According to the American Diabetes Association's 2010 Standards of Care, checking blood glucose at home is an important component of effective diabetes therapy. Blood glucose numbers give important information about how well diet, medications and activity are working. The process of monitoring blood glucose at home involves testing strips, a lancing device and a glucose meter. If you have diabetes, chances are you've checked your blood glucose at home.
Test Strips
Generally, the test strip is plastic with a small area that contains a chemical that reacts with glucose in the blood. Test strips accept blood samples in two ways. The top dosing strips require you to apply blood to the test strip either inside or outside of the machine. Capillary fill strips suck blood into the strip through capillary action. This method is more hygienic and less likely to contaminate the machine.
To ensure accurate results, test strips must be handled with care. Never use test strips after the expiration date on the box. Once the vial of strips has been opened, toss any unused strips after four months, regardless of the date on the box. Strips should be stored in their original vial or container away from direct sunlight and heat. Don't refrigerate test strips. Always use test strips that are recommended for your glucose meter.
The Lancet Device
Lancets are small needles used to prick the skin to get the blood sample that goes on the test strip. A lancing device holds the lancet and can be set at different depths depending on the thickness of an individual's skin. There are a variety of lancets and lancing devices available.
The Meter
There are two types of meters: photometric and amperometric. In both types, the test strip contains a chemical that reacts with the glucose in the blood sample. The glucose causes the pH in the blood to change the color of the indicator on the strip. Photometric meters read the color on the glucose strip and compare it to the meter's internal components. The color change is translated into a glucose number. The amperometric meter measures the change in pH by measuring the voltage changes in the electrical charge that passes through the blood sample.
Test Results
Results of glucose monitoring can help manage diabetes. For optimal blood glucose control, the American Diabetes Association recommends a fasting glucose level of 90 to 130 mg/dl and two hours after meals, the glucose level should be less than 180 mg/dl.
Summary
Controlling blood glucose levels is the best way to lower risk for diabetes complications such as kidney disease or amputation. Before the 1970s, controlling blood glucose required a lot of guesswork. Urine testing was the only way to measuring glucose levels at home, but it was highly inaccurate and had many limitations. In the 1960s, the first glucose meter was made. In 2010, there are more than 25 different types of meters on the market with a variety of different features to ensure accurate results.
