People who have just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes need a number of tools to manage their blood glucose levels. What do these tools include?
Glucose meters
Glucose meters, also known as blood glucose monitors, measure the amount of glucose in a drop of blood, reflecting whether the patient’s blood sugar is low or high. The patient can then discuss this with their doctor about what to do if their blood sugar is too low or too high.
In addition, a blood glucose meter can reflect how diet, exercise, stress, illness, and medications affect blood glucose levels.
Jane Seley, a diabetes nurse practitioner at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, says, “Patients need to choose a blood glucose meter that they are comfortable and confident with. A blood glucose meter should also have a screen large enough to read, preferably one that can measure less than a microliter blood sample. These devices are more comfortable to use, and patients don’t have to lance too deeply. It also has a higher success rate and does not waste too much test paper.
Glucose meters that can download blood glucose readings to a smartphone, tablet, or computer allow patients to see how blood glucose levels change throughout the day, helping to make better decisions, such as when to exercise and what to eat for breakfast.
Test strips
Each test strip that measures blood glucose contains chemicals that convert the sugar in the blood into a readable current number. To use them, patients wash their hands, then put the test strips into the glucose meter and test them by pricking the side of their fingertip with a blood collection needle.
The blood collection needle is mounted inside the blood collection device and is similar in shape and size to a pen, fitted with a spring that helps one to easily prick the finger with the right amount of pressure. A drop of blood is squeezed onto the test strip and the blood glucose level is measured by a blood glucose meter.
After obtaining test results, patients who want to learn more about how daily meals, exercise, and rest affect their blood glucose levels should ask their doctor.
Sharp box
Put the blood collection needle in the sharps box and put it in the trash. Sharps cassettes are available at pharmacies. Opaque detergent bottles made of thick plastic can also serve as sharps containers.
Follow up
Patients can ask their doctor the following questions:
- Am I using my blood glucose meter the right way?
- Is glycated hemoglobin (average blood glucose level over the past 3 months) on target? If not, what should I do?
- What is the best time to measure my blood glucose level?
- What should my blood glucose levels be before and after meals?