Blood glucose monitors are devices that provide a measurement of the glucose levels within a person’s blood. This can be done by pricking the person’s finger and placing the blood on a test strip connected to the monitor. The blood glucose monitor then provides a reading of glucose levels in the bloodstream.
How do blood glucose monitors work for diabetics?
Blood glucose monitors help diabetics by measuring their blood glucose levels – one of the most important things to manage when treating a diabetic. Diabetics are advised to balance positive activity and lifestyle habits with healthy food and medication. Blood glucose monitoring can help diabetics and their families understand the connection between exercise, food, glucose and insulin.
Your readings will soon provide the diabetic, their loved ones and health experts with the information necessary to devise a treatment strategy. Maintaining healthy blood glucose control is the diabetic’s best weapon for fighting any complications that can arise from diabetes.
Self-blood glucose monitoring allows the patient to check their blood glucose levels as often as required or as recommended by their healthcare professional. The data from the blood glucose monitor may be stored in a software platform which then provides easy access to healthcare professionals.
Available devices
Blood glucose monitors are typically sold as part of a set, including the monitor, test strips and lancet device – this is all the equipment you need to start measuring your blood glucose levels. There are a wide variety of models, with each model providing various features and prices to meet individual patient needs. Most of these are available from online stores, pharmacies and specified diabetic centres.
Medical professionals can help the patient decide on which monitor is right for their health needs, and their pharmacist or Credentialled Diabetes Educator can show them how to properly use the monitor to get the right results.
What are some things that diabetics can do for their health?
There are a range of things diabetics can do to potentially maintain or improve their health. These include:
- Brushing/flossing their teeth: Diabetes can put people at greater risk of gum disease, and therefore it is important to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once per day. Gum disease can increase the risk of complications from diabetes, as it causes constant inflammation that can make it harder to control blood glucose
- Examine your feet: Diabetes can cause damage to the circulation of the feet, and this in turn can increase the risk of infection. This is why amputations are common among diabetics. Therefore, it’s important to check your feet for blisters, cuts, redness, swelling, sores or any other problems. Ensure your shoes fit snugly but are not too tight – this could also reduce circulation. It is also important to check the shoes for any pebbles or objects that could cause injury.
- Movement is vital: Insulin-resistant people require regular movement. Stretching, strength training and walking exercises are all good for diabetics, but patients should check with their doctor before trying too vigorous an exercise.
- Eat at regular times: People with diabetes should get into regular eating patterns to ensure more consistency in their eating combined with their blood sugar levels.
- Meditation: Diabetes, like other conditions, can cause people heightened stress. Meditation and other mindful practises are a great way to reduce stress and become more open minded about life. Meditation can seem tricky at first, but once the person begins to realise it is quite a simple skill, it could help the individual’s overall mindframe which, in turn, is good for overall health and wellbeing.