Nov 22 2009
Methods Of Testing Blood Sugar Levels
Detailed in this article are the various methods that can be used to test the sugar levels in your blood. Though they differ in the way they do it, these diabetes testing methods are used for the same purpose. The best one for you is dependent on personal preference rather than anything else.
1. Blood sugar monitoring at home. This method is the most common. You have to use a specially designed needle to prick your finger. You will then need to squeeze the finger in order to obtain a drop of blood which you will then place on a test strip. This test strip will then be placed into a meter which will in turn determine your blood sugar level.
2. Alternative self testing. Over time, newer meters have developed which now allow you to test body parts other than your finger tip; these include the base of your thumb, your thighs and your forearms. Despite these additional options drawing blood from your finger tips remains the most used. The reason being that the blood in your finger tips gives a more precise reading than blood in other parts of your body.
3. Drawing blood through laser. In the late 90s, a laser device that was capable of extracting blood from a finger was approved by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration).. This device was in response to the numerous complaints of discomfort and pain caused by the regular pricking of the finger. For those who are not at ease with piercing their skin with a needle, this is an ideal solution.
4. Glucose monitoring system. This device involves a very small tube which is inserted under your skin. The device then collects small amounts of fluids and measures the sugar levels or content of these fluids over a 72 hour period. It’s an underused system but should be considered by those who forget or don’t always have time to take blood samples themselves.
5. The ‘Gluco Watch’. The FDA approved the Gluco Watch, which is device that is like a watch, in 2001. This watch-like meter helps you to measure your blood sugar levels three times per hour over a 12 hour period. This is one of the first diabetes testing meter that that is really non invasive.
