Understanding Blood Glucose Machines

Post Updated: 28th March 2023

Blood glucose machines, also known as blood glucose meters, are medical devices used to measure the level of glucose in the blood.

These devices are essential for people living with diabetes.  They help monitor blood sugar levels and make informed decisions about their diet, exercise, and insulin intake.

Buying a blood glucose machine can be a daunting experience for many people. Which one is the best for me..? Which is the most reliable?

In recent years, there have been many advancements in blood glucose machines, and many different types are currently available on the market. In this article, I will summarize the latest information on the different types of blood glucose machines.

Traditional Blood Glucose Machines

Different types of blood glucose machinesTraditional blood glucose meters are the most common type of machine. To use the machine a special test strip is placed in the machine, then a drop of blood is collected by pricking the skin with a lancet.

The drop of blood is then placed on the test strip that is inserted into the meter, and the machine shows or reads the amount of glucose in the blood.

Most traditional blood glucose meters require the use of coding to ensure accurate results. However, some newer models are available and do not require coding. These meters are easy to use and provide accurate results.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems

Blood glucose machineContinuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems are a relatively new type of blood glucose machine that has gained popularity in recent years. These systems use a small sensor inserted under the skin to measure the glucose level in the interstitial fluid.

The sensor transmits the glucose readings to a receiver or a smartphone app, where the user can view their glucose levels in real-time.

CGM systems provide a continuous stream of data, which allows for better diabetes management. They provide alerts when the glucose level is too high or too low, and they also show trends in glucose levels over time.

Dexcom glucose monitor:

The Dexcom G6 is a popular continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that is widely used by people with diabetes. This device consists of a small sensor that is inserted under the skin, typically on the abdomen, and a transmitter that sends real-time data wirelessly to a compatible smartphone or receiver.

One of the standout features of the Dexcom G6 is its accuracy and reliability, which allows users to make more informed decisions about their diabetes management.

The system also offers customizable alerts and alarms to help prevent dangerous highs and lows, as well as the ability to share data with healthcare providers and loved ones in real-time. Additionally, the device has a sleek and user-friendly design, making it a top choice for many people with diabetes.

Flash Glucose Monitoring (FGM) Systems

Freestyle Libre Blood glucose monitorFlash glucose monitoring (FGM) systems are another type of blood glucose machine that is increasing in popularity.

FGM systems work similarly to CGM systems, but instead of providing continuous readings, they provide glucose readings when the user scans the sensor with a reader or a smartphone app.

FGM systems are easy to use and provide glucose readings without the need for finger pricks. They also provide data on glucose trends over time, making it easier for users to manage their diabetes.

Integrated Continuous Glucose Monitoring (iCGM) Systems

Integrated continuous glucose monitoring (iCGM) systems are the latest type of blood glucose machine to hit the market. These systems combine the features of traditional blood glucose meters and CGM systems, providing continuous glucose readings and requiring finger pricks to calibrate the system.

iCGM systems are more accurate than traditional blood glucose meters and provide more data than CGM systems. They are also easier to use than CGM systems, as they require fewer finger pricks.

Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring (NIGM) Systems

Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring (NIGM) Systems have been a topic of interest in the healthcare industry for many years now. The development of these systems is particularly important for diabetes patients who are required to monitor their glucose levels frequently.

NIGM systems are still in the development stage, but they hold great promise for the future of diabetes management. The latest developments in NIGM systems have shown promising results.

One such system is the Freestyle Libre, which uses a small sensor attached to the back of the upper arm to measure glucose levels. The sensor is replaced every two weeks, and the results are sent wirelessly to a compatible device such as a smartphone or glucose meter.

Another system is the Glucowise, which uses a small device placed on the earlobe to measure glucose levels. The device sends the results to a smartphone app, allowing users to monitor their glucose levels in real time.

Another area of research is focused on developing NIGM systems that can be integrated into other wearable devices, such as smartwatches. This would allow users to monitor their glucose levels continuously, without the need for a separate device.

One such device is the K’Watch, which is a smartwatch that uses optical sensors to monitor glucose levels non-invasively.

The bottom line.

There are many different types of blood glucose machines available on the market today. Traditional blood glucose meters are still the most common type, but CGM, FGM, iCGM, and NIGM systems are gaining popularity.

Each type of blood glucose machine has its own advantages and disadvantages, and users should choose the type that best suits their needs. With the advancements in blood glucose machines, people living with diabetes can now monitor their blood sugar levels more effectively.

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Blood Glucose Machines

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The BD Glucose Test Meter

BD glucose test meter
BD glucose test meter

The Becton-Dickinson company is one of the world leaders in supplying medical equipment and is the supplier of the BD glucose test meter. The BD glucose test meter is a one of the new breed of compact glucometers. The BD glucose test meter is so small that is fits neatly in the palm of the hand and so light at to be practically unnoticed when stowed in a purse of carry bag for easy travelling.

The newest BD glucose test meter is a miniature when compared to the bulky meters that were available just a few years ago, and it is so sensitive that it takes only the smallest amount of blood to read the glucose level. This means that a thinner gauge lancet can be used to obtain the blood sample and this of course means a great deal less discomfort than the meters that were used just a few years ago.

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Compare Blood Glucose Meters

compare blood glucose meters
compare blood glucose meters

If you are in the market for new diabetes test equipment be sure and compare blood glucose meters before you buy. Anytime you have a large number of options on the market, whether you are looking for a new car, a new home, or even food items it is a good idea weigh your options, so compare blood glucose meters before you make a decision as to which one is right for you.

After all with so many options on the market there is no excuse for not getting the one that is the best fit for your medical care and your lifestyle. You can compare blood glucose meters online, in magazine articles, or even in the store, but this is a situation where you should resist the urge to buy based solely on impulse or on the basis of price alone.

Let’s face it, why waste money on a product unless it the one that suits you best. If you are a technophile you may want the model that has a USB port so you can load data from the meter into your computer. If you travel a lot you may want the smallest and most compact model. If your fingers get sore from checking your sugar often you may want to get the model that can take blood from the forearm or some other location other than the fingertip.

If you are always on the go you may want the model that works the fastest. Maybe you just want a basic model with a minimum of added features. If you don’t but the type of meter that suits you and your lifestyle best you are not as apt to use it as often as you need to and this should be the first thing on your mind when you compare blood glucose meters.

With so many different options available make your choice carefully, do your research before purchasing. Be sure and compare blood glucose meters, then buy the one that suits you best.

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one touch glucose meters

one touch glucose meters
one touch glucose meters

Do you or someone you know have diabetes? Are you in need of a one touch glucose meters so that you can monitor your blood glucose level on a daily basis? One touch glucose meters are a great little handy tool that can come in handy.

There are many one touch glucose meters to choose from such as the one touch ultra and the one touch ultra smart which can all be very beneficial. Just the name alone, “One touch” seems to say it all because they are ranked one of the highest and best rated glucose meters out there on the market today.

All of the one touch products are highly ranked because of many reasons such as ease of use, portability, price and accurate results that they provide. The one touch also has their own glucose test strips called the one touch glucose test strips which goes hand in hand with the one touch glucose meters so that there are no complications or problems with your readings. By having the correct glucose test strips you are ensuring yourself accurate readings each and every time.

The one touch glucose meters are easy to use, cost effective and also have very accurate and reliable readings. The one touch glucose meters get high ratings each and every time by a range of professionals ranging from diabetic patients to doctors and physicians.

Who likes being stuck all the time in order to read your glucose reading? With the one touch glucose meter you can disregard that worry and actually look forward to your readings each day because of the ease of use that the meter provides.

The one touch glucose meters are the top choice among doctors, physicians and hospital staff all over because of their high ranking features, trust and reliability.

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Glucose Monitor Review

Glucose Monitor Review
Glucose Monitor Review

If you are in the market for a new glucose monitor you can easily type the words glucose monitor review into your search bar and be inundated with information. You can also find a glucose monitor review, glucose monitor guide or even list of glucose monitor specifications in healthcare magazines, at the doctor’s office, and even in some pharmacies. While this is a vast amount of information to have at your fingertips, you should remember, when it comes to glucose monitors, it is your fingertips that will pay the price if you purchase the wrong one. So if you follow a printed glucose monitor review you may be setting yourself up for a disappointment.

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