setting up a blood sugar test
Originally, blood glucose levels were tested using urine. But urine is not really a reliable indicator of how much glucose is in the blood, merely how much glucose is being expelled from the blood. Fortunately, advances in technology have allowed us to develop simple, direct testing kits for blood glucose levels. Equipment for all tests mentioned here can be obtained a number of diabetic supply companies.
There are two types of test-strip based glucose measurement meters currently available on the consumer market. These glucose meters don't really do much besides read and process the date presented by the test strips.
One of the types of test strips on the market uses the reaction of blood components with enzymes to make measurements. The meter uses the resulting color produced by this reaction to give a blood sugar reading.
The other type of test strip sends electrons through the blood that is taken. The way the electrons manage to travel through the blood will allow for a calculation of how much glucose is in the blood.
Regardless of which type of glucose testing kit you use, you will want to measure your glucose as much as is necessary to get an idea of how consistent your blood sugar levels are throughout the day. You will find that after a while you will be able to predict your levels intuitively, and then you may only need to test your levels a couple times per day.
Thank you for viewing our original diabetes instructional video. We urge all diabetics to request a free diabetic alliance diabetes guide, and many will qualify for a free glucose meter as well.