The Diabometer
Monitoring of blood glucose control at home
An important part of successful diabetic care is achieved
by patient monitoring of blood sugar levels at home. This
allows the physician and patient to evaluate the success of
the current treatment. The better the control, the less the
risk of developing complications. In the past, the main interest
was in controlling fasting blood sugar levels, but recent
evidence suggests control of levels two hours after meals
is also important in decreasing the risk of complications.
There are multiple types of glucose monitors available. Some
of them have voice synthesizers that can be used to help visually
impaired patients. Several monitors enable the blood to be
drawn from areas other than the finger. A great advance in
monitoring is the existence of a monitor that uses a small
electric current to measure the glucose in the fluid under
the skin instead of requiring a blood sample. Readings are
taken every 20 minutes and an alarm sounds if the glucose
falls outside of the normal range. Several other noninvasive
devices are in development.
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