Blood Glucose Testing
By: Agatha CarlssonTotal Views: 185, Word Count: 508,
It is well known that blood glucose testing is the most important task to do for the diabetic patients. It is extremely important to maintain the blood glucose level at normal by taking appropriate medication as well as following a healthy diet. Blood glucose testing plays a major role is calculating the actual amount of glucose present in the body of a patient or normal person. It is available in the form of instruments. Before knowing about the principle behind blood glucose testing, let us first focus on what is blood glucose level and its importance in life.
Blood Glucose
- The blood glucose level is defined as the amount of glucose (sugar) present in the blood of a human or animal.
- Normally, in humans, the body maintains the blood glucose level between about 3.6 and 5.8 mM (mmol/L, i.e., millimoles/liter) i.e. 64.8 and 104.4 mg/dL. The human body strictly maintains this level as a part of its metabolic homeostasis.
- Glucose is known to be the primary source of energy for the cells of the body. This glucose is transported from the intestines or liver of the body to other cells through the bloodstream. It is then made available for cell absorption with the help of insulin produced in the pancreas.
- Normally, the blood glucose level of individuals fluctuates throughout the day. But it is noted that blood sugar levels outside the normal range can form the medical conditions which are referred as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
- Diabetes mellitus is known to be a disease of hyperglycemia which is increase in blood glucose level due to failure of blood sugar regulation.
Blood Glucose Testing
In all the cases of glucose fluctuations, it is necessary to know the exact amount of glucose level in blood. Here comes the role of blood glucose testing. The testing of blood glucose takes place by the instrument known as blood glucose meter or glucose meter.
Types of Blood Glucose Testing Instruments
Glucose Meter
A glucose meter is a medical device used for determining the concentration of glucose in the blood. It is a popular home blood glucose monitoring device. In this instrument, a small drop of blood which is obtained by pricking the skin of the finger is placed on a disposable test strip. The meter can read the glucose level by calculating the specific quantity of components involved in the chemical reaction on the strip.
Combined Wrist Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose Meter
It is known to be a 2-in-1 product that is Blood Sugar Meter and Blood Pressure Monitor. It is compact, light-weight, and very comfortable to use with its accuracy in measurements. It can be used on the wrist and the blood glucose level can be calculated using sensors.
Along with these blood glucose testing methods, continuous glucose monitoring, wrist watch glucose meter are also available in the market to know the exact level of glucose at any time. Along with this, continuous research is taking place in this field, so as to acquire major accuracy and comfort in the instrument.
About the Author
Agatha Carlsson is a medical practitioner based in Sweden. Apart from being a physician, Agatha is also a Diabetes Educator who does lifestyle and food counseling for diabetic patients.
Advice Rating: Not yet rated
Login to vote