FEATURE: DATA MANAGEMENT FEATURES
How does it benefit me? Some meters will allow you to see your daily, seven-day, fourteen-day, or thirty-day blood glucose average with the touch of a button, which may help you visualize your overall control. In addition, some meters allow you to mark results with notations, such as pre-meal, post-meal, with medication, without medication, etc. Most meters with data management features can also upload data to computers.
Any drawbacks? Just as with the memory feature, you can begin to rely on your data management feature too much. You still need to write down your readings. When the memory gets full, it will usually discard the oldest reading. Uploading your data will also sometimes erase the memory, so make sure you print out the results after uploading, be it at home or at your doctor’s office. Data management features may also affect the battery life of your meter (though helping you identify trends, problems, and successes is well worth the cost of a AAA battery). Some of the advanced features look great, but are only useful if you are willing to take the extra time to input the information when testing.
FEATURE: SMALL SIZE, LIGHTWEIGHT
How does it benefit me? Portability.
Any drawbacks? Losing the little guy. Little meters may also have odd-sized batteries, as opposed to the more standard AA or AAA you will find in larger meters. And don’t forget you still need to be able to read the screen and work the buttons.
FEATURE: BROAD TESTING RANGE (FOR EXAMPLE, 20–600 MG/DL)
How does it benefit me? The range indicates how well the meter performs at different glucose levels. Most meters offer a broad enough range to capture your daily readings.
Any drawbacks? A meter with a narrow testing range may produce an error message when it is unable to read a glucose result out of its range (though this may be a technique error, so always try again). Generally, the broader the range, the better.
FEATURE: BATTERIES
How does it benefit me? It is easier to find standard AA and AAA batteries—especially on sale—than unique batteries. These standard batteries are also more likely to be available in a rechargeable format.
Any drawbacks? Meters that use standard batteries are usually larger and bulkier. Conversely, small batteries are sometimes difficult to insert if you have arthritis or neuropathy. And again, odd-sized batteries may be hard to find, especially when you really need one on a Saturday night.
FEATURE: INCLUDED LANCET DEVICE
How does it benefit me? Lancet devices, the object used to prick your finger for a drop of blood, generally come with a meter. Some lancet devices have adjustable depth guides, so you can pick a depth that is comfortable to you. Lancets may also have different end caps for alternative-site testing capabilities. Some devices have automatic triggers and needle removal features, which can help with loading and unloading.
Any drawbacks? Some lancet devices use only name-brand lancets, while others use a more generic size. There is not one perfect lancet device for all persons—skin thickness, sensitivity, and blood flow issues influence the outcome of the use of the device. If you don’t like the lancet that comes with your meter, you might have to purchase a lancet sold by another company to find one that gives you the results you need and the comfort you deserve.
MORE RESOURCES TO EXPLORE
MAGAZINES, JOURNALS, AND PERIODICALS
Diabetes Forecast—Resource Guide 2009
Every year, Diabetes Forecast, the magazine of the American Diabetes Association, produces a Resource Guide with the latest information on meters, lancets, insulins, medications, and much more.
WEBSITES
Abbott Laboratories…… WWW.ABBOTTDIABETESCARE.COM
Bayer Health Care…… WWW.BAYERDIABETES.COM
Home Diagnostics…… WWW.HOMEDIAGNOSTICS.COM
Johnson and Johnson…… WWW.LIFESCAN.COM
Roche Diagnostics…… WWW.ACCU-CHEK.COM
Sanvita Inc…… WWW.SANVITA.COM
8 How to use your blood glucose meter
Whether you use a simple blood glucose meter or a model with lot of bells and whistles, you will become an expert in how to use it in a very short time. Before using it the first time, however, it is best t have someone walk you through the process in person. Give yourself plenty of time for this first test, and pick an environment with good light and a work surface. Try to stay relaxed. And if all else fails, read the user’s manual.
GENERAL METER TIPS
HANDLE WITH CARE
A good rule of thumb: treat your meter as you would your mobile phone. It should not get wet, be handled roughly, or be left exposed to extreme temperatures. Most blood glucose meters have a functional temperature range for performance; in other words, they should be used and stored at certain temperatures. Usually this is room temperature. So it would not be wise to leave your meter in a closed car during a hot summer day in Georgia. After this baking, it may still turn on, but there may be damage to the screen or other parts that could affect its use.
CLEANING
Blood glucose meters should be kept clean by using a soft cloth to remove dirt or debris. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents. A washcloth moistened with water should easily remove dirt on the device and screen. Alcohol and other liquid cleaning agents may streak the display window, or could seep into seams of the device and cause internal damage.
MORE POWER, SCOTTY!
Keep working batteries in your meter at all times. Some meters will have a battery life indicator or flash a warning message when the battery is getting low. It would be a good idea to keep an extra new battery on hand, or in the meter travel case. Rechargeable batteries may be an option, but some manufacturers suggest they not be used—check your user’s manual to be sure. Once again, keep your hand-written glucose log up to date! If your meter loses power, it will probably also lose all of the data being stored in the memory.
WARRANTY
With your new meter, take the time to fill out the warranty postcard included in your meter kit, and then send it in. This will register your device with the company so you will be notifed of any recalls, problems, or special offers.
CHECKING YOUR BLOOD GLUCOSE WITH YOUR METER: THE BASIC STEPS
1. ASSEMBLE YOUR SUPPLIES.
Before you start, wash your hands with soap and water. Dry your hands with a paper towel or clean towel, rather than the used towel that has been hanging in the bathroom all week. Be sanitary. Make sure you have all of the materials you’ll need, including:
