Diabetes is one of the most dreaded diseases globally because a cure for diabetes hasn’t been found until now. We all know that glucose is the essential element for producing energy in the body. This energy is utilized to perform daily physical and mental activities, and this energy is also used by the cells for repairing damages and producing new cells.
The pancreas, an endocrine gland in the human body, produces the hormone insulin, which helps break down glucose that enters our body through the food we eat. An imbalance in the production of insulin or no production at all, causes the blood sugar level to rise way above the normal levels and is diabetes.
There are different types of diabetes and pre-diabetes that affect around 80 million people annually in the USA alone. Pre-diabetes might be a mild case of diabetes but should not be taken lightly. Since this disease is incurable, it is essential to monitor the blood sugar level constantly. It is difficult to go to a lab, submit a blood sample, and wait for the result, as even the slightest change in sugar level can trigger complications with other internal organs. For this purpose, diabetes self-test kits have become an inseparable accessory for people affected by diabetes.
How to Use Glucose Test Strips?
Glucose test strips are thin plastic strips that help determine the blood sugar level with the help of a glucometer. The strips have 5 layers of electrodes, the main one being the thin gold layer that generates electric current when coming in contact with the blood glucose. The glucometer measures the current in the circuit.
The tip of the glucose test strips is coated with chemicals that break down the blood glucose to produce electricity. The higher blood sugar levels indicate a higher electric current, and that reading is displayed on the glucometer.
Many glucose test strips do not require a glucometer. These change color when the blood sample is placed on them, although the accuracy of the readings is still debatable.
Usage Guide
Different manufacturers implement different techniques to make their glucose test strips more accurate and reliable. It is important to study the instructions to understand how to use glucose test strips. If you are opting for a meter-less strip, you can buy any reliable strip you trust. While buying electrode strips, it is important to get the corresponding glucometer and vice versa. Generally, it is recommended for first-time users to get a glucometer after discussing it with their healthcare professional and buy corresponding test strips later on.
Different test strips are compatible with different glucometers, and care must be taken while purchasing the two.
There are some essential steps that one must follow while running self-measurement of blood glucose at home with the help of glucose test strips. They are:
- Insert the test strip into the glucometer slot and turn the glucometer on
- Prepare the lancing device by placing the lancet in position
- Wash your hands thoroughly or use rubbing alcohol to clean the surface
- The side of the fingertip to be pricked should be arid
- Prick the spot with the lancing device. Try to get a sufficient amount of blood samples (it might take some practice for first-time users)
- You can adjust the piercing depth and width of the incision on the lancing device as it varies from person to person
- Place the blood sample close to the chemical coated end of the strip and let it draw a sufficient amount to run the test
- The final reading on the glucometer indicates the amount of glucose in your blood. The blood sugar level is measured in ‘mg/dL.’
Storage Tips
Knowing how to use glucose test strips is not enough, as care should be taken while storing the test strips. The chemical coated tip of a glucose test strip is usually exposed. You must protect it from atmospheric agencies like air and moisture from making any significant modification to the chemical. Moreover, improper storage practices like bending, pressing, or exposure to heat can damage the internal circuit that will give inaccurate readings when used.
Blood glucose test strips usually come in a package of 50 pieces. These strips must be stored in a cool, dry place, preferably away from sunlight and humidity. That does not mean that you can store them in refrigerators. You must keep the test strips away from the reach of pets or children to avoid swallowing hazards. One must keep note of the expiry date as well, as expired strips can give inaccurate readings. In some cases, if stored properly, you can use an expired glucose test strip in case of emergencies.
Glucose Test Strips Accuracy
Different manufacturers of glucose test strips have tried over the years to produce reliable products through constant research. In the early 80s, the accuracy was highly debatable as many laboratories and healthcare professionals in the USA argued that the glucometer readings were unpredictable. After almost 3 decades, different brands have undergone rigorous quality tests to ensure that the patients get the best product for self-monitoring of blood sugar levels. Some of the brands that produced highly accurate results were:
- Contour Next, Bayer
- Accu-Chek Aviva Plus, Roche
- Walmart ReliOn Confirm, Arkray
- CVS/pharmacy Advanced, Agamatrix
Conclusion
For first-time users, glucose test strips can be tedious to use, but some practice and knowledge about how to use glucose test strips effectively can help them monitor their blood sugar levels efficiently. Self-monitoring of blood sugar levels is critical for leading a healthy lifestyle. Diabetic or not, you can use these strips to keep a check on the glucose levels, too, to prevent diabetes from affecting you at all!
You can find several diabetes self-care products on totaldiabetissuppley.com, including glucose test strips.
Sources:
- https://www.healthline.com/diabetesmine/glucose-test-strips-diabetes-uses-accuracy-costs#accuracy
- https://prescriptionhope.com/glucose-test-strips-how-to-use-them-how-they-work-a-guide/
- https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes_care/diabetes-test-strips.html
- https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/diabetes-test-strips
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes