Blood Sugar Measurement

Blood sugar meter this device also called a glucose meter or monitor measures how much sugar or glucose is in a drop of your blood.

Blood sugar measurement.

Blood sugar testing requires the use of a blood sugar meter. In the uk and commonwealth countries it s measured using millimoles per liter mmol l. Blood glucose is measured using a kind of confusing system that exists out of our stubbornness to change outdated systems or to keep doctors and scientists in business. An a1c test measures a person s average blood sugar levels over a 3 month period which gives a wider insight into their overall management of their blood sugar levels.

Mmol l gives the molarity which is the number of molecules of a substance within a specified volumen in this case within 1 litre. You prick your finger with a small sharp needle called a lancet and put a drop of blood on a test strip. Mg dl gives the concentration by the ratio of weight to volumen in this case milligrams per decilitre. People with diabetes need to check their blood sugar glucose levels often to determine if they are too low hypoglycemia normal or too high hyperglycemia.

In the united states germany and other countries mass concentration is measured in mg dl milligrams per decilitre. Even if you use a cgm you ll still need a blood sugar meter to calibrate your cgm device daily. The meter measures the amount of sugar in a small sample of blood usually from your fingertip that you place on a disposable test strip. Both sets of units are used to measure blood sugar levels and both give a measurement of the concentration of glucose in the blood albeit in slightly different ways.

It can tell you when your sugar is too low or too high. Blood sugar measurement is also typically included in routine lab work for people without diabetes your physician will usually order a glycated hemoglobin a1c test which measures your average. Or millimolar abbreviated mm. Normal blood sugar levels for diabetics before eating fasting range from 80 mg dl to 130 mg dl while the high range starts at 180 mg dl.

A continuous glucose monitor uses a sensor to measure blood sugar levels. People can measure their blood sugar levels with either a blood sugar meter or a continuous glucose monitor.