Whether you’re looking for the blood glucose meter with the most accurate glucose blood test results or trying to learn the basics about testing your blood sugar, you’ll find the answers you’re looking for in the top ten most frequently asked questions about blood glucose meters and test results below.
10 FAQs About Blood Glucose Meters
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Q: What is the best blood glucose meter?
Blood glucose meters come at different sizes and speeds, with varying functions. Diabetics may prioritize their choice by brand, display attributes, blood sample size or cost. See what features are commonly used to compare blood glucose meters.
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Q: How do blood glucose meters work?
Patients use a needle (or lancet) to prick the skin and acquire a small blood sample. This sample is transferred to a test strip which, in turn, transmits data to a compatible Blood Glucose Monitor. A step-by-step guide to using your blood glucose meter can be found here.
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Q: How many times per day do I need to check my glucose blood test results?
Only your healthcare provider can know the proper frequency with which you should test your blood. Medicare Guidelines set three times a day as the standard for patient using insulin. The average diabetic patient tests twice per day.
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Q: When should I test my blood for glucose results?
Most diabetic patients test their blood sugar with a blood glucose meter at least twice a day before or after breakfast and dinner. First thing in the morning and before bed are also common blood glucose testing times with good results. Again, this is an area you should review with your health care provider to ensure you are fully compliant with the program established for you.
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Q: What are standard blood glucose test results?
The average levels for a person who has not been diagnosed with diabetes are between 70-130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL after meals. If your blood sugar exceeds these numbers for several consecutive days, you should contact your doctor immediately.
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Q: Is it necessary to keep a record of my blood test results past the number of days my blood glucose meter stores data?
Yes. Using your blood glucose meter to compare data and identify patterns in your blood glucose levels is one of the most important aspects of managing your Diabetes.
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Q: How will my blood glucose meter results compare to my last lab test report?
The glucose meter you use to check your blood sugar at home tests whole blood, while your doctor’s lab tests are scanning only plasma. Doctors expect your home results to be lower than the glucose blood test results they achieve in their office, so don’t be worried if the numbers differ. Blood glucose test results also fluctuate throughout the day depending on what time it is and when you have last eaten, so it is normal to receive slightly varying reports.
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Q: What’s the difference between HbA1c and blood sugar?
Your blood glucose meter takes an instant snapshot of your blood sugar rates. This is the amount of sugar in your blood as carbohydrates are broken down. HbA1c tests are commonly administered by medical professionals, and look at long-term affects of sugar in your blood (providing your doctor with an average of your blood sugar over the past 2-3 months). This provides a more comprehensive picture of your health.
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Q: Is there a reference sheet that will let me compare blood glucose meters?
You can click here to see a detailed chart comparing and contrasting the many blood glucose meters available from Freedom Medical Services.
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Q: Where can I buy trusted blood glucose meters at an affordable price?
Freedom Medical Services supplies more than 15 blood glucose monitors with a wide variety of features. These meters represent the best names in the blood glucose meter industry, from Accu-Chek® to Prodigy.
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