Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to adequately use or adequately produce insulin. This inability to use insulin, whether because of body resistance or decrease production, results in a high level of glucose in the blood stream. This excess sugar is the reason behind the long-term complications, such as loss of eyesight, kidney damage, sexual dysfunction and nerve damage. By adequately monitoring glucose levels an individual who is diabetic can often decrease the number of complications and the severity of those complications.
Blood glucose monitoring happens in two different ways. In the first case, an individual should monitor their blood glucose levels at least daily, if not three times daily, at home using a glucometer. In the second case, the endocrinologist will order a blood test every three to six months to monitor other blood indicators that give the physician an adequate reading of how well-controlled the individual’s glucose levels have been.
Decades ago these methods of monitoring blood glucose were not available. In fact, history has recorded the use of “urine testers”, or individuals who tasted urine in order to determine whether or not sugar was spilling into the urine. (1) Today, manufacturers have produced technologically advanced monitors that are small, inconspicuous and often need no more than a drop of blood in order to get an accurate reading.
By monitoring blood sugar over the entire day the individual helps to reduce the numbers of peaks and valleys in the glucose readings, which also helps to decrease the long-term complications. Monitoring blood sugar also helps an individual to learn how food, activity levels, stress, medicine and insulin all play a role together in the control of blood glucose. Using this information the patient can stay healthy, prevent or delay complications and prevent infections.
This monitoring at home is done with a glucose meter or glucometer. Your insurance plan will indicate which model of glucometer they are willing to pay for. The individual should also check with their endocrinologist to see which one the physician recommends. Consider the different features and which are important to you. For instance, those who have poor eyesight may want to spend a little bit more money for a meter that reads in large print. Others may want a meter that will store results over several days.
References:
(1) The Health Fitness Project: History of Diabetes
http://www.thehealthfitnessproject.com/special-populations/diabetes/
(2) American Diabetes Association: A1C
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/a1c/
(3) National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: DCCT and EDIC: The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial and Follow up Study
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/control/
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