Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects almost 37 million people in the United States alone. Diabetes affects the way your body absorbs food, and can be inherited or developed over time. While many people with diabetes are utilizing glucose monitors to measure glucose levels in their blood, the majority still use classic glucose meters and test strips. Below, we have provided what you need to know about glucose test strips.
Why Use Test Strips?
People with diabetes can check and measure their blood glucose levels at home or on the go with blood glucose test strips and meters. The individual inserts the test strip into the glucometer and adds a blood drop by poking their finger with the needle to take a blood sugar reading. Most meters provide a reading in a matter of seconds. Many people use meters and strips as part of their diabetes care, especially older adults.
How Do Test Strips Function?
A thin gold layer is applied to the plastic strips. The gold layer is carved into a form that serves as the circuit for the strip. A chemical coating is also applied to one end of the strip. They act like sponges, soaking up blood and converting the glucose present into electricity.
The strip sends an electrical signal to the glucose meter. The number on the meter indicates the electrical current speed. A higher blood sugar level indicates a stronger signal.
How to Use Test Strips
To monitor your blood sugar levels, perform the following steps:
- Insert the strip in your blood glucometer
- Using the meter’s small needle (lancet), prick your fingertip
- Squeeze a blood drop and place it on the test strip’s edge
The frequency with which you check your blood sugar depends on the diabetes types and the medicines you’re taking to manage it. Sugar testing is recommended for most diabetics when you first wake up, prior to a meal, after a meal, and before bedtime,
Your doctor will advise you on how frequently to check. If you have Type 1 diabetes, you may need to do it up to 10 times per day. If you have Type 2 diabetes, you may only need to take it twice a day. Additionally, sometimes inaccurate readings can also be caused by test strip issues. To ensure that the test strip transmits accurate blood glucose data, follow these steps:
- Avoid damaged or expired strips
- Use only fresh strips
- Heat, humidity, and moisture should all be avoided when storing strips
- Make sure the strips are compatible with your meter
- Some glucometer test strips require to be coded to function properly, depending on the test strip brand
Endnote
The blood volume required, the time it takes to get a result, and the costs are the only differences across strip brands. You can use Contour®Next Test Strips Canada, which will provide test results with amazing precision. The glucometer is quick and accurate, delivering results in less than five seconds. Even at low blood glucose levels, the results are accurate. With fresh boxes of test strips, no coding is necessary. You can also set many reminder alerts on your smartphone if you forget to check your blood sugar.
