If you experience diabetes, you will be instructed by your doctor to monitor your blood glucose levels. Even if you do not experience diabetes, it is a good idea to monitor your blood sugar levels. To do this, you will need a blood glucose monitor, also referred to as a meter. Using the device to monitor your blood glucose levels could be a confusing task, but you can do it if you are willing to learn how to operate and understand the blood glucose monitor.

How the Monitor Works

When you use a blood glucose monitor, you can see your blood sugar results displayed on the screen after you have properly used the device. If you have diabetes, a blood sugar monitor will help you manage your blood sugar levels. The monitor is a small computerized device used to “read” your blood sugar levels.

Accuracy

According to the American Diabetes Association, medical experts find that most blood glucose monitors are accurate. In fact, when a meter is inaccurate, the individual operating the machine probably made an error. Some of the reasons why your blood glucose monitor could have an inaccurate reading include:

• Your meter might not be clean. Dirty meters can affect the reading.
• You could have used outdated test strips.
• The blood glucose monitor might not be calibrated.
• The drop of blood you used could be too small.

Benefits of Monitoring Your Blood Glucose Levels

Some of the benefits associated with monitoring your blood glucose levels include:

• Preventing Blurred Vision or Blindness – Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness for individuals who have high blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia.
• Preventing Diabetic Neuropathy – Nerve damage could occur due to diabetes. If your nerve system is damaged, the way you hear, taste, smell, and see could be negatively affected. Your digestive tract could also be slowed down or stopped altogether.

Finding the Best Meter

When you look for a blood glucose meter, you will be surprised at the different types of devices that are available to you. For instance, monitors are available for individuals with bad eye-sight; these meters are easier to read. It is a good idea to keep a log of your blood glucose readings; there are some meters that help you do just that. These specific devices come with memory, which will store your results, allowing you to go back and check a reading at a later time.

The type of blood glucose monitor that you purchase is usually up to you, although there are times when a physician will instruct you to purchase a specific type of blood glucose meter, based on your health history. When you search for a blood glucose monitor, you should ask yourself a few questions, such as:

• Is this meter easy for me to use?
• Can I clean and maintain the meter easily?
• Is this brand recommended? (Check online reviews for the brand before you make the purchase).
• What special features does the device have?
• Will I receive customer service support using the monitor after I have made the purchase?

Keep in mind that insurance companies may or may not pay for your blood glucose monitoring device; however, you still need to choose the meter that works the best for you, regardless of its cost. Do not put a price-tag on your health.

You do not need to be diagnosed with diabetes to monitor your blood glucose levels; in fact, you could possibly prevent diabetes if you monitor your blood sugar. Living a healthy and stress-free life could help you keep your blood glucose levels normal, and prevent other medical conditions such as kidney disease, heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and even death. It is beneficial to your body if you monitor your lifestyle, and your blood glucose levels!

References:

“Blood Glucose Meter: How to Choose.” Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/blood-glucose-meter/MY00924. Accessed on September 27, 2013.

“Blood Glucose Meters.” American Diabetes Association. Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/blood-glucose-meters.html. Accessed on September 27, 2013.

“Monitoring Blood Sugar and Avoiding Diabetes Complications.” WebMD. Retrieved from http://diabetes.webmd.com/monitoring-blood-sugar-avoiding-diabetes-complications. Accessed on September 27, 2013.