blood glucose monitoring choosing the right meter helpful
TRANSCRIPT
Blood glucose monitoring is a critical part of every diabetes management plan.
Regular self-monitoring can provide important information on how daily management plans are working to control blood glucose levels.
Lance’s healthcare team determined the target range for his blood glucose levels and how often he should test.
After talking with his healthcare team, Lance was surprised to find out that having diabetes is not just about watching what he eats.
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People with diabetes are at higher risk of serious health complications.1
Read on to find out how Lance maintains a healthy lifestyle with diabetes.
Blood Glucose Monitoring
CALENDARMeet Lance.He was just diagnosed with diabetes...
There is a wide range of meters available to fit individual needs. Lance shopped for the meter that best fit his lifestyle.
Is the meter easy to use?
Does the meter have event tags?
Can the results be uploaded to a computer or app?
Are the test strips affordable?
Is there a toll-free customer care number?
Choosing The Right Meter
Lance used the following checklist to help him choose a meter:
Types Of Lancets
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Statistics Report: Estimates of Diabetes and Its Burden in the United States, 2014. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2014. 2. http://www.webmd.com/diet/insoluble-soluble-fiber 3. http://www.joslin.org/info/how_does_fiber_affect_blood_glucose_levels.html 4. Slavin, L, J. (2008). Position of the American Dietetic Association: Health Implications of Dietary Fiber. Journal of the AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION, 108(10), 1716-1731. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2008.08.007 NICO-3606 © 05/16 Trividia Health, Inc. TRUE and the Trividia Health logo are trademarks of Trividia Health, Inc. Information contained in this insert was sourced through American Diabetes Association, Mayo Clinic, and Joslin Diabetes Center.
Helpful Testing Tips
Target Range
When testing, it is important to get a proper blood sample.
Lance’s healthcare team gave some useful tips for reducing the discomfort of pricking his finger.
SHARP
VS
DULL
Old lancets become dull, making fingers sore. Use a new lancet every test.
Lancets come in different gauges (diameters) and with various tip designs and angles to make getting a blood sample more comfortable.
Single-use lancets are made for one use and should be disposed of in a sharps container according to local regulations.
Tip: Look for lancets that have a universal fit with most lancing devices.
Lancets
Safety lancets are spring-loaded and auto-retract, and are meant for single-use. Healthcare professionals usually use safety lancets to reduce the risk of infection between patients. Tip: Safety lancets are also convenient for travel.
Safety Lancets
Tip 1 Tip 2 Tip 3
Read instructions. Learn how to properly use a lancing device.
Use a new lancet every test to prevent infection and reduce discomfort.
Adjust depth setting on the lancing device to comfortably get a usable sample on first try.
The Goal Of Insulin Therapy
The goal of insulin therapy is to control blood glucose levels and prevent complications of diabetes, like nerve damage, kidney damages, vision loss, and cardiovascular disease.
When injecting insulin, it is important to measure the dose correctly. Lance’s healthcare team gave him helpful tips on how to deliver insulin:
Pumps are about the size of a pager and are programed to deliver small amounts of insulin throughout the day.
Syringes are single use and come in different gauges for comfort and different dosing sizes.
Insulin pens are prefilled insulin syringes that the user can dial up the correct units of insulin and reuse.
Types Of Insulin Delivery
All insulin is measured in units and drawn up into a syringe for injection on the abdomen, thighs or upper arms.
Some people take multiple daily injections of insulin using a fine needle syringe. Other insulin delivery devices include insulin pens or insulin pumps.
Tip 1 Tip 2 Tip 3
Using syringes with clear, easy-to-read markings makes taking the right amount of insulin easier.
Frequently check blood glucose levels and write down results to identify patterns.
Dispose of used syringes in a puncture resistant container, following local ordinances.
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Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Immediately check blood glucose level.
Wait 15 minutes and then test again.
Eat or drink 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Raised blood glucose levels can cause a lack of moisture in the skin, which can cause itching and cracking.
This can cause infection, which can be slow to heal.
Increased glucose in
blood
Body tries to excrete
excess glucose
Body loses
moisture
Lack ofmoisture in skin
Diabetes
Dry Skin
Dry Skin
Sometimes people with diabetes experience low blood glucose, which is called a hypoglycemic episode. Hypoglycemic episodes are unpleasant.
Symptoms May Include:
The key to managing an episode of severe low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) is to be prepared.
If symptoms are present or blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dL, Lance follows the 15-15 Rule suggested by the American Diabetes Association:
Low Blood Glucose What To Do When Low Fast-Acting Glucose
Feeling shaky, weak or hungry
Dizziness or headaches
Sweating Problems with vision
Eating too little food or skipping a meal
Drinking alcohol without eating
Strenuous exercise
Taking too many glucose-lowering pills or too much insulin
Reasons May Include:
Made with the simplest form of carbohydrate (glucose), which is absorbed into the blood stream quickly.
Soft drinks and fruit juice can treat lows, but there are also products specifically designed to raise blood glucose.
These fast-acting glucose sources are:
15-15 Rule
Fast-acting glucose products come in a variety of flavors and forms, including tablets, gels, and liquid shots, which make it convenient to stay prepared.
Preventing Dry Skin High Blood Glucose
Properly cleaning and moisturizing dry skin are simple ways to prevent dry skin. Use a daily hydrating lotion all over and an intensive moisturizing cream for areas prone to dryness.
Lance’s healthcare team gave him the following tips to keep his skin moisturized:
What To Do When High
High blood glucose happens when the body has too little insulin or when the body can’t use insulin properly. This is called hyperglycemia.
Symptoms May Include:
Feeling tired Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Suddenweight loss
Eating too much food or meals too close together
Illness or experiencing stress
Missing usual exercise routine
Taking incorrect amount of diabetes medications or insulin
Reasons May Include:
How To Keep Skin Moisturized
Tip 1: Use a mild soap.
Tip 2: Rinse well.
Tip 3: Moisturize all over with layer of lotion.
Tip 4: Avoid lotioning between the toes, as this can lead to infection. Use talcum powder between the toes instead.
15g
The Importance of Fiber
INSOLUBLE
&SOLUBLE
Helps slow digestive process
Types of Fiber
Adds bulk to bowel movements
FULL
E
LOWCHOLESTEROLE
Lance learned that daily intake of fiber is important for overall digestive health and may have a positive effect on blood glucose levels.
Soluble fiber delays the emptying of the stomach, slowing the entry of glucose into the bloodstream after eating.2
Foods with fiber typically do not cause blood glucose to rise as high as foods without fiber. A quick rise in blood glucose can cause the body to release more insulin.3
The cholesterol-lowering effect of soluble fiber may also help reduce the risk of heart disease.4
How fiber helps blood glucose levels and stability:
Sometimes getting enough fiber can be a challenge. Lance takes sugar free, chewable tablets to help get the recommended daily amount of 38g for men each day (20g for women).4
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Test if experiencing the following symptoms:
• Blood glucose is more than 240 mg/dl• Shortness of breath• Breath smells fruity• Nausea and vomiting
When To Test For Ketones
When there is a shortage of insulin in the blood the body breaks down body fat for energy, which produces ketones. Ketones can be checked with a simple urine test.
If ketone levels get too high, a serious condition, Diabetic Ketoacidosis, can develop, which can lead to a diabetic coma.
Lance prevents DKA by checking his urine and blood regularly.
Available in pre-measured servings so an exact amount can be taken.