Glucometer - What Is It and How Does It Work?

It is essential to monitor glucose levels in your blood to reduce the complications of diabetes in long-term and unpleasant symptoms of high and low blood sugar levels. Blood sugar monitoring through a glucometer is essential because you do A1C tests every four to six months. The results come out as an average. However, you can still have high or low blood sugar readings.

Keep reading to know what a glucometer is and how it works.

What Is a Glucometer Device?

A glucometer device, also known as a glucose meter, is a small portable device that allows you to monitor your blood glucose levels at your convenience. A glucometer will give appropriate data if you have Type-1 or Type-2 diabetes. For diabetic patients, a glucometer helps to monitor and manage glucose level regularly. Some glucose meters come with added features which include:

Data storage or additional memory.
For people who have vision impairment, some devices come with audio capabilities.
Backlit screens allow you to view readings even in low light.
Some devices come with preloaded test strips. This is helpful for people who find it difficult to handle.
Some devices also have USB ports to help load information directly to your laptop or computer.

What Are The Uses Of A Glucometer?

Monitor how the glucose levels in your body respond to stress and workouts.
Monitor blood sugar levels in your body and control the same.
Try to recognise the related issues that might spike sugar levels in your blood.
Analyse how other treatments and therapies are affecting your body.
Track if you can meet your treatment goals as prescribed by your doctor.

Now that you have an idea of what a glucometer is and what are its uses, let us get into the details as to how it works.

How Does a Glucometer Work?

glucometer working — (source: cloudinary)

Presently, glucometers come with test strips containing an enzyme called glucose oxidase.
This enzyme reacts with glucose in your blood drop and with an interface connected to an electrode that is inside the machine.
As you insert the strip inside the meter, the glucose reaction produces an electrical signal.
Every glucometer is calibrated. Therefore the number that appears on the digital display correlates to the electrical current. So, if you have high glucose in your blood sample, the number displayed will also read higher.
While some models allow you to use your fingertips to prick blood and collect a sample, some allow you to use your forearm, thigh or your hands too.

These are just general instructions and might vary from one model to another.

You will find a user manual with each device when you purchase a glucometer. Read the user manual thoroughly to know about the guidelines.

Also, your doctor might suggest you consult a certified diabetic educator or CDE who will guide you on how to use a glucometer.

How to Use a Glucometer?

Before beginning the process of sample collection, ensure you have the following supplies:

Alcohol prep pad or soapy water.
A lancing device containing a fresh lancet for drawing blood.
Testing strip to put the blood droplet.
Dairy to record results/Software to sync with glucose to write results.
Disposal container
Cotton pads

Here are the following steps to use a glucometer:

Before You Start Testing

Step 1: Wash your hands properly and sanitise before drawing blood from your fingertips.

Step 2: Clean the area with an alcohol pad to prevent any infection.

Step 3: Allow your skin to dry out naturally. Do not blow air to dry it as it might cause your skin to get infected.

Testing Blood Sample

Step 1: Insert the test strip and turn on the glucometer. Allow the device to let you know when you should put blood onto the inserted strip.

Step 2: Pierce the fingertip with a lancing strip. You might feel a slight pain which is bearable.

Step 3: Squeeze your finger to produce a sufficient drop of blood.

Step 4: Carefully place on the strip the blood drop.

Step 5: Rub your finger with the alcohol pad to stop bleeding and avoid infection.

Step 6: Wait for a few seconds, and your device will show glucose results in your blood.

If you find it difficult to get a blood sample or get an inappropriate reading, wash and warm your hands before your prick again.

Record the Results

Keep a record of the results so your doctor can build a diet plan accordingly.
Smartphone applications are available that you can sync with your glucometer to note down results.
Based on results, doctors might ask you to take insulin doses to reduce your blood sugar level. Eating carbohydrates is necessary for those who want their blood sugar levels up.

After using the lancets, it is necessary to dispose of these components in a proper container. You can ask your physician to provide you with a sharps container and a plastic bottle. This will help you to dispose of the same after checking the disposal regulations. So, now that you know what is a glucometer and what is the use of glucometer let us come to who can use the device.

Who Should Use a Glucometer?

If you have the following, you might need to use glucometer frequently:

1. Patients With Type-1 Diabetes

When you have Type-1 Diabetes, your pancreas stops making insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin helps the cells in your body use glucose/sugar in your blood. It is an autoimmune disease caused not only by insulin deficiency but also by hyperglycaemia in people. Recent news reports show that more than 1.1 million people under 20 years are diagnosed with Type-1 Diabetes globally. Therefore frequent testing is mandatory as it ensures that you have the required insulin to stabilise your blood sugar levels. If you have Type-1 Diabetes, you must test your glucose levels approximately five to ten times daily. Here is when you might test:

Before eating meals
After exercise and before exercise
Before dinner
At night, before going to bed

2. Patients With Type-2 Diabetes And Gestational Diabetes

Your body continues to produce insulin in Type-2 and gestational diabetes. But it is unable to use the insulin properly, making your blood sugar levels rise and hence named insulin resistance. If you have Type-2 Diabetes, you may require testing twice or four times daily, depending on what your doctor prescribes. Here is when you can test:

Early morning and before going to bed
Before two hours of having a meal and after two hours of having a meal, and before bed

How to Avoid Inaccurate Glucometer Readings?

You should properly use your glucometer, which will help you to avoid incorrect readings. Therefore, you should follow the below:

To avoid getting inaccurate results, avoid using test strips which have expired.
Ensure there are extra batteries of glucometer handy.
Do not forget to clean your glucometer regularly and ensure you run quality control checks before using the device.
Always store these strips in a container to avoid moisture causing any damage.
Avoid keeping your glucometer in extreme temperatures and under direct sunlight.

Additionally, if lancing is too painful for you, here are some options you can choose:

Always use a new and fresh lancet to ensure hygiene. New lancets reduce your pain as the old ones become dull and prick more.
Try to change the thickness or gauge of your lancet. This means when you notice a higher number on the package, it is a thin lancet.
You can also adjust the settings on your device to make the prick less deep. A low setting such as 3 ensures an adequate sample with minimum pain.
You can also alternate your fingers to allow the other ones to heal.

So, now you know all about glucometer meaning and how it functions. If you are a diabetic patient or notice any symptoms of diabetes, consult your physician immediately. Your doctor will guide you best by showing you what is a glucometer and how you can stabilise your blood sugar levels through continuous monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I check my child’s blood sugar levels with a glucometer?

Yes, if your child is diagnosed with Diabetes, your doctor will ask you to use a glucometer to monitor their blood sugar levels frequently. However, children who have hyperglycaemia require testing at night.

What is continuous glucose monitoring?

This device has a small sensor that you can insert under your skin to check your blood sugar levels every few minutes. It sends the results to a remote monitor. Therefore, you do not require multiple finger pricks to test blood sugar levels.