The Different Types of Diabetes Testing

Diabetes is a health condition that affects millions of people of all ages around the world. To manage it well, you must check and test your blood sugar often with one of several options for diabetes testing.

Thanks to new technology in healthcare, there are different ways to test for diabetes now. This can help you keep track of your blood sugar levels and take better care of yourself.

Whether you just found out or have had diabetes for a while, knowing about types of diabetic testing can give you more control over your health. Let’s explore the various methods of diabetes testing and how they can help individuals manage their condition effectively.

Blood Glucose Monitoring

Blood glucose monitoring involves checking the concentration of glucose in the blood. Glucose, a type of sugar, is a primary energy source for the body’s cells.

In people with diabetes, the body’s ability to process and use glucose is impaired, which can result in too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia) blood sugar levels.

Blood glucose tests are simple and can be done at home using a diabetes test kit. The kit typically includes:

Blood Glucose Meters

Blood glucose meters are important tools in managing diabetes. They are small and can be taken anywhere.

To use them, a person puts a drop of blood on a strip that goes into the meter. Then the meter shows the amount of sugar in the blood within seconds.

These meters help people keep track of their sugar levels every day and are chosen for their accuracy, ease of use, and ability to save past readings.

Diabetes Test Strips

Diabetic test strips are used with glucose meters to check blood sugar levels. They have special chemicals that react to glucose in the blood. The glucose meter reads this reaction and shows how much sugar is in the blood.

Test strips are designed to be precise and easy for people to use, making it easier for them to test their sugar levels regularly.

Lancets and lancing devices

Lancets and lancing devices are used to collect a small amount of blood for tests by gently pricking the skin. The lancing device can be adjusted to ensure it doesn’t hurt too much. They are user-friendly and can minimize pain when getting blood samples.

Control Solutions

Control solutions are used to check if glucose meters and test strips work well and give accurate results. People can put the solution on a strip, compare the result with expected levels, and ensure their equipment is trustworthy.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a modern way to keep track of your blood sugar levels. It can measure your glucose in real-time, day and night.  A CGM system has the following parts:

Sensor

This small, bendable piece goes under your skin and measures your glucose levels. You need to change it every 7 to 14 days.

Transmitter

The transmitter connects to the sensor and sends information wirelessly to a display device. Some can be used multiple times, while others are thrown away with the sensor.

Receiver/Display Device

This device can be just for displaying glucose data or can also be a smartphone or tablet. It shows your current levels, how they’ve changed over time, and sometimes even predicts what they’ll be in the future.

The CGM sensor uses a small electrode with glucose oxidase to measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. This creates an electrical signal that shows how much glucose is present.

The transmitter sends this information to the display device, which gives real-time readings and trends of whether glucose levels are going up, staying the same, or going down.

Diabetic Testing at Americare Diabetes

Managing diabetes is an ongoing thing. You have to keep checking and testing your blood sugar level regularly. It’s important to know about the different ways of diabetic testing so you can choose what works best for you and your lifestyle.

Are you looking for a diabetes shop renowned for selling diabetic supplies and test kits? Look no further. At Americare Diabetes, we’re committed to providing everything you need to monitor and manage your diabetes with confidence. From the latest in blood glucose meters to diabetic test strips, we are your one-stop diabetes shop for all your diabetic testing needs.

Our team can also assist you in selecting the right supplies for your diabetes management. We also work with healthcare professionals to ensure our patients receive tailored diabetes solutions.

To learn more, call us directly at (866) 400-9565. We look forward to serving you!