subject: An Overview Of Blood Glucose Testing [print this page] When carbohydrates are converted into sugar for the body to use, it is a normal process for most people. For those who have diabetes, it can be an entirely different matter. Monitoring your blood sugar levels is crucial to your health, and regular glucose testing is required. Below, you will find some important information about diabetes and your glucose monitoring needs.
Diabetes is a medical term applied to a condition where the human body does not properly manage converting blood sugar into usable energy. There are different types of diabetes which include Type 1, and Type 2. Type 2 is the most common form and can require having to take insulin to maintain the sugar balance in the body.
Glucose levels are lowest when a person first wakes up each day, but normal levels are between 70 and 150mg. Hyperglycemia exists when your count is above 150, and if it is below 70, you are considered hypoglycemic. Efforts to stay within the normal levels requires using a glucose meter to monitor blood sugar levels.
When choosing a glucose meter, choosing the best one is as much a matter of lifestyle as accuracy. People have different jobs, recreational activities and other demands on their lives which could need a meter that is either easier to use, or remains on the person at all times for more convenience.
Glucose testing meters have improved greatly over the years and are now much smaller than the first efforts at providing a testing system that did not require going to a doctor's office. The All-In-One is small enough to fit in most pockets and comes with a number of test strips.
Some diabetics are more strict about their diets than others, and might want a glucose meter which combines the feature of food monitoring. Other people may like a meter to wear on their arm like a wrist watch, and can choose one that also monitors their blood pressure. Two more units are the one which is a continuously monitoring meter, and there is a meter designed especially for the visually impaired.
Diabetes can be controlled by diet and medication, but regularly checking your count can only be done with glucose testing meters. They are light weight, affordable and you can even wear one on your wrist. Taking care of your health is the most important thing you have to do in a day, and diabetes does not have to rule you life.
