If you’re on-the-fence about investing in a glucometer, and worry about the usefulness of such a device, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re going to walk through what a glucometer is, and why it is an essential investment for anyone looking to monitor their blood-sugar levels regularly. 

What is a glucometer? 

To put it in simple words, a glucometer is a compact device that measures the glucose level in an individual’s blood. Most glucometers work on one of two principles, which are as follows: 

Chemical: 

Glucometers that operate on this principle come with a ‘test strip,’ that has a chemical on it. When glucose comes into contact with this chemical, the strip changes color, which then allows for the glucometer to measure the intensity and color of the strip, and provide a reading. 

Electrical: 

Electrical glucometers measure the electric current in an individual’s bloodstream. Instead of measuring the intensity of the color, the glucometer measures the flow of electrons, and provides a reading. 

As far as the accuracy of glucometers is concerned, both chemical and electrical glucometers are fairly accurate in their reading, which is a factor that significantly contributes to their usefulness. 

What are the benefits of a glucometer? 

   Now that we’ve defined in simple terms what a glucometer is, and the principles upon which the device operates, it’s high time that we can get into the benefits that it has to offer. As far as diabetes patients are concerned, a glucometer is a necessary purchase. With that being said, however, some advantages to investing in a glucometer include the following: 

 

1- Observe trends in your blood sugar levels: 

One of the greatest advantages that a glucometer has to offer is that through it’s consistent usage, patients can determine trends and patterns in their glucose levels. By checking your glucose level on a regular basis, you can create a baseline for your blood-sugar level, and note down the highs, lows, and fluctuations in your glucose level. 

Furthermore, in instances where an individual suffers from palpitations, excessive sweating, and other symptoms, a glucometer can provide an immediate reading, and help the person determine what’s going on with their glucose levels. In that way, a glucometer offers the patient a certain autonomy over their medical condition, and equips them with the data to make well-informed decisions. 

2- Convenience and usability:

Let’s face it. No one has the time to rush to the laboratory every time they feel a little queasy, or unwell. With a glucometer, patients suffering from diabetes can easily monitor and check their glucose levels from the comfort of their homes. A glucometer is perhaps the most convenient device that a diabetes patient can own, and is quite easy to use as well. 

Regardless of whether you’re using an electrical or chemical glucometer, the learning curve is pretty steep, and easy to learn for everyone. Elderly people will find a glucometer to be of great convenience too, along with the children who suffer from diabetes. 

3- Cost effectiveness: 

A rather important reason that might convince you to invest in a glucometer is how cost effective the device is. Considering how accurate, and usable a glucometer is, it’s market is thoroughly justified. 

In order to purchase the best glucometer on the market, we would recommend that you research, and have a look at a list of medical sensor manufacturers, and then take the best pick. 

4- Smart Glucometers: 

With rapid advancements in technology, glucometers have gotten increasingly accurate. Not only that, with ‘smart’ glucometers on the market, patients can download the adjoining application onto their smartphones, and keep an even more vigorous check on their blood glucose levels.

A glucometer can go a long way when it comes to allowing a patient to keep check over their glucose levels. Not only can it significantly reduce the time that you have to spend visiting labs and hospitals, it allows a patient more control over their lives.