger from the button. Press the up / down keys to set the desired parameters. To save the data, after all changes, click on the main button.

How to use the meter?

To help quickly take the analysis, you need to practice a little. It is important to follow the instructions on how to measure sugar in the blood with a glucometer:

1. Before you start using the device, wash your hands, wipe them and shake your limb to increase the flow of blood to your fingers.
2. Place a test strip in the special hole, with proper placement of which you will hear a characteristic click.
3. Carry out a puncture on the end of the finger to make a drop of blood, which should be applied to the test strip.
4. Describing how to properly use the glucometer, it is worth pointing out that the device performs the measurements on its own, and the time depends on different models, this is 5-45 sec.
5. Remember that test strips are disposable and need to be removed and discarded after measurement. Another point - to use some of the glucometers is possible only after activation using the code plate.

How to choose a glucometer for the house?

There are several features that you should pay attention to:

1. Take into account the possible error, which shows the difference between the parameters of the apparatus and laboratory analysis. For type 2 diabetics, the indicator can be 10-15%, and for type 1, the error should be less than 5%.
2. If it is necessary to carry out measurements frequently, then it is better to dwell on electrochemical devices.
3. You can buy a meter without using a test strip, so the puncture is done by the device itself. There are products that conduct research by measuring blood pressure on the hands. Cassettes can also be used.
4. Useful additional functions: built-in memory, sound signals about increased indicators, the ability to connect to a computer and combine with a tonometer . There are also devices that comment on all the actions.

The most accurate blood glucose meters for home use

If you analyze the feedback of users who were able to evaluate the operation of the devices, you can highlight the most popular models:

1. Gamma Mini. It is believed that these are the best glucometers for home use. They belong to the electrochemical group, they are portable and without unnecessary functions.
2. OneTouch Select. Very popular is the electrochemical device, which has a large screen and large values ​​are reflected on it.
3. Bionime Rightest GM 550. This electrochemical glucometer is distinguished by high accuracy of the indicators. It's easy to use, and it's also stylish, comfortable and with a large display.

How to check the glucometer at home?

Many believe that the meter can only be checked in the laboratory, but this is not the case, since the test can be done at home. A control solution is needed for this purpose. It is used, like blood, and the results help to establish the accuracy of the analysis. The instruction, how to check the glucometer, includes such stages:

1. Insert the test strip into the connector, comparing the code on it and the display.
2. Press the button to change the option to "apply control solution". How to do it right, is told in the instructions to the device.
3. Determining how to use the meter and how to check it, it is worth pointing out that the solution should be shaken and applied to the test strip.
4. After this, a result will appear that should be compared with the values ​​indicated on the striped vial.
5. If the results are incorrect, then it is better to repeat the control test again. Please note that you must always read the instructions for using the solution and the unit itself, as they can have a number of features.

Glucometer - useful life

The duration of the device depends on how the person will use the device. If you are interested in how often to change the meter, then it is worthwhile to know that the batteries are enough for about 1000 measurements, and this is about a year of work. Be sure to monitor the appearance of the machine and do not use streaked test strips and a lancet, as this reduces the life of the product.