Posted by The diabetic test strip is one of three primary parts needed to check your blood sugar levels at home. The other 2 are the blood glucose screen and the lancing device. When utilized together, you will receive a very accurate reading of your blood sugar level that is usually displayed in mg/dL, which stands for milligrams per deciliter.
A healthy person will have anywhere in between 70 to 100 mg/dL of blood sugar when fasting. Of course, a properly maintained diabetic client can take pleasure in a life with blood sugar levels between 70 and 100 mg/dL.
The point of the diabetic test strip is to let you understand precisely where you stand on this scale. If your blood glucose is high, then insulin shots may be recommended by your physician. At the very least, you will understand that something in your routine is off. You might need to make a change to your medication or your diet.
Many diabetic patients are recommended to evaluate their blood sugar level around 4 times a day. Your medical professional may advise a different frequency and you would be wise to take their suggestions. Lots of patients have actually forgotten how to use their diabetic test strips or may have never been taught the right way in the beginning.
How To Use Diabetic Test Strips At Home
Using your test strips is actually a really basic procedure. Many glucose screens will turn on instantly when a test strip is placed. Ensure that the screen is powered on and the strip is facing in the right direction.
Now comes everybody’s least preferred part. You will need to take a lancing device and puncture a small hole on your finger. You’re advised to collect the blood sample from different spots each time to minimize the pain. Many people prefer to use the side of their fingertip where it is a little less delicate. As soon as a drop of blood appears at the area you are ready to utilize the test strip.
Take the glucose meter with the test strip placed and hold it so that the exposed end of the strip is near the drop of blood. Upon contact, the strip must absorb the blood and the meter will start to evaluate the sample.
Some specifics of this procedure may vary according to your brand name of glucose meter and test strips. These machines tend to work the same however some may include additional functions. For example, some glucose screens consist of a digital logbook that instantly documents details about your reading.
The Science Of A Test Strip
Now that you understand how to utilize diabetic test strips let’s take a glance at how these strips actually work. The science is fairly the same for a lot of strips despite a big difference in price from one brand name to the next. The average test strip is designed with numerous different layers and each layer serves an extremely particular function. The job of the first layer of the strip is to soak up the blood sample. A more expensive test strip will have a greater quality product here.
The middle of the strip includes several layers that filter the blood sample and permit it to move to the appropriate locations near the bottom. One layer consists of an enzyme that responds with the blood sample.
The final layer consists of the circuitry components of the strip. This is normally a thin circuit made from gold. Its job is to transfer the electrons developed in the chemical reaction to the glucose monitor. Making use of the gold allows the electrons to move as quickly as possible.
Options for Unused Diabetic Test Strips
Don’t waste your unused test strips. Many people don’t know there are options for their unused test strips other than letting the waste away past the expiration date. Rather than letting them waste, sell diabetic test strips for cash. It’s easy to do, and it can help someone else dealing with the disease get access to them at a more affordable rate.
