The amount of blood glucose is one of the important indicators of our health. The glucose level below or above the normal range suggests several ailments. Often, people who are diagnosed with Diabetes or other health conditions, that call for maintaining a stable blood sugar level, need to continuously monitor their glucose levels. For most patients, who have to keep a check on their glucose levels, blood glucose monitors are very useful and can be used conveniently.
Although most monitors require expert supervision, there are several varieties, which are relatively simple and can be used by common people with minimum or no supervision. There exist various types of these monitors that help to keep a check on the glucose levels.
Different Ways to Monitor Blood Sugar
There are a number of ways to monitor the blood sugar levels. Some of the ways are easy, whereas others are complicated. Every patient needs to pick up a monitor that suits his/her medical condition.
Chemical Strips
The chemical strips are easy and economical way of measuring one’s glucose levels. A drop of blood is taken from the fingertip and is placed on the chemically prepared blood glucose-testing strip. The chemicals in this strip react with the blood constituents and change color according to the concentration of glucose. There is an explanatory chart, which helps to compare the color and interpret results accordingly. However, these monitors are usually recommended only for people, who are not using insulin, or those who can’t afford to use an electronic meter.
Electronic Blood Glucose Meters
A more expensive and accurate version is the electronic glucose meter. This meter is nothing but an electronic device, which is used for accurate measurement of the glucose level in the blood. A drop of blood (relatively smaller than the one used in chemical strips) is placed on a disposable test strip that is linked with a digital meter. Within a few seconds the glucose level is shown on the digital display.
Glucose Sensing Bio-Implants
These are the most advanced devices, which are also very expensive and have to be surgically implanted. These bio-implants can be introduced by minor surgical implantation of the sensors. The longevity of these sensors ranges from one year to more than five years, and differs from product to product.
Normal Range of Blood Sugar Level
The normal range for the glucose is 70-100 mg/dl. A range of 101-125 mg/dl for blood glucose indicates impaired fasting glucose. On the other hand, levels of 126 mg/dl and above indicate a risk of diabetes.
Dangers of Increased/Decreased Glucose Levels
In case a person’s blood glucose levels are way to high or too low in comparison with the normal range, then it may lead to conditions of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). One of the most common diseases related to persistent hyperglycemia and failure of blood sugar regulation is Diabetes mellitus.
