DrKumo Best RPM
DrKumo
Connected Health Technology
Search

Ensuring Accurate Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose at Home

Share this post:

Accurate self-monitoring of blood glucose revolves around correct usage of the glucometer, proper handwashing and awareness of environmental and physiological factors.
caregiver and patient doing self-monitoring of blood glucose at home
Table of Contents

Blood glucose control is the cornerstone of management in Diabetes. Many people with Diabetes, especially those receiving insulin therapy, use blood glucose monitors at home to track their blood glucose levels. According to the American Diabetes Association: “Glucose monitoring allows patients to evaluate their individual response to therapy and assess whether glycemic targets are being safely achieved. Integrating results into diabetes management can be a useful tool for guiding medical nutrition therapy and physical activity, preventing hypoglycemia, or adjusting medications.” Hence, accurate self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is essential to achieving excellent long term outcomes and avoiding complications for patients with Diabetes.

How typical glucose monitors work

Typical glucometers used in SMBG require a drop of capillary blood obtained by pricking the fingers. A drop of blood is placed on the test strip which contains an enzyme that subsequently reacts with the glucose in the blood sample. This reaction then produces a current proportional to the glucose level in the blood, which is then read by the glucometer as a corresponding glucose reading.

Basic steps in using glucose monitors

The basic steps in using typical finger-prick glucometers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are as follows:

  1. Make sure the meter is clean and ready to use.
  2. After removing a test strip, immediately close the test strip container tightly. Test strips can be damaged if they are exposed to moisture.
  3. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Dry well. Massage your hand to get blood into your finger. Don’t use alcohol because it dries the skin too much.
  4. Place the strip in the meter. Use a lancet to prick your finger. Squeezing from the base of the finger, gently place a small amount of blood onto the test strip.
  5. After a few seconds, the reading will appear. Track and record your results. Add notes about anything that might have made the reading out of your target range, such as food, activity, etc.
  6. Properly dispose the lancet and strip in a trash container.
  7. Do not share blood sugar monitoring equipment, such as lancets, with anyone, even other family members.
  8. Store test strips in the container provided. Do not expose them to moisture, extreme heat, or cold temperatures.

Factors that may affect accuracy of glucose monitors

Several factors may affect the accuracy and reliability of capillary blood glucose values obtained via SMBG. According to the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, these include human, meter-inherent, test-strip-inherent, environmental, physiological, and medication-related impact factors.

  1. Human: Incorrect use of glucometers is the most common cause of inaccuracies. Because glucometers analyze minute blood samples, even minor contamination with glucose containing fluids, such as fruit residue on the skin, may cause falsely high measurements. Patient education and proper handwashing can minimize this error.
  2. Meter-inherent: Besides the inherent specifications and features of the particular glucometer, errors such as improper insertion of test strips or low battery may also affect results.
  3. Test-strip-inherent: Variations between test strips and vials may occur during the manufacturing process. This can lead to a degree of inaccuracy and fluctuations between different glucose readings.
  4. Environment: Temperature and humidity can affect test strip readings. Heat causes falsely elevated results, while cold causes falsely low results. Rapid changes in temperature can also cause a lag in function of 15-30 mins. Improperly stored strips that are exposed to high humidity will also cause readings to be inaccurate. High altitude can also affect accuracy of blood glucose readings. Electromagnetic interference from mobile phones can also impact the accuracy of glucometer readings; hence keeping mobile phones at least 50 cm away may reduce this error.
  5. Physiological: Some physiological factors may impact the accuracy of glucose readings. Hypotension can lead to falsely low values. Low hematocrit levels frequently result in falsely elevated readings, while high hematocrit levels may show falsely decreased BG levels. High triglyceride levels may cause falsely low BG readings, while hyperuricemia may cause falsely high BG readings.
  6. Medications: Medications such as ascorbic acid, acetaminophen, dopamine, maltose and mannitol may potentially affect glucose measurements. For example, elevated acetaminophen levels may cause falsely elevated BG values.

Related article: RPM: The Key to Assisting Future Diabetes Patients

Takeaway

Accurate self-monitoring of blood glucose revolves around correct usage of the glucometer, proper handwashing and awareness of environmental and physiological factors, and is paramount to achieving excellent outcomes in patients living with Diabetes.

References

  1. https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/44/Supplement_1/S85
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6412701/
  3. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/managing-blood-sugar/bloodglucosemonitoring.html

Share this post:

Revolutionize your healthcare with real-time

Remote Patient Monitoring

and elevate patient outcomes today.

Related Posts

natural rich in protein food on table

5 FAQS About Protein-Rich Diet in Elderly

Protein is required for the growth and repair of muscles and tissues in the body. As a result, in the elderly with muscles that are deteriorating, it is critical to consume protein-rich diet.

independence day 2023
happy flag day 2023
On this Flag Day, we salute the spirit of our great nation! 🎉 As we embrace unity and freedom, let us honor the symbol that represents our shared values. Happy Flag Day! 🎆✨ #FlagDay #ProudAmerican #DrKumo #RemotePatientMonitoring
remembering d-day 2023
memorial day 2023

Memorial Day: A Day of Gratitude and Honor
Today, we pause to remember and express our heartfelt gratitude to our Veterans. Their service to our nation is beyond compare, and their loved ones’ sacrifices are immeasurable. We recall the words of Ronald Reagan, “Their lives remind us that freedom is not bought cheaply. It has a cost; it imposes a burden.” We take immense pride in having the privilege of serving you, and on this day, we salute you. Thank you, Veterans, and their families for your service and sacrifices.

Free Initial Consultation

Get a free 30-45 minutes consultation with one of our DrKumo RPM experts to learn everything you need to know about Remote Patient Monitoring and how you can make your RPM program successful.

To start please fill out the form and we will get in touch with you shortly.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.