Taking help of Glucosemeter

            By this equipment glucose can easily be measured within a few seconds by the person himself at his home. This is the best method of diagnosing hypoglycemia, since the patient can measure his glucose level the moment he feels the symptoms. There is some difference in the reading of glucose by glucometer and laboratory since in glucometer sample is taken from capillary while in laboratory sample is taken from veins. 

            This difference in the source of sample is responsible for the minor in values. This does not have any significance as far as decision regarding treatment is concerned. In fasting state glucometer and laboratory readings are almost the same whereas in post-meal report glucometer reading shows a little higher value since in post-meal state the level of glucose is higher in capillary blood.                                         .

            The main aim of Glucometer reading is to know whether the glucose level is normal, low or high. If the blood glucose level is in the range of 250-300 or more then the readings of Glucometer and laboratory show greater variation. But it makes no difference in physician’s decision regarding treatment.                                      .

            Glucometer is a very helpful device for a diabetic patient. With as little as a drop of blood it is possible to check one’s blood sugar anywhere and anytime. In case of symptoms of hypoglycemia Glucometer is the best device to know the exact level of glucose.

            In United States and other developed European countries, glucose self-monitoring by glucometer is a daily routine for all diabetic patients. Glucometer reports are reliable although the Glucometer should be calibrated from time to time.

            Glucometer measures glucose in mg/dl. or mmol/L. To convert mmol into mg it should be multiplied by 18. For example:  11 mmol = 11x18 = 198 mg. Sample for glucose testing with glucometer is taken by finger prick. A pricker for this is supplied with the glucometer. Sample should be taken from the finger tip with the help of the pricker and not from the pulp of the finger as shown in the figure.