Blood glucose monitoring refers to the ongoing measurement of blood sugar (glucose). Monitoring can be done at any time using a portable device called a glucometer.
See also:
Alternative NamesHome glucose monitoring; Self monitoring of blood glucose
How the test is performedThe traditional glucose meter comes with test strips, small needles called lancets, and a logbook for recording your numbers. There are many different kinds of these meters, but they all work essentially the same way.
A complete testing kit can be purchased from a pharmacy without a prescription. Your doctor or nurse can help you choose the equipment that's right for you, help you set it up, and teach you how to use it.
You will prick your finger with the lancet and place a drop of blood on a special strip. This strip uses a chemical substance to determine the amount of glucose in the blood. (Newer monitors can use blood from other areas of the body besides the fingers, reducing discomfort.) The meter displays your blood sugar results as a number on a digital display.
How to prepare for the testHave all test items within reach before starting -- timing is important. Clean the needle prick area with soap and water or an alcohol swab. Completely dry the skin before pricking.
How the test will feelThere is a sharp prick.
Why the test is performedThis test reveals your blood sugar level.
If you have diabetes, you can use it to carefully monitor your blood sugar levels at home. Regularly checking your blood sugar level is one of the most important steps you can take in managing the disease. It provides your doctor with important information regarding the control of your blood sugar.
When you keep track of your blood sugar you will:
Testing allows you to respond quickly to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This might include diet adjustments, exercise, and insulin (as instructed by your health care provider).
Your doctor may order a blood sugar test to screen for diabetes. For more information, see blood glucose test.
Normal ValuesValues can vary depending on physical activity, meals, and insulin administration. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanLow levels indicate hypoglycemia. Have something to eat. You may need to change the next insulin dose, and possibly future insulin doses as well.
If levels are too high, this indicates hyperglycemia. You may need additional insulin.
What the risks areThere is a slight chance of infection at the puncture site. A small amount of bleeding may occur after the puncture.
Special considerationsThe correct procedure must be followed or the results will not be accurate.
ReferencesAmerican Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes--2010. Diabetes Care. 2010 Jan;33 Suppl 1:S11-61.
Blood glucose monitoring involves regularly testing one's blood glucose levels to manage Diabetes. It helps individuals make informed decisions about medication, diet, and physical activity to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range and prevent complications. Common methods include using a glucose meter to measure blood sugar from a finger prick or a continuous glucose monitoring system that provides real-time data throughout the day. Regular monitoring is essential for maintaining good diabetes management.
Blood glucose monitoring refers to the ongoing measurement of blood sugar (glucose). Monitoring can be done at any time using a portable device called a glucometer.
See also:
Alternative NamesHome glucose monitoring; Self monitoring of blood glucose
How the test is performedThe traditional glucose meter comes with test strips, small needles called lancets, and a logbook for recording your numbers. There are many different kinds of these meters, but they all work essentially the same way.
A complete testing kit can be purchased from a pharmacy without a prescription. Your doctor or nurse can help you choose the equipment that's right for you, help you set it up, and teach you how to use it.
You will prick your finger with the lancet and place a drop of blood on a special strip. This strip uses a chemical substance to determine the amount of glucose in the blood. (Newer monitors can use blood from other areas of the body besides the fingers, reducing discomfort.) The meter displays your blood sugar results as a number on a digital display.
How to prepare for the testHave all test items within reach before starting -- timing is important. Clean the needle prick area with soap and water or an alcohol swab. Completely dry the skin before pricking.
How the test will feelThere is a sharp prick.
Why the test is performedThis test reveals your blood sugar level.
If you have diabetes, you can use it to carefully monitor your blood sugar levels at home. Regularly checking your blood sugar level is one of the most important steps you can take in managing the disease. It provides your doctor with important information regarding the control of your blood sugar.
When you keep track of your blood sugar you will:
Testing allows you to respond quickly to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This might include diet adjustments, exercise, and insulin (as instructed by your health care provider).
Your doctor may order a blood sugar test to screen for diabetes. For more information, see blood glucose test.
Normal ValuesValues can vary depending on physical activity, meals, and insulin administration. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
What abnormal results meanLow levels indicate hypoglycemia. Have something to eat. You may need to change the next insulin dose, and possibly future insulin doses as well.
If levels are too high, this indicates hyperglycemia. You may need additional insulin.
What the risks areThere is a slight chance of infection at the puncture site. A small amount of bleeding may occur after the puncture.
Special considerationsThe correct procedure must be followed or the results will not be accurate.
ReferencesAmerican Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes--2010. Diabetes Care. 2010 Jan;33 Suppl 1:S11-61.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 04/19/2010
Ari S. Eckman, MD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Common methods for measuring blood glucose include using a glucose meter to test a drop of blood from a finger prick, continuous glucose monitoring systems that provide real-time glucose readings through a sensor inserted under the skin, and laboratory blood tests that measure glucose levels in a blood sample taken from a vein.
A glucometer is used to measure the level of glucose (sugar) in a person's blood. It is commonly used by individuals with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels and make informed decisions about their diet, exercise, and medication. Regular monitoring with a glucometer helps to manage diabetes effectively and reduce the risk of complications.
HPCL stands for high-performance liquid chromatography. It is a technique used to separate, identify, and quantify components in a mixture. In the context of a blood test, HPCL may be used to analyze levels of certain compounds, such as glucose or cholesterol, for diagnostic or monitoring purposes.
The diagnostic test used to determine the amount of glucose in the blood is called a blood glucose test. This test measures the concentration of glucose in a blood sample obtained through a finger prick or from a vein in the arm. It is commonly used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as diabetes and hypoglycemia.
One synonym for glucose is blood sugar.
The liver and pancreas release glucose right into the blood, therefore you will get a more accurate amount if you test your blood.
Blood glucose monitoring is for people with diabetes so they can control their blood glucose in their own home. The advantages of blood glucose monitoring are early detection of hypoglycemia, better blood sugar control, and fewer complications.
David D. Cunningham has written: 'In vivo glucose sensing' -- subject(s): Blood sugar monitoring, Blood Glucose, Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring, Biosensors, Diabetes, Analysis, Biosensing Techniques
No. Because read one's blood glucose level requires analyzing a sample of that blood.
Frederick Chee has written: 'Closed-loop control of blood glucose' -- subject(s): Analysis, Blood Glucose, Blood sugar monitoring, Diabetes Mellitus, Drug Therapy, Computer-Assisted, Drug therapy, Insulin Infusion Systems, Insulin pumps, Methods, Monitoring, Physiologic, Physiologic Monitoring, Technological innovations
People who are diabetic use blood glucose monitors to monitor their glucose. It's important for diabetics to regularly monitor their glucose to be sure that they are approriatley monitoring their glucose and can make any adjustment to their treatment accordingly.
CPT Code -82962- Glucose, blood by glucose monitoring device(s) cleared by the FDA specifically for home use
Common methods for measuring blood glucose include using a glucose meter to test a drop of blood from a finger prick, continuous glucose monitoring systems that provide real-time glucose readings through a sensor inserted under the skin, and laboratory blood tests that measure glucose levels in a blood sample taken from a vein.
A disorder of blood glucose regulation refers to conditions where the body has difficulty maintaining stable blood sugar levels. This can include disorders like diabetes, hypoglycemia, or impaired glucose tolerance. Proper management and monitoring of blood glucose levels are essential to prevent complications associated with these disorders.
Almost any pharmacy will have a glucose monitoring kit. They vary in price but most a pretty accurate.
Charles Beaverstock has written: 'Effect of renal threshold on urine glucose and patient acceptance and maintenance of home blood glucose monitoring'
More than likely people who would need to check thier blood sugar. People with diabetes may need a glucose meter watch. Generally, continuous glucose monitoring is necessary for diabetics. Type 1 diabetics in particular require regular glucose monitoring, either through finger pricks or through the use of a continuous glucose monitoring device. This is because their inability to produce endogenous insulin puts them at risk of coma or death from extreme blood sugar highs or lows.