Description

• The glucometer consists of a lancet device, lancets, a meter and meter strips. The lancet device is used to prick the finger or arm to draw a droplet of blood. Lancets are the small needles used in the lancet device. Meter strips are placed in the meter. They work like a wick because they draw in the blood, so the meter can read the blood sugar level. Readings are available in five seconds, allowing the diabetic to have real time information about their blood sugar levels.
  
  

Time Frame

• Depending upon the severity of the diabetic, health providers decide on how often diabetics need to measure blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetics are dependent on insulin, so their blood sugar levels may experience lows or highs quickly. They usually monitor their blood sugar levels three to four times per day. Type 2 diabetics, who are not dependent on insulin or oral medication, may only measure their blood sugar level once per day or a few times a week to assure that blood sugar levels are staying within normal ranges.
  
  

Ranges

• Normal blood sugar ranges for a diabetic are slightly wider than the ranges for a non-diabetic because diabetic's sugar levels can swing high or low easily. A normal range for a diabetic is 70 to 120 milligrams per deciliter or mg/dL. The normal range for a non-diabetic is 70 to 100. Within two hours of eating, the blood sugar levels may rise to 140 mg/dL or more. This is normal unless the blood sugar levels do not drop in a few hours. Illnesses may cause the blood sugar to spike. Doctors recommend that diabetics monitor their blood sugar levels every two to four hours when sick.
  
  

Function

• Monitoring blood sugar levels helps the diabetic analyze why blood sugar levels spike or drop and what time of day changes are more apt to happen. If blood sugar levels drop during the night, diabetics may eat a snack before bedtime. If levels drop after exercising, diabetics may eat carbohydrates before or after exerting themselves. If certain foods cause the blood sugar to spike, and it does not return to normal within a few hours, the diabetic may want to remove that food from the diet or limit the intake of the food. Monitoring blood sugar levels helps the diabetic stabilize the blood sugar, which, in turn, allows the diabetic to have a healthier lifestyle.
  
  

Considerations

• When you first start using a glucometer, keep track of your readings. You can do this with the booklet that comes with your meter or keep track by entering the information into the meter's memory. Doctors recommend that you take your readings at different times of the day, before eating and after eating. A variety of readings will help you determine what makes your sugar rise or fall. Always wash your hands before using the glucometer. Sterilize the area you prick with an alcohol wipe. Change the lancets often. Your instructions will tell you to change the lancet after every use, but you can change it after every three or four uses.