The Indispensable Tool: Why Every Diabetic Needs Glucose Monitoring
The same principle applies to managing diabetes. Every diabetic needs a glucose monitor and must use it consistently. This is the only way to truly understand how your body uniquely responds to various factors that influence your blood sugar levels, such as diet, medications, exercise, illness, and even temperature.
While it's beyond the scope of this post to provide a full tutorial on using a glucose monitor, here are some key suggestions and important considerations. Please note that all FDA-approved glucose monitoring devices have a permissible error rate of ±15%.
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): My Top Recommendation
My highest recommendation for anyone with a blood sugar concern—or even for a healthy individual looking to quantify their body's response to diet and exercise—is to use a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM). There are many options on the market, with exciting innovations on the horizon. If diabetes is new to you, the insights gained from wearing a CGM and tracking your diet for even a month or so can be absolutely invaluable.
As of Spring 2024, Medtronic was granted Over-The-Counter (OTC) status for a continuous glucose monitor that reports to a smartphone. This will become available later in the year, requiring no prescription, and is intended for individuals who are not insulin-dependent.
Until then, a prescription from your doctor is typically required. At the time of this writing, Costco sells two Abbott FreeStyle Libre sensors (each lasting 14 days) for approximately $75.00 cash price. Insurance often covers these for those on insulin therapy. For comparison, my commercial insurance currently charges $225.00 for 86 days' worth of sensors. While they can be expensive, the knowledge gained is incredibly valuable.
In my opinion, there is no better way to learn how your body responds to diet, exercise, supplements, and medications.
Let me share an example: For a time, I was on intensive insulin therapy (more on that later). One day, I decided to take a very hot shower to relax my muscles after a tough workout. My CGM immediately alerted me that the insulin I'd injected before my last meal was working faster than usual, causing my glucose levels to drop too quickly due to the increased heat exposure. I had to cut my steamy shower short and quickly eat something to avoid going low.
Most CGMs report data to a smartphone app, which can also share information with your medical providers for treatment counseling. It's also important to be aware that high doses of supplemental Vitamin C can interfere with the readings from these devices.
Fingerstick Glucose Meters
If you're new to using one, a fingerstick glucose meter typically comes as a kit including test strips, a lancet, the meter itself, and calibration solution. It's crucial to store the test strips precisely as recommended by the manufacturer.
Using it is quite simple:
Use an alcohol wipe to clean the finger area you plan to get the sample from.
Use the lancet to prick the chosen finger, which will produce a small drop of blood.
Place this blood drop onto the test strip that you've already inserted into the meter.
In a few seconds, your glucose reading will appear.
Most devices come with memory functions, potential Bluetooth data connections to smartphone apps, and other helpful features. I highly recommend having a backup meter readily available at all times.
Recommended testing times typically include upon waking (for fasting blood sugar levels), two hours after each meal, and as necessary for medication dosing. The more data you collect, the better insights you'll gain. A good diabetes educator at your local hospital can provide more detailed guidance on proper usage.
If you have commercial insurance, your doctor will likely recommend a brand that is reimbursed or covered by your formulary.
For those on a budget, the Relion brand, available at Walmart, is one I've used for years. Their meters and strips are often more affordable than models covered by commercial insurance. Remember: all FDA-approved meters must operate within ±15% accuracy. Again, be mindful of Vitamin C in your supplements or diet, as it can skew readings.
Finally, if you are someone who struggles with the idea of a tiny finger prick or an injection for medication or a blood sample, please take whatever steps you need to overcome this apprehension. Modern lancets and syringes are incredibly thin and, when used correctly, are almost painless! Your medical team can recommend professional help if you need it. Your life truly depends on this vital self-monitoring.
