Blood Sugar Monitors: Useful, Effective, And Life-saving

| Tuesday, September 13, 2011
By Maria Georgia


Diabetes is defined as a chronic condition associated with abnormally high level of sugar or glucose in the blood. The said condition is caused by low or insufficient production of insulin which lowers blood glucose and produced by the pancreas. Diabetes is classified as a metabolism disorder which affects the way our bodies digest food for energy and growth. Diabetes is life long and thus requires continues treatment. Monitoring can be done with the help of a doctor as well as home monitoring using different tools such as a blood sugar monitor.

Diabetes is classified into two-insulin dependent diabetes and non-insulin diabetes, or simply type 1 and type 2, respectively. The kind of diabetes that renders the body incapable of producing insulin is called Type 1 diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). The immune system of people suffering from this type of diabetes produces abnormal antibodies in their blood which damages the body's own body including the pancreas-which as was aforementioned produces insulin. As the body is incapable of producing insulin, patients are required to rely in insulin medication in order to survive. Type 1 diabetes is common among young and lean individuals usually under 30 years of age.

The second type of diabetes is the type 2 diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). This second type of diabetes is more common among adult individuals and thus is also referred to as adult onset diabetes mellitus (AODM). Data shows that for each decade after 40 years of age regardless of weight there is an increase in incidence of Type 2 diabetes. NIDDM is the condition wherein the body can still produce insulin but is not enough for the body's need especially in cases of insulin resistance. Cells in the body of type 2 diabetes patients usually lack sensitivity to insulin. The production of insulin by the pancreas in such cases is also defective and suboptimal that the patient eventually needs insulin medication as well. Given the fact that type 2 diabetes usually occur among adult individuals, monitoring of blood glucose through blood sugar monitors is highly recommended.

Controlling blood sugar is an important factor in treating diabetes patients. Blood glucose during the treatment should be always near the normal range of 70 to 120 mg/dl before meals and under 140 mg/dl at two hours after eating. With the importance of controlling blood sugar, home blood sugar testing should be done regularly through the use of blood sugar monitors. Monitoring is usually done before and after meals as well as before the patient's bedtime.

A lancing device, glucose meter, and a record book make up a blood sugar monitor. To read the value of blood sugar levels, the lancing device is being used to prick the finger of the patient. From the pricked finger, blood is taken and applied in the glucose meter where the blood sugar levels will be measured. Results will then be recorded in the record book. Among the many blood sugar monitors now available in the market, notable and trusted brands include Accu-Check Advantage, One Touch Ultra, Sure Step, and Freestyle.

Diabetes is a disease which is classified as hereditary. Nonetheless, it may still be minimized or ultimately prevented if managed appropriately. Among the many ways people to accomplish such are a healthy diet, regular exercise and the constant monitoring of blood sugar levels through the use of blood sugar monitors.




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