Diabetes home testing is a practical, inexpensive way for people with Diabetes Mellitus to monitor their blood glucose levels frequently without the use of a lab or a doctor.Home testing for Diabetes is important for people who have already been diagnosed with the condition because the main goal in managing this disease is to maintain normal levels of blood glucose. Having the ability to test one’s own blood sugar gives an individual freedom and the ability to ensure that his or her health is not in jeopardy. If testing determines that blood sugar is too high or low, then the individual can use the results as an opportunity to amend his or her treatment plan accordingly. In addition, eliminating episodes of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia reduces the complications and destructive nature of Diabetes.
Diabetes testing at home can be a wise choice for people who qualify as Pre-Diabetic and want to monitor their blood glucose levels to prevent the onset of Diabetes. People who have family members with Diabetes,are genetically predisposed, or have increased risk factors but want to spare the cost of doing traditional testing at a doctor’s office or clinic would also be ideal candidates for Diabetes home testing.
Testing for Diabetes at Home
Testing for Diabetes at home can be effective for people for Diabetes and are available in a plethora of styles and price ranges. The most traditional method is to prick one’s finger, smear the blood on a test strip, and then feed the strip into the meter. The meter then tests the blood for glucose and produces a reading. The devices have several features that can accommodate a person with failing eyesight and memory issues. For example, the devices can be programmed to display a larger reading, it can “read” to the person, and it can recall past readings. In addition, some meters can download information to a computer in order to chart blood glucose readings over a period. This type of kit is available at pharmacies and discount stores.
Testing before meals should produce a reading of 70-130 mg/dL, while testing after meals should produce a reading of less than 180 mg/dL. Hemoglobin A1c (H1A1c) readings should be less than 7% and are as follows: 124mg/dL = 6.3%, 147mg/dL = 7%, 180mg/dL = 8, 214mg/dL = 9%, 247mg/dL = 10%, 280mg/dL = 11%.
Home Testing Kits for Diabetes
Home testing kits for Diabetes also includes non-traditional methods of testing levels of sugar and hemoglobin levels. Newer methods eliminate the need to prick the finger as the modern devices can “sense” the level of sugar in the blood in other ways. One way is the GlucoWatch, which is similar to a watch, but instead of time keeping, it monitors levels through electric currents. It checks the levels three times an hour for a twelve-hour period. This method may not be as reliable as the strip method, and is limited to the twelve-hour window.
Another mode of Diabetes testing at home can be to use a catheter inserted beneath the skin. It constantly checks a person’s level for up to seventy-two hours. This method also eliminates finger sticking, but it could be uncomfortable, has a short duration, and would require frequent replacements.
