Saturday, August 22, 2009

Monitoring Blood Glucose simply with AccuChek

By Janelle Peters

Being diagnosed as having diabetes can be frightening. The good news is that it is a controllable condition. Fitted out with the correct information and the right products can help you comfortably live and flourish.

The Basics on Diabetes* There are 3 main types of diabetes : Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes. According to WebMd.com a projected 7.8 percent of the populace or 23.6 million of us are afflicted by diabetes. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in that a diabetic has difficulty producing the correct amount of insulin to move glucose from the bloodstream into the cells or the cells don't correctly reply to the insulin.

Type One Diabetes Type 1 is an autoimmune disease where the immune mechanism attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and destroys them. An individual with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily to be healthy. Typically, Type 1 Diabetes develops in children and teens, but it can appear at any age.

Type 2 Diabetes Type 2 is the more commonplace kind of diabetes and often is related to older age, obesity, family history, physical indolence, ethnicity or a previous history of gestational diabetes. Typically when Type two is diagnosed, the pancreas is manufacturing enough insulin but the body cannot use the insulin efficiently.

Gestational Diabetes Gestational Diabetes develops during pregnancy. Doctors haven't come to a total agreement, but many people believe that the rise in hormones produced during pregnancy affects the body's capability to regulate insulin levels efficiently. Mostly, gestational diabetes goes away after the pregnancy is complete. Females who had gestational diabetes have an increased risk for developing Type two diabetes later on.

Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, you will need to fastidiously observe your blood sugar levels. When you are diagnosed, your health practitioner will share with you the right blood glucose range for your present position. Your doctor will also talk about how regularly you will need to test your blood sugar.

To check your sugars, you'll employ a glucose meter, glucose testing strips and a lancet to prick your finger or other site for a blood draw. Depending on the kind of glucose meter and lancet system you use, you may test on your fingers, palm or forearm. Since you may be testing several times per day, you'll need to choose the right system for you. When appraising your glucose testing system you will need to consider the following items:

1) Is it straightforward to get a reading with the first lancing?

A system like AccuCheck provides a high accuracy rate, with 97% of testers being able to obtain an correct reading the first time.

2) How long does it take to see your results?

AccuCheck also offers a fast result with a five 2nd read out.

3) Is the lancing process as painless as possible?

AccuCheck is also uses the least unpleasant lancing technology when compared to other leading lancing devices.

4) Will my insurance cover the testing kit I want?

AccuCheck is preferred by most insurance companies.

Many of us be afflicted by diabetes. If you find the right blood sugar measuring system, you will be able to accurately and effectively manage your condition.

*Medical info is supplied by WebMd.com and is structured as general reference. The accuracy of the info cannot be assured. For complete diagnosis and information regarding diabetes or any other medical problem, please seek the help of a certified professional.

About the Author: