ALL ABOUT GLUCOSE METERS: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Dr Vedavati Purandare explains why every person with Diabetes should use a glucose meter and describes the correct way to use them to monitor glucose levels.

- Dr Vedavati Purandare

Case study 1

Mrs Anupama Zaveri (name changed) suffered from connective tissue disease since childhood and was prescribed oral corticosteroids for a longer duration to manage it. Last year, the doctors diagnosed her with high blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia) and increased insulin resistance to be a side effect of the long-term steroid use. She was diagnosed with steroid induced Diabetes. She was placed on oral medication and advised life style management to lower blood glucose levels.

When Mrs Zaveri discovered she was pregnant, she visited the doctor who immediately stopped the oral medication and placed her on insulin which is deemed safer during pregnancy.

She was also taught to self-monitor her blood glucose levels to avoid blood glucose lows (hypoglycaemia). Throughout her pregnancy, Anupama used a glucose meter to monitor blood glucose levels. She would check her blood glucose levels and consulted her doctor when readings were high or low. She learnt to adjust her insulin dosage to avoid the lows and regulate her blood glucose levels. Her constant vigilance and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels helped her have a healthy pregnancy and she delivered a healthy full-term baby.

Anupama found using a glucose meter in the comfort of her home to be easy and cost effective. The timely checks helped her avoid blood glucose fluctuations and eased her and her husband's worry about her pregnancy. Anupama continues to use her glucose meter to effectively manage her blood glucose levels.

The need for glucose meters

Diabetes Mellitus is a state of high blood glucose levels. Blood glucose is vital to health because it is an important source of energy for the cells that make up your body. It is also your brain's main source of fuel. If you have Diabetes, no matter what type, it means you have too much glucose in your blood.