How to choose a glucometer? This issue becomes relevant in the case when a person needs to regularly measure blood sugar levels. Such a need most often arises:
- in the elderly;
- in children with impaired levels of sugar;
- in people who are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus;
- if there are serious metabolic disorders.
This device allows you to measure blood sugar levels at home. This is convenient, because additionally it is necessary to regularly take additional tests in the laboratory and undergo an examination with the doctor .
Indications
You need to buy a glucometer for every person who needs to monitor their own health and sugar in the blood. Indications for the use of a biochemical analyzer at home are:
- serious metabolic disorders;
- hormonal failures in dynamics with sharp fluctuations of glucose in the blood;
- excess weight;
- gestational diabetes mellitus;
- pregnancy period( in the presence of appropriate violations);
- increased ketone index in children( odor of acetone in urine);
- type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus;
- age is over 60 years.
The choice of a glucometer is carried out depending on the type of diabetes. There are insulin-dependent and insulin-independent type of disease. In the first case, there is an autoimmune destruction of the beta cells of the pancreas, which produces insulin. On the basis of its deficiency, the exchange mechanisms in the human body fail.
In case of type 1 diabetes, it is possible to fill the lack of own insulin production with injections. To determine the exact dosage needed in a particular case, you need a device for measuring the amount of sugar in the blood. It's more convenient to buy a model for home use. Thus, you can monitor glucose levels at any time.
There is also diabetes mellitus type 2 - CD2.The disease is characterized by a decreased production of insulin by the pancreas, or a reduced sensitivity to it is observed. This type of violation can result in:
- unbalanced power;
- stress, nerve strain;
- failure in the immune system.
To maintain a stable state of the body in diabetes, you should buy the device, always keep it handy and make timely measurements of blood indicators. Most of the meter options are for people who suffer from insulin deficiency in type 2 diabetes.
Varieties of models
Faced with the variety of products presented, the question arises - how to choose the glucometer correctly?
In type 1 diabetes, it is better to give preference to the models complete with test strips. On the day you need to make about 5 measurements with normal state of health, and more than 5 with deterioration. It is important to calculate the total quantity of consumables for a month to determine the amount of costs. There are models that already contain insulin and a block of test strips. Such options are more economical.
For type 2 diabetics, it is recommended to select a glucometer that, in addition to the glucose level, also measures the concentration of triglycerides and cholesterol. This is important for patients with obesity, cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Regular monitoring of these indicators significantly reduces the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction.
For the elderly, the best option is selected not only with regard to functionality, but also the convenience in operation. The device for use is better to choose with a good visibility of the screen, wide stripes. The meter should be as simple and convenient to use as possible.
Often a device for biochemical analysis of blood is necessary for a child. In this case, the main criterion in the selection is a quick and painless finger puncture. Special piercing pens that have the least effect on the skin can be bought separately. On the market of specialized products are options that measure the concentration of ketones. This analysis gives a more accurate result than when the urine is tested for the relevant indicators.
Meters are simple and multifunctional, with a large amount of memory, code access, a timer and other technical properties. For visually impaired people, instruments with voice control function have been developed.
Doctors often advise their patients to purchase the following glucose meters:
- Clever Chek TD-4227A;
- SensoCard Plus;
- One Touch Selekt Simpl;
- Ascensia Entrust( Bayer).
Classification
Depending on the operating principles, the following types of measuring devices are distinguished:
- electrochemical;
- photometric;
- non-contact;
- laser;
- Romanov's.
The first version is equipped with an express strip, when exposed to blood , a reaction to sugar occurs with the appearance of a current .Measuring its strength is a key indicator of the state of the body. This model is convenient to use at home, it has the smallest error and is considered the most accurate among economical options.
The photometric meter is based on the litmus principle. Upon contact with capillary blood, the test strip changes color. Advantages of this model include affordability at a price, to disadvantages - the probability of measurement error. The final result is determined by the similarity of the color in the test area with the corresponding color variant from the table of norms of indicators.
The non-contact device is designed for analysis without the use of a puncture. Has high accuracy and speed of determination of indicators. The glucometer is equipped with an infrared emitter and a high-sensitivity sensor. To measure a small area of the skin is illuminated by infrared waves of the near-spectrum. When reflected, they are captured by the sensor, after which the mini-computer analyzes the data and displays the result on the screen. The reflectance of the beam is directly dependent on the frequency of the vibrations of the blood molecules. The instrument calculates this value and the sugar concentration.
Laser meter performs the puncture of the skin with a laser. The procedure is almost painless, and the puncture site is better and faster heals. This modification is most convenient for diabetes in children. The kit includes:
- charger;
- set of 10 test strips;
- 10 disposable protective caps;
- case.
For convenience in operation and high accuracy of measurement it is necessary to give a considerable sum. It should be noted that in the future, additional consumables need to be purchased for this model.
Romanian meters also belong to the least traumatic. Any biological fluid from the body is used for analysis. Application of the latest technology for measuring sugar values makes this device very expensive. You can buy a glucometer of this type only from the official representatives of the manufacturer.
Multifunctional glucometers:
- measure the levels of sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides;
- allows you to keep under control the general state of health;
- can avoid complications of atherosclerosis, heart attack.
Models of this type are expensive both for the device itself and for consumables.
Features of operation
Often it happens that a simple and convenient to describe the model shows the wrong result, or there are difficulties with its use. The reason for this can be violations committed during operation.
Common errors:
- violation of the rules of storage of consumables. It is forbidden to use expired test strips, subject them to sharp temperature changes, store in an open container;
- inaccurate use of the device( dust, dirt, water on the elements of the apparatus, high humidity in the room);
- non-compliance with hygiene and temperature conditions when performing measurements( high outside temperature, wet, dirty hands);
- Ignoring the recommendations in the manual.
It should be remembered that any type of glucometer is very sensitive to certain parameters. These include air temperature and humidity in the room, the interval between meals, other. Each model has its own characteristics, so it is important to carefully study the instruction before using. However, there are general rules. It is necessary: the
- store the glucometer in a special case;
- to avoid direct sunlight and overheating;
- do not use the device in rooms with high humidity;
- before washing thoroughly wash hands, pre-prepare all necessary materials.
Compliance with these recommendations will allow to optimize the measurement process and obtain the most accurate results.
