Diabetes, while a very serious disease, can usually be treated and allow for a person with diabetes to lead a relatively normal life.
There are a number of different types of diabetes, which are treated in different manners, but they share several similarities in so far as health risks and effects on the body are concerned.
One of the most important steps in treating diabetes is carefully monitoring blood glucose levels.
In the body, glucose, which is basically a sugar, is used as an energy source.
Glucose is stored until it is needed and then transformed into energy by insulin, a hormone.
However, in someone with diabetes, insulin does not properly break down the glucose or is otherwise ineffective.
The inability of insulin in the body to regulate blood sugar levels causes the glucose levels in the body to fluctuate.
A blood sugar level that is too high or too low can be very dangerous and is common in both those with Type I Diabetes, as well as people with Type II Diabetes.
When blood sugar levels drop too low or become elevated, it is necessary for the diabetic individual to take action.
This might involve taking an insulin shot or eating a piece of sugar, but not acting when blood sugar levels are not correct can be very very dangerous.
Since blood sugar needs to be checked on a daily basis, and more frequently for those with Type I Diabetes, going to a doctor everyday is neither affordable or practical.
Instead, a simple hand held digital glucose monitor can be used to quickly determine blood sugar levels.
Glucose Monitors, of blood sugar meters, can instantaneously analyze a drop of blood and determine its blood sugar level.
A simple pricking device is attached to most glucose meters, which uses a small spring loaded pin to prick the finger.
This is relatively painless and operates very quickly.
Some people prefer to use alternative pricking locations, but the finger is the most common.
Wherever you decide to get the drop of blood from it is essential that both this point, as well as ones hands, have been washed first.
The drop of blood is subsequently dropped onto a diabetic test strip, which is basically a small piece of special paper.
It is possible to buy refills of diabetic test strips in bulk, but they can only be used once.
The glucose monitor, on the other hand, can be used repeatedly.
Once the blood is on the diabetic test strip, it is placed inside of the glucose monitor, which then analyzes the glucose levels and displays them on a digital screen.
The entire process can be completed quickly and easily, with children as young as ten years old able to independently check their glucose levels.
No matter whether what type of diabetes is present, including Type I Diabetes and Type II Diabetes, careful glucose monitoring is essential, although the frequency that it is required can vary.
It is important to discuss with a doctor how often glucose monitoring is required, what types of situations to watch out for, and what to do if the levels are not within acceptable measurements.
There are a number of different types of diabetes, which are treated in different manners, but they share several similarities in so far as health risks and effects on the body are concerned.
One of the most important steps in treating diabetes is carefully monitoring blood glucose levels.
In the body, glucose, which is basically a sugar, is used as an energy source.
Glucose is stored until it is needed and then transformed into energy by insulin, a hormone.
However, in someone with diabetes, insulin does not properly break down the glucose or is otherwise ineffective.
The inability of insulin in the body to regulate blood sugar levels causes the glucose levels in the body to fluctuate.
A blood sugar level that is too high or too low can be very dangerous and is common in both those with Type I Diabetes, as well as people with Type II Diabetes.
When blood sugar levels drop too low or become elevated, it is necessary for the diabetic individual to take action.
This might involve taking an insulin shot or eating a piece of sugar, but not acting when blood sugar levels are not correct can be very very dangerous.
Since blood sugar needs to be checked on a daily basis, and more frequently for those with Type I Diabetes, going to a doctor everyday is neither affordable or practical.
Instead, a simple hand held digital glucose monitor can be used to quickly determine blood sugar levels.
Glucose Monitors, of blood sugar meters, can instantaneously analyze a drop of blood and determine its blood sugar level.
A simple pricking device is attached to most glucose meters, which uses a small spring loaded pin to prick the finger.
This is relatively painless and operates very quickly.
Some people prefer to use alternative pricking locations, but the finger is the most common.
Wherever you decide to get the drop of blood from it is essential that both this point, as well as ones hands, have been washed first.
The drop of blood is subsequently dropped onto a diabetic test strip, which is basically a small piece of special paper.
It is possible to buy refills of diabetic test strips in bulk, but they can only be used once.
The glucose monitor, on the other hand, can be used repeatedly.
Once the blood is on the diabetic test strip, it is placed inside of the glucose monitor, which then analyzes the glucose levels and displays them on a digital screen.
The entire process can be completed quickly and easily, with children as young as ten years old able to independently check their glucose levels.
No matter whether what type of diabetes is present, including Type I Diabetes and Type II Diabetes, careful glucose monitoring is essential, although the frequency that it is required can vary.
It is important to discuss with a doctor how often glucose monitoring is required, what types of situations to watch out for, and what to do if the levels are not within acceptable measurements.
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