Free Glucose Monitors

Blood glucose monitors are an important tool for keeping diabetes under control and for providing important information to doctors about the status of their patients. Testing blood sugar frequently throughout the day provides a clearer picture as to how often glucose is in the 'target' range for any particular patient. Those who take insulin may use a monitor three times a day or more depending on the particular need. Having a monitor on hand is necessary to insure proper treatment of diabetes for both adults and children. There is a wide array of diabetic meters to choose from that can be purchased or there are free glucose monitors. In order to get the best test reading available for any patient, it is necessary to know how to choose the right equipment for each need.

Several things to take into consideration when shopping for a monitor is the cost, accuracy level, and required maintenance of the product. Blood glucose monitors should also be considered for their ease of use and amount of time it takes to receive a test result. Many times, the cost of a testing unit is covered by insurance which provides free glucose monitors along with diabetic supplies to the insured. However, patients should never take for granted that their insurance covers any diabetic equipment or supplies. Always check with a company and get pre-approval beforehand in order to circumvent any costly mistakes. There may be restrictions on certain types or a certain amount that is allowable. Also, check to see if the insurance company pays for testing strips that are needed for any particular meter. Sometimes a monitor might be relatively inexpensive but may use very expensive testing strips which can add up to a hefty bill.

If a patient must necessarily pay for a meter out-of-pocket, then he or she may be able to find a good deal through rebates or trade-in programs. Also, some sources provide free glucose monitors to those who cannot afford them. Accuracy is another concern for patients who must carefully maintain correct sugar levels. Most meters now being sold are generally accurate, but patients should consistently check their units to make sure of continued accuracy. One way to check for accuracy is to check the meter at the same time blood is drawn from the arm during a doctor's visit. Testing the sample within a minute or two of each other should provide a very accurate reading to compare. Another way to insure accuracy is to conduct maintenance on the meter periodically. Dirty, old or mishandled units can produce inaccurate readings, so proper maintenance such as cleaning is very important. Some units require more care that others, so choosing one that requires less care is usually a realistic choice for most patients.

Some meters are easier to use than others and require a certain amount of blood drawn to determine a reading. The units also come in various sizes which make them more or less portable. Even though most units today are generally portable, a child for instance, may need to have access to one that is easily managed and interpreted. Issues such as readability and use of test strips are important concerns in choosing among the many blood glucose monitors. Sometimes it is helpful to ask a doctor, pharmacist or another patient about one that is preferred. First hand recommendations can be valuable in finding a good meter for the particular use required. "I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities; (Psalm 31:7)

The amount of time it takes to receive the test information can be very important to diabetics, especially if they are experiencing a dangerous dip in sugar levels. Most modern units provide results in a minute or less, with some meters showing results in as little as five seconds. Compare meters to find the one that offers the best testing features for any particular patient. Other options that may be helpful to patients are smart memory features, instructional information, and audio features. Some units provide smart memory features that will store up to a certain number of test results. Records can be downloaded into computers for management and storage. A variety of smart meters also offer the choice of several languages within the unit. Instructional material such as videos or CDs may accompany some units which allow a patient to get up to speed on the use of a monitor more quickly.

Audio features are available on some meters for patients who are visually impaired, which is not uncommon in diabetics. Verbal instructions can be activated as well as test results received. 'Speaking' units are also available in Spanish or other languages. This is an invaluable option for many patients. The more features or advanced options a meter has, the more expensive it can be, causing many patients to have a difficult time in affording what is needed. Through some government programs as well as private organizations, qualified patients can receive free glucose monitors as well as diabetic supplies. Diabetic patients must commit to vigilant testing in order to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Blood glucose monitors are necessary in helping patients effectively fight the debilitating symptoms of diabetes.



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