Diabetes is a complicated and challenging disease. People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes need to test how much glucose is in their blood regularly in order to know when they need to take insulin and assess the effectiveness of the insulin dose that they may be taking. The standards of care for diabetic people have changed rapidly due to improved technology for measuring blood glucose.
Some of the methods currently in use include;
- Chemical Strips.
- Blood Glucose Meter.
- Continuous Blood Glucose Monitors.
- New technologies (Non-Invasive Technology and Glucose Bio Implant).
Chemical Test Strips
This is a less costly method for blood glucose monitoring. A drop of blood drawn from the fingertip is placed on a chemical strip known as Glucose Testing Strip. The strip changes color depending on the concentration of glucose in the blood. A color chart is used to compare the color with the corresponding glucose level which can either be normal, low, or high. This method is recommended only to people who are not using insulin but who are monitoring their blood glucose levels intermittently.
Blood Glucose Meter
This is an electronic device used for measuring a blood glucose level. In this case, the test strip, where a relatively small drop of blood is placed is linked with a digital meter. Once the drop of blood is placed on the strip, the meter digitally displays the level of blood glucose. This method is relatively expensive compared to the chemical strip test but it’s the most effective for diabetic people self-care. Again, less blood is required for the digital test strip compared with the chemical strip. A recent breakthrough has made it possible for the patient to use blood from another part of the body which is less painful compared to a finger.
Continuous Blood glucose monitor
This monitor is for continuous blood glucose level testing, giving results every few minutes. This system consists of a disposable glucose sensor usually placed under the skin and usually replaced every few days; the sensor is linked to a transmitter that communicates with a radio receiver, this is linked to the insulin pump and an electronic receiver for displaying the blood glucose levels on a continuous basis.
Continuous monitoring helps in the assessment of how the blood glucose level responds to insulin, food, exercise, and other factors. The data corrected is used to correct insulin dosage ratio and in hyperglycemia correction.
The future of blood glucose testing looks bright with the ongoing development of Glucose Sensing Bio Implants and Non-Invasive Technology. In Glucose Sensing Bio Implants, diabetic patients will undergo minor surgery for sensor implants. This sensor can last up to five years in the Diabetic patient system.
Non-Invasive Technology is already being tested where blood glucose tests will not involve access to blood. Infrared detection and ultrasound will be employed to monitor the blood glucose level. This breakthrough will provide continuous blood glucose monitoring for a patient without much intervention.
All these methods discussed above when carried out well can help a diabetic patient manage the blood glucose level effectively.
Reference
John K. Davidson (2000) Clinical Diabetes Mellitus; a Problem Oriented Approach, Davidson publisher, United States.
Julian M. Whitaker (1987) Reversing Diabetes, Warner publishers, United States.
Margaret A. Power (1996) Handbook of Diabetes Medical Nutrition Therapy, Jones & Bartlett publishers, United Kingdom.