Diabetic Blood Glucose Self Monitoring

Self monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) allows the diabetic to monitor and achieve metabolic control and decrease the danger of hypoglycemia. The American Diabetes Association recommends that all people with diabetes must be taught some method of blood glucose monitoring. The timing of SMBG is up to the individual and depends on the diabetic's diagnosis, general disease control, and physical state. It is recommended that diabetics with type 1 diabetes self monitor their blood glucose level a minimum of three times a day. Diabetics with type 2 diabetes should also self test their blood glucose levels several times a day.

If the diabetic therapy is added to or modified people with both types of diabetes should test their blood glucose more often until they and their doctor are satisfied that there are no ill effects. SMBG is also very useful for diabetics when they are ill, pregnant, or are experiencing the symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

Every year the American Diabetes Association publishes a comprehensive list of blood glucose monitoring machines and strips that are available for purchases and their approximate price. Health insurance will usually cover the cost of purchasing these machines along with other diabetes supplies.

The supplies needed for a successful SMBG test includes the following.

• A lancet device of some type to perform finger sticks to obtain a drop of blood.

• Chemically treated test strips that change color when they come in contact with glucose or that can be read by machine. The strip may also be read by comparing its color with a color chart on the side of the container or on an insert.

• A blood glucose monitor if the most accurate measurement is desired or recommended. The manufacturer's instructions must be followed carefully. If the timing of the blood on the strip is not exact, the test will not be accurate. In addition, the machine must be cleaned according to the manufacturer's directions to ensure accuracy. Monitors that use no-wipe technology improve the accuracy of glucose measurement. Other monitors are computerized and may include a memory of previous glucose readings to show a pattern of control.

There are factors that may affect the accuracy of blood glucose self monitoring tests. These include.

• Increased triglyceride levels, which can interfere with the way light is reflected in light reflectance monitors.

• Insufficient amounts of blood on the testing strip, outdated strips, and exposure of the strips to air and humidity.

• Both increased and decreased hematocrits, with blood glucose values varying as much as 30% for every 10% change in hematocrit.

• High altitudes, which cause a decrease in blood oxygen.

• High doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), salicylates (Asprin), and tetracycline.