People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes during pregnancy may need to check and monitor their blood sugarregularly at home.

Testing your blood sugar is one of the best ways to control diabetes. It helps you understand how diet, medication, and exercise can affect your condition. Monitoring blood sugar levels can help both patients and doctors create an effective diabetes management plan. Doctors recommend using a portable glucometer called a glucometer to measure your blood sugar.

What is a blood glucose meter?

 A blood glucose meter is a portable and easy-to-use device that you can use to monitor your blood sugar levels anytime, anywhere. The device typically analyzes a small amount of blood on a fingertip and provides results within seconds. A blood glucose meter can help you see the constant fluctuations in your blood sugar levels, so you may need to check and record your readings frequently.

Steps for using a glucometer
When using a glucometer at home, a step-by-step procedure should be followed to avoid infection and erroneous results during diabetes management. It is also important to follow the instructions that come with the meter. In general, the steps for using a glucometer are:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, dry them with a towel, or use an alcohol wipe to wipe your fingers and make sure they are dry before testing. Remove the test strips from the strip box. Insert or insert the strip into the appropriate slot on the blood glucose meter before pricking your finger. This makes it easier to add a blood sample to the strip. Some blood glucose meters require a blood sample to be placed first on a strip and then on a cell. Use a clean lancet (needle holder) to prick your fingertips.
Prepare the cutter:

Remove the screwdriver cap.
Push the lancet firmly into the holder.
Replace the cap and adjust the piercing device according to the thickness of the skin (below allows for deeper and less painful piercing). Prick the tip of your finger with a clean lancet and wait for the blood to flow.
Place a drop or two of blood in the appropriate spot on the strip placed on the glucometer. Be careful not to let the tape come into contact with your skin. This is important because food and medicine left on your fingers can affect test results. Hold a clean cotton pad over the puncture site and stop the bleeding.
Using a blood glucose meter
Check if your blood sugar is under control, low or high. Recognizes patterns of blood sugar levels (when blood sugar levels are high or low).
Monitor blood sugar levels after exercise or during stress. Monitoring the effectiveness of diabetes treatment.
Understand how lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, can help control diabetes. Assess the extent to which specific treatment goals are being met.
 

What is a normal glucose meter for a person without diabetes? 

Normal blood sugar levels in people without diabetes or pre-diabetes should be:

Blood sugar level: 70 – 99 mg/dL
Postprandial blood glucose (1 to 2 hours after a meal): less than 140 mg/dL

What are the normal blood glucose values ​​for people with diabetes?
According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes should have the following blood sugar levels:

Fasting blood glucose: 80-130 mg/dL
Postprandial blood glucose: less than 180 mg/dL

Conclusion
Controllingblood sugar levels not only helps control diabetes but also reduces the risk of long-term complications. It's always helpful to know if your blood sugar is normal, low, or high, so it's a good idea to use a glucometer. A blood glucose meter is ideal for those who want to check their blood sugar levels regularly in a convenient, easy and painless way. Depending on the results, you can make the necessary changes to your diet or lifestyle.