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Jul.5,2010
Glucose Measuring Meters
Clark and Lyons were the first people to come up with the modern glucose measuring meters. This historic event took place at the Cincinnati hospital. The principle behind their working was based on reactions (between glucose enzyme and glucose) that were analyzed by electrochemical sensors. Specifically, the reaction of interest was between oxygen, blood sugar and an enzyme referred to as glucose oxidase. The result of this reaction was gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Blood sugar levels was proportional to oxygen level changes which was the actual value measured.
Blood sugar levels are determined professionally and accurately by blood glucose meters. They are also known as glucometers. They are designed for people who have been established medically to have diabetes and therefore have a primary need of monitoring their sugar levels from time to time. Diabetes patients have their fingers pricked by an instrument referred to as a lancet. The resulting blood is put on a test strip before being put into the blood glucose meter for analysis. Most blood glucose meters are calibrated in mg/dl or any other relevant units. The readout is displayed in a digital screen. In house care of diabetes underwent a huge revolution after the development of glucose measuring meters, as it was now possible to know one’s sugar level in seconds.
It is clear that this has resulted in improved disease management especially in a home set up. The only risks that continue to pose a problem today are associated with the long-term effects of the disease. However, there are short-term risks that arise because of sudden high sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Blood glucose meters are relatively new devices that have been developed and introduced within the last 40 years. The very first glucose measuring meters, which were referred as monitors, used light to come up an approximate glucose amount in the body. Their downside was that they were found in selected hospitals, expensive and heavy. This is in stark contrast to modern meters that are generally compact and highly effective. The blood or urine was the primary component that was tested for sugar levels. Modern day meters are very user friendly and in most of the cases the user just has to prick his finger with the lancet. The drop of blood that oozes out is enough for the meter to determine the blood sugar level.
Blood glucose levels have evolved since they were first invented and have now come to be very accurate and dependable. This is a far cry from the earlier days when these meters suffered from inconsistency. The results of the present day instruments are consistent and extremely dependable. The modern day meters have aided medical practitioners a lot by providing them accurate and dependable results every time. They have now become an invaluable tool for both, medical practitioners and laymen alike.
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