How To Store A Glucometer

A Diabetes Test You Can Do Yourself

Are you urinating more often, feeling very thirsty, hungry, or tired? Maybe you’re losing weight. You may have type 2 diabetes. To find out, you can make an appointment with your doctor and have your blood tested for the condition. Or you can go to the drug store, buy a blood glucose meter, and give yourself a diabetes test. An estimated 40 percent of adults with type 2 diabetes don’t know they have it, which means they aren’t getting treatment that could protect them from very serious health problems down the road, such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney failure. The best option is to go to a doctor if you’re having symptoms of diabetes. But if you’re reluctant to do that, for whatever reason, the next best thing is to buy an over-the-counter diabetes test kit. "If you have a family history of diabetes, are obese, or have high blood pressure, you should test yourself for diabetes, if your doctor hasn’t already done so," says Marvin M. Lipman, M.D., Consumer Reports' chief medical adviser. "By being a proactive person, you might save yourself a lot of grief in the future.” Blood glucose meters can be purchased without a prescription. Models in our Ratings of more than two dozen devices cost $10 to $75. They usually come with 10 lancets, but you might have to buy a pack of test strips separately, which can cost $18 and up; check the package to see what it includes. If the meter doesn’t come with strips, make sure you buy a pack made for that model or you’ll get inaccurate results. Most models come with batteries. Here’s what you need to do next: Fast overnight. Don’t have anything to eat or drink (except water) for at least 8 hours, then test yourself first thing in the morning, before breakfast. Follow directions. Read the manual to ma Continue reading >>

Everything You Need To Know About Diabetes Test Strips

Update: A lot of our readers ask us where can they find the best deals for test strips. We personally recommend Amazon. You can check the list of selections they offer by clicking here. Blood glucose test strips play a crucial role in helping you to monitor your daily blood glucose level and giving your doctor the data to adjust your medication to control your diabetes symptoms. Without the help from these little disposable strips, life with diabetes can become even more chaotic than ever. But what exactly are these thin little plastic slip and why are they so expensive? Are there any alternative method I can use? Where can I get the best deal on these test strips? This article will answer many of your questions and concerns regarding these blood glucose test strips: Table of Contents History on Glucose Test Strips How Does the Test Strips Work Why Are the Strips So Expensive? And Why the Price Discrepancy? Why Must Diabetic Patients Use Glucometer and Test Strip? How Often Should You Administer A Blood Glucose Test? How to Find Out if Your Glucose Monitor is Accurate? How Accurate Are the Test Strips? How to Find Out if Your Glucose Monitor is Accurate? What is a Urine Glucose Test? Can’t I Use This Procedure Instead? Expiration of Test Strips Medicare Plan B Coverage for Glucose Test Strips Where to Get the Best Deal on Test Strips? Ways to Save of Test Strips How to Avoid Counterfeit Blood Glucose Test Strips Can You Reuse Test Strips? Can You Make Your Own Test Strip? 4 Most Affordable Meters How to Pick the Right Glucometer? How to Dispose Used Test Strips, Lancets, and Needles? What to Do with All These Test Strip Containers? Selling Your Glucose Test Strips A Good Idea? Odd Way to Earn Some Money Back Questions? History on Glucose Test Strips The first glucomet Continue reading >>

5 Tips For Caring For Your Diabetes Supplies

Be kind to your glucose meter. Since your meter plays a vital role in your diabetes management, be sure to take good care of it. That means you should never expose it to extreme temperatures, whether that may be freezing cold, or intense heat. If you keep a glucose meter in your car, make sure you remove it if very hot or cold weatehr is forecasted. Keep test strips safe. As anyone with diabetes will tell you, test strips are a very costly but very helpful tool for managing diabetes. You should protect your investment accordingly—never leave your strips exposed to extreme temperatures, and always close the cap on a canister of test strips. Keeping the lid closed at all times will protect the integrity of the strips, and also keep out moisture and debris. Keep your insulin cool—but not frozen. Exposing your insulin to extreme heat will most certainly ruin it, so be sure to keep insulin pens and vials refrigerated. It is perfectly fine to carry these supplies with you during the day unrefrigerated, just as long as you’re careful to keep them out of direct sunlight, and in a cool environment. On the other hand, never store insulin next to a frozen ice pack—freezing insulin will also destroy its efficacy. Protect your pump. Your pump provides some insulation of your insulin from the heat . If you are concerned about heat, you can use a protective pouch with a small, cold (but not freezing) gel pack placed inside the pouch as a way to protect your insulin from the effects of heat, advises Catherine Carver, M.S., A.N.P., C.D.E, and Vice President, Planning & Product Development at Joslin Diabetes Center. If you’ll be spending a long time out in the sun, cover the pump with a towel to protect it from prolonged direct sunlight, and limit the exposure to direct light. Continue reading >>

Take Care Of Your Test Strips For Accurate Results

Test strips are one of the most important supplies in your medicine cabinet. Regular testing can help you keep track of your blood sugar levels, and that allows you to make lifestyle and medication adjustments accordingly. Proper handling and storage of test strips can help ensure an accurate result every time. Six tips for handling test strips When it's time to take a blood sugar reading, handle test strips properly for an accurate result. Here are six things to keep in mind when dealing with your test strips. Wash your hands. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before you open the test strip vial. Check the expiration date. Make sure the vial is not past its expiration date, and that the strips are clean and dry. Check the test strip code. If your strips must be coded, make sure the code on the meter matches the code on the vial. Handle carefully. Shake a test strip out into your hand. Try not to touch the end of the strip. Protect test strips from air. Immediately close the vial to protect the integrity of the remaining strips. Make sure you have the proper amount of blood for a good reading. You only get one shot at this per strip, so make sure you have ample blood before applying the drop. Also, be sure to apply the blood correctly. Some test strips wick the blood drop at the side of the strip, while others do so at the very end of the strip. Test strips that are sold in wheels or drums don't have to be handled individually. This can be an advantage for those with arthritis or other conditions that might affect dexterity. Follow the instructions very carefully to ensure that you have inserted the drum or wheel properly. How to properly store test strips Your test strips should remain in the vial or wrapping until you are ready to use one of them. Test strips are pac Continue reading >>

Storing Your Glucose Test Strips Correctly

Storing glucose test strips incorrectly, especially in high humidity, can lead to falsely high readings. Congratulations on your decision to manage your diabetes using a home glucose monitoring system. The success of glucose monitoring at home depends on accurate readings. Though you may face several issues when checking your glucose levels at home, inaccurate glucose readings are often resulted from test strip errors. If you use test strips to monitor your glucose levels at home you must ensure you close the vial immediately after using them especially in in a humid environment. Failure to do so can potentially expose the test strips to humidity. Exposure to humidity can often result in erroneous glucose test results. How to Properly Store Test Strips? To ensure proper storage of your glucose test strips follow these 4 steps: Store the test strips in their original vial Close the vial tightly after taking out the test strips Write the discard date on the vial. Discard date is 9 months after you first open the vial. Check the expiration date on the vial before using test strips Test strips contain electrical terminals that can quantify the amount of Gluconic acid present in the blood sample. The current amount of glucose produced depends on the level of Gluconic acid. The intensity of the current is then measured by the blood glucose monitor and a numbered reading is generated. Therefore it’s crucial to tightly close the vial immediately after use. Leaving test strips in an open vial or in an unoriginal vial could expose the test strips to an environment that could change the chemical properties of test strips. Such an exposure can result in false glucose readings. Always read the safety instruction provided in the test strip box. Keep your strips in their original vi Continue reading >>

Choosing A Glucose Meter

Blood glucose meters are small, computerized devices that measure and display your blood glucose level. These devices are mainly used by people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, monitoring your blood glucose level provides you and your doctors with valuable information about how food, exercise, medications, stress, and other factors affect your blood glucose. This information will help you and your doctor construct a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Many types of blood glucose meters are available for at-home use, from basic models that only read blood glucose levels, to more advanced versions that offer features such as memory for storing information. The cost of blood glucose meters and testing supplies varies, and insurance may not always provide coverage. Study all options before picking out a meter, and if you have insurance, check which meter your insurance covers. Consider up-front costs, such as how much the actual meter costs, and long-term costs, such as how expensive testing strips and other supplies are. Then, work with your doctor and learn how to properly use your meter. Whether this is your first blood glucose meter or you’ve used one for several years and are looking for an upgrade, there are several questions you should ask yourself before you begin looking: Does your doctor or nurse suggest a specific meter? These people have a wealth of experience with an array of meters and can guide you in a good direction. What does your insurance cover? Your insurance company may have a list of preapproved meters it covers. Also, make sure to find out if and how your insurance will cover the cost of testing strips and supplies. How much will this meter cost you? Some meters can be costly and insurance companies don’t always make allowances for pricier Continue reading >>

How To Use A Glucose Meter

A glucose meter is a device you use at home to measure the level of glucose in your blood Blood glucose monitoring is an important part of your diabetes care, especially if you are taking insulin. Follow These Steps Prepare these items: glucose meter test strip lancet device needle (lancet) alcohol swab dry swab puncture-proof plastic container with a screw-on cap (e.g. shampoo container) Check to make sure: the insulin and test strips have not passed their expiry dates you are using the correct type of batteries the box of test strips comes with a code key the code key number is the same as that on the box of test strips Calibrate the glucose meter: Insert the code key into the test strip slot. Check that the number appearing on the screen is the same as that on the box of test strips. You must calibrate the glucose meter each time you open a new box of test strips. Wash your hands with soap and water: Prepare the lancet device: Replace the lancet cover carefully. Adjust the depth of your lancet device according to your skin thickness. Prime the lancet device by pressing the release button (for some products, you need to pull and release the lever). Prepare the glucose meter: Remove test strip from the foil or from the test strip container. Insert it into the test strip slot and this will automatically turn the meter on. Test your blood glucose level: Wipe one finger (index, middle or ring) with an alcohol swap and let it dry. Press the lancet device firmly against the side of your finger. Push button to release the needle. Squeeze your finger to get a drop of blood. Wait for the result to show on the screen. This is your blood glucose level. Put away items safely: Remove the lancet cover. Recap the needle before r Continue reading >>

Blood Glucose Meter: How To Choose

Many types of blood glucose meters are available. Here's how to choose one that fits your needs and lifestyle. If you have diabetes, you'll likely need a blood glucose meter to measure and display the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. Exercise, food, medications, stress and other factors affect your blood glucose level. Using a blood glucose meter can help you better manage your diabetes by tracking any fluctuations in your blood glucose level. Many types of blood glucose meters are available, from basic models to more-advanced meters with multiple features and options. The cost of blood glucose meters and test strips varies, as does insurance coverage. Study your options before deciding which model to buy. Choosing the right meter When selecting a blood glucose meter, it can help to know the basics of how they work. To use most blood glucose meters, you first insert a test strip into the device. Then you prick a clean fingertip with a special needle (lancet) to get a drop of blood. You carefully touch the test strip to the blood and wait for a blood glucose reading to appear on the screen. When used and stored properly, blood glucose meters are generally accurate in how they measure glucose. They differ in the type and number of features they offer. Here are several factors to consider when choosing a blood glucose meter: Insurance coverage. Check with your insurance provider for coverage details. Some insurance providers limit coverage to specific models or limit the total number of test strips allowed. Cost. Meters vary in price. Be sure to factor in the cost of test strips. Ease of use and maintenance. Some meters are easier to use than others. Are both the meter and test strips comfortable and easy to hold? Can you easily see the numbers on the screen? How e Continue reading >>

Helpful Tips About Your Glucose Meter

Helpful Tips About Your Glucose Meter Diabetes care should be designed for each individual patient. Some patients may need to test (monitor) blood glucose more often than others do. How often you use your glucose meter should be based on the recommendation of your health care provider. Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is recommended for all people with diabetes, but especially for those who take insulin. Learning to Use Your Glucose Meter Not all glucose meters work the same way. Since you need to know how to use your glucose meter and interpret its results, you should get training from a diabetes educator. The educator should watch you test your glucose to make sure you can use your meter correctly. This training is better if it is part of an overall diabetes education program. Instructions for Using Glucose Meters The following are the general instructions for using a glucose meter: Wash hands with soap and warm water and dry completely or clean the area with alcohol and dry completely. Prick the fingertip with a lancet. Hold the hand down and hold the finger until a small drop of blood appears; catch the blood with the test strip. Follow the instructions for inserting the test strip and using the SMBG meter. Record the test result. FDA requires that glucose meters and the strips used with them have instructions for use. You should read carefully the instructions for both the meter and its test strips. Meter instructions are found in the user manual. Keep this manual to help you solve any problems that may arise. Many meters use "error codes" when there is a problem with the meter, the test strip, or the blood sample on the strip. You will need the manual to interpret these error codes and fix the problem. You can get information about your meter and test strip Continue reading >>

Glucometers Faq: What They Are And How They Work

Glucometers FAQ: What They Are and How They Work Page 1:Glucometers FAQs - General Questions Dignifyed is an online resource devoted to reviewing technology and services aimed at preserving seniors' independence and quality of life. How many hours of hands-on testing and research did you perform for this review? We spent over 80 hours researching the best glucometers on the market. We started with 30 models and narrowed down our choices to the best 10 glucometers to do our hands-on evaluations and reviews. Because of the level of testing that would have been required and given that glucometers must meet specific FDA regulations for accuracy we did not test the accuracy of the glucometers we reviewed. Instead, we researched glucometers and evaluated them based on their design, features, cost and ease of use. You can read more about our evaluation and research process here . Glucometers provide readings by detecting the level of glucose in a person's blood. To get a reading, a person pricks the skin most commonly, a finger and applies the blood sample gained to a test strip inserted in the meter. The glucose in the blood reacts with the chemicals in the strip. Then, electrical currents pass through, determining the level of glucose in the sample and providing numerical results within seconds. Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose (SMBG) Meters: These are the most basic and typical meters that utilize test strips and small blood samples. Meters and test strips are available over the counter in stores and online. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): This type of monitoring requires a sensor to be implanted under the skin to take readings every few minutes throughout the day and night. They require approval from and implantation by your medical doctor. Noninvasive Glucometers: These Continue reading >>

Effect Of Adverse Storage Conditions On Performance Of Glucometer Test Strips.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: A study was conducted to assess the impact of adverse storage environments, i.e., not manufacturer recommended, on the performance of reagent test strips used with a point of care testing (POCT) glucometer to measure whole blood glucose levels. DESIGN/SETTING: Glucose reagent test strips were placed in open, i.e., uncapped, and closed, i.e., capped vials. These vials were those used by the manufacturer to package and store the reagent test strips. One of each type of vial was placed in the manufacturer-recommended storage environment at room temperature and the adverse environments (incubator, direct light to mimic sunlight exposure, humidity, and refrigerated). The Accu-Chek Easy glucometer and reagent test strips as well as Accu-Chek Easy high and low glucose control solutions, manufactured by Roche, were used for this study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: On day-3, day-7, and then once every 7 days, one strip from each vial in each environment was tested with the same glucometer using both a high and a low glucose control. The strip was considered failed for a type of vial and storage environment when either control was out of the reference range on a regular testing day and still out of range when tested the subsequent day. Testing continued up to 50 days. RESULTS: For the tested environments it was found that, overall, test strip stability lasted longer for closed vials than open vials. For open vials in adverse storage conditions, the refrigerator environment offered the longest stability at 35 to 50 days and direct light and humidity offered the shortest periods of stability at 3 to 14 days. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study support the manufacturer's recommendations to store POCT glucose test strips in their original vial, capped, and at room te Continue reading >>

A Case Of False Hypoglycemia By Smbg Due To Improper Storage Of Glucometer Test Strips

, Volume 5, Issue3 , pp 199201 | Cite as A case of false hypoglycemia by SMBG due to improper storage of glucometer test strips Many types of glucometer test strips deteriorate in the presence of humidity. Storing test strips outside their container or removing them from their individual wrappers could worsen their measurement accuracy. While the measurement accuracy can gradually deteriorate under such conditions, some patients are unaware of this aspect of test strip care and handling. Although such a deterioration in glucometer accuracy is often seen in clinical practice, there are few reports that warn about this issue. This is the first case report of pseudohypoglycemia caused by the inappropriate storage of test strips, which resulted in inadequate use of medications and deterioration of glycemic control. In clinical practice, patients sometimes handle glucometers in unexpected ways. This can arise due to inadequate instruction. Patients should be advised to read the manual associated with the device carefully and to store the test strips in their original container, closing the cap tightly, and to take each test strip out of its individual wrapper just before it is used. Careful patient instruction is needed to ensure safe and stable diabetic control. Glucometer test stripHumidityHypoglycemiaType 2 diabetes This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access We thank the staff at Tokushima Prefectural Central Hospital for their excellent patient care. The authors declare no conflict of interest. Shue HW. Addressing self-monitoring of blood glucose: advocating paired glycemic testing for people with type 2 diabetes. J Diabetes Investig. 2012;3:3378. Google Scholar Tamaki M, Shimizu T, Kanazawa A, et al. Effects of changes in basal/total daily insuli Continue reading >>

5 Best Glucometers - Mar. 2018 - Bestreviews

Zero products received from manufacturers. We purchase every product we review with our own funds we never accept anything from product manufacturers. If you are one of the more than 29 million people in the U.S. living with diabetes, a glucometer is your best friend. This small device is used to test your blood glucose (BG) levels at any given time, providing an indication of whether those levels are high, low, or on target. Diabetics test their blood as often as 10 times per day, depending on circumstances. They select the proper remedy based on the reading, whether its taking insulin for high blood sugar or ingesting a glucose tablet, sugar-based soft drink, or orange juice for low blood sugar. No matter the size, shape, or advanced features of a glucometer, the process of using the device is almost always the same. It begins with placing a test strip in the glucometer and then drawing a small amount of blood from a finger or other designated area with a specially designed lancing device. The blood is placed on the test strip, and the glucometer springs into action. Within seconds, a digital readout of your blood glucose level appears. Get exclusive content, advice, and tips from BestReviews delivered to your inbox. Dr. Schreiber earned a bachelor of science in dietetics with a minor in biology from the University of Delaware, then continued at the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, CT, earning his doctorate of chiropractic and masters degree in human nutrition.He is double board certified in rehabilitation and clinical nutrition. He has been featured in prominent publications such as the Huffington Post, livestrong.com, and WebMD.com. Dr. Schreiber | Chiropractic Physician, Acupuncturist, Nutritionist The American Diabetes Association considers readings betwee Continue reading >>

Guidelines For Buying And Using Diabetes Supplies

Diabetes is a lifelong condition. Because it is, you can have major health problems if you don't keep blood glucose under control. That's why fully understanding how to buy and properly use diabetes testing supplies as well as diabetes medications is so important. Learning to regularly test your blood glucose level with a glucose monitor and to take diabetes medications when you are supposed to will make living with the condition much easier. With a little practice, you can self-manage diabetes just as you manage other aspects of your life. When you do, your quality of life and ability to be active and do the things you want to do will greatly improve. Home blood sugar (glucose) testing is an essential part of controlling your blood sugar and self-managing diabetes. Your diabetes educator can guide you in terms of how often to check your blood glucose and how to do it properly. Make sure the diabetes educator watches you use the glucose meter several times. That way, you can be sure you're doing it correctly. At a minimum, you'll be checking your blood sugar every morning before you eat. It's also advisable to check it before lunch and dinner and at bedtime. Your doctor may also ask that you test your blood one hour after eating. Blood glucose levels checked with blood taken from the fingertips will show important changes faster than glucose levels checked with blood taken from other sites on the body. The usual way to check blood sugar levels is by: Pricking the fingertip with a lancing tool -- a small, sharp needle Putting the blood drop on a test strip Placing the test strip into a glucose meter Reading the blood glucose level displayed on the meter If you take insulin, you might change the dose, depending on the reading. Checking blood glucose frequently allows you Continue reading >>

How To Use A Glucometer

Expert Reviewed Three Methods:Preparing for Daily TestingTesting Blood Sugar with a GlucometerKeeping Track of Your ReadingsCommunity Q&A One of the most valuable tools that a diabetic can have is an at-home blood sugar reader, otherwise known as a glucometer. This hand-held machine allows diabetics to monitor the amount of glucose in the blood, which helps in determining what food you can eat and how well any medication you are on is working, as well as how much insulin you may need to inject.[1] Obtaining and properly using a glucometer at home can make diabetic care simpler and can help you to keep track of your blood sugars over time. 1 Obtain a glucometer and test strips. You can go to any drugstore and buy a blood sugar testing kit. Most kits contain lancets (testing needles), a lancing device, testing strips, and a meter to read the results. Many insurance companies will pay for your meter and test strips if you obtain a prescription from your doctor. 2 Familiarize yourself with all the functions of your blood glucose meter, how much blood is required for testing, where you insert your test strip, and where the readout will be. Look at the pictures and read the instructions thoroughly, and if you have any questions or concerns then contact your doctor before trying to use the machine. 3 Test the glucometer before using it. Most glucometers include a way to test to make sure they are reading correctly. This could be in the form of a premade test strip or a liquid you place on a test strip. These are inserted into the machine and the reading should be within acceptable limits, which the instruction manual will provide. Continue reading >>