Diabetes continues to be a prevalent illness in the United States, affecting a reported 7.8 percent of the population, according to the American Diabetes Association. Long term exposure to high blood sugar increases the risk of developing complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, and amputations. An effective diabetic treatment plan often includes routine self-monitoring of blood sugars with a home blood glucose meter. In addition to different shapes and sizes, glucose meters are available with a variety of options for use and testing. One option includes the use of a coded system versus a non-coded system.
Coded Meters
Blood glucose meters require the user to provide a blood sample. A lancet device is used to produce a drop of blood from a fingertip or elsewhere that is transferred onto a test strip. The blood glucose meter reads the test strip and displays a resulting blood sugar level. In the manufacturing process, each batch of test strips may contain a varying amount of chemicals and reagents. Coded meters require the user to input a batch-specific code to the meter whenever a new batch of test strips is used. This is often done by either manual input of the code or by inserting a computer chip provided with each batch of new test strips. Failure to input the code and calibrating the glucose meter can cause the meter to display inaccurate blood sugar readings.
No-Code Meters
Technology has allowed for the development of no-code meters. The meter still must be calibrated for each new batch of test strips, but the responsibility of coding has been removed from the user. Each individual test strip contains technology that allows it to automatically calibrate and code the meter once it is inserted. Since the user is no longer responsible for coding, the chance of inaccurate blood sugar readings due to incorrect coding is lowered.
Significance
The value of accurate blood glucose readings should not be underestimated. Patients often dose medications such as insulin based on blood sugar readings. An inaccurate reading could lead patients to inject larger doses of insulin than required. This can cause low blood sugar, a condition known as hypoglycemia, which can have serious complications, according to DiabetesLife. In addition, medical providers may also adjust diabetic medication regimens based on a record of blood glucose readings obtained at home. Inaccurate readings could cause an inappropriate adjustment of diabetic medications.
Considerations
According to a study published in the "Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology," 16 percent of patients using blood glucose meters miscode. No-code meters effectively remove the responsibility of coding from the user. However, there is no guarantee that non-coding meters will produce accurate readings. In addition, there is lack of sufficient data to conclude that non-coding meters are more accurate than coded meters which have been appropriately coded. The technology used in non-coded meter systems may make either the meter, test strips, or associated supplies more expensive than coded systems. In some cases, patients who have a preference for specific options may not find those options available in a no-code meter.
Effects
The decision to purchase a code or no-code system is based on personal preference and circumstances. When purchasing a blood glucose meter, the most important factor is that the user fully understands how to use it. Any questions regarding the use of a meter should be directed toward a qualified health care professional. Although home blood glucose monitoring is an important part of diabetes management, it does not replace the need for routine visits to a physician.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Statistics
- Lifescan Incorporated: One Touch Blood Glucose Meters FAQ
- Bayer Diabetes Care: No Coding Technology
- DiabetesLife: Insulin Overdose
- Ginsberg, Barry H. An Analysis: To Code or Not To Code-That Is the Question. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2008; 2(5):819--821
