|
This global epidemic Diabetes, which is increasing at an alarming
rate is certainly no respecter of age, sex, race, status or
occupation victimizing even fragile infants. Alarmed, various
medical associations here and abroad have collaborated and initiated
campaigns for better patient education in the country and overseas.
In Canada alone, the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) has set
guidelines on the management of diabetes whereby all people with
type 1 and type 2 diabetes must self-monitor their blood glucose
levels. It was also recommended that self-monitoring using blood
glucose meters for most people using medications be regularly done
to control type 2 diabetes, and more so for those who are managing
their type 2 diabetes through diet and exercise.
Self-monitoring of blood glucose is the most
important activity that a diabetic or a candidate can do to
determine his level of glycemic control. A blood glucose meter or
glucometer is a complicated but easy-to-use device that enable
patients to test their own blood sugar levels at home and determine
whether blood glucose levels are in the target range. Glucometer
tests give immediate feedback and a better blood glucose reading by
testing the blood directly, thus allowing the patient and his
physician to make necessary adjustments in medication, diet, insulin
or exercise program to keep blood glucose levels within the normal
range. Using blood glucose meters also determine the effects of
certain foods on blood glucose levels and can help a person with
diabetes or those that may be borderline candidates to choose
appropriate foods more carefully.
Many doctors, healthcare providers and diabetic
educators in the country who advocate patient education recommend
that every home should have within their ready access a durable and
reliable blood glucose meter like ASCENSIA Elite or Entrust
Glucometers (from Bayer, world leader in Diabetic care research and
management for over 60 years) whether there’s a diabetic within
the family circle—or none yet. Ascensia’s state-of-the-art
bio-sensor technology and reliability helps gauge if the patient’s
blood glucose is shooting up or plummeting down even before the
obvious symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia become evident.
Offering a painless, systematic, convenient way of accurately
checking (comparable to plasma-calibrated lab tests) one’s blood
sugar level—in the comfort of one’s home or practically
anywhere, anytime of the day, Ascensia Glucometer is exclusively
distributed by Fernando Medical Enterprises (T-4147775) and is
readily available at Mercury Drugstores, nationwide. The no fuss, no
mess, no buttons to push Elite Glucometer automatically turns on
when the test strip is inserted and uses capillary gap technology
which requires only 2uL of blood —no need to squeeze the finger to
get a drop of blood. Entrust Glucometer has a straight-forward set
with large holding area for better strip handling and
finger-friendly coded test strip that fits easily into the meter.
Both Ascensia Elite and Entrust Glucometers have LCD windows that
display information to guide user on how to get test results,
retrieve memory of previous results (up to 10 tests with its meter
memory); are handy, lightweight, portable and provide accurate
glucose level reading results comparable to laboratory plasma method
used in many diagnostic clinic—in just 30 seconds. Each set
contains a monitor, testing supplies, lancing device, record book,
carrying case and have replaceable batteries.
Follow the Proper testing Technique—easy as
1,2,3. Anyone using a glucose meter should receive proper training
so that they can test their blood glucose levels properly. Get
professional guidance on using a particular glucometer. Read the
manual to be familiar with the glucometer’s use and function.
Follow the manufacturer’s meter instructions carefully. Use only
fresh strips and supplies. Routinely test the meter for accuracy.
Always record results and observe blood glucose patterns frequently.
Based on the results recorded, discuss any observations with the
doctor or health care provider if anything needs to be changed. Wash
hands thoroughly with warm water before each test. Start with
Ascensia glucometer turned off. Insert code card into the meter.
Next, insert the strip sensor. Place the lancet lightly against the
finger on the side of the pad were there are fewer nerve endings.
Then push the lancet in to obtain blood sample. Apply blood to the
sensor reaction zone area of the test strip. Wait for the beep after
30 seconds. Record the result that appears on the display monitor.
Dispose the test strip. Testing glucose levels may range from once a
day up to six times day. Routine blood sugar testing enables
patients to uncover illness or other problems in time that can
affect glucose levels and inform his doctor or health-care provider
immediately so as to delay or prevent the onset of possible diabetic
complications. Doing Glucometer testing at home enables the diabetic
be more active in managing their condition and put them in better
control.
|
