Helping your patient choose the right blood glucose meter

Nursing, Oct 2003 by Mensing, Carole

Seeing the big picture

Many meters on the market today contain memory features that store and recall test results. For technologically savvy patients, several manufacturers offer software packages that let these patients go a step further and actually analyze the data-often at little or no cost. Patients can directly download the accompanying software programs, at no cost other than the price of the cable connecting the blood glucose meter to a computer monitor. To find out if a manufacturer provides free software, access the company's Web site or call the toll-free number on the product packaging.

Obviously, not all persons with diabetes are ready for this technology. For those comfortable working on a computer and navigating new software, however, the payoff in improved self-care is well worthwhile.

One new product displays blood glucose levels in a variety of graphic formats, comparing weekday versus weekend trends or even breaking data down by time of day. Are levels highest (or lowest) in the morning? After lunch? When it comes to glucose control, many people can greatly benefit by a visual display of how well they're doing.

Other products allow persons with diabetes to access such data as insulin doses, meal content, and carbohydrate values. Some even allow people to plug into lifestyle information, special events (such as birthday parties), or exercise schedules that might affect blood glucose levels.

These products allow patients to become health care detectives, ferreting out clues that can help improve their daily health care routines. Patients using these tools should be encouraged to take this information with them when consulting with health care professionals; as with all information related to patient care, it's most valuable when shared in a collaborative manner with the health care team.

A1C at home

The hemoglobin A1C test for overall glycemic control is now available as an over-the-counter product for home use. The test measures a person's average blood glucose levels during a 2- to 3-month period.

Typically, the A1C is performed in a physician's office where a health care professional can advise the patient on what follow-up care is needed, depending on test results. Patients choosing to use a home A1C test should be encouraged to discuss the results with members of their health care team.

Additional resources

Helping patients with diabetes make informed glucose meter selections empowers them for future decision making, enhances their independence, and encourages participation in this vital tool for good diabetes self-management.

For more in-depth information on blood glucose meters, diabetes, and the importance of glucose control, contact a diabetes educator from a recognized program in your area and visit the American Diabetes Association at http://www.diabetes.org.

For a more complete listing of glucose monitoring devices and manufacturer contact information, consult the American Diabetes Association's Diabetes Forecast Resource Guide 2003 or visit http://www.diabetesmonitor.com.