Written By: Pavitra Sampath | Updated : May 21, 2014 11:15 AM IST
With India poised to be the world capital of diabetes, the use of glucometers has become a necessity. At a recent event, OMRON India, launched their new range of glucometers. The company had Farhan Akhtar promoting the new age blood glucose monitors. Priced at a thousand rupees, OMRON's Blood Glucose Monitor (HGM 111) comes with a large LCD screen and provides accurate measurements of glucose level within 5 sec. The device can store up to 512 sets of measurement and can provide average data for 7, 14 and 30 days. It also enables consumers to download their testing records on to the computer. The Ultra-light weight, Blood Glucose Monitor(HGM 112) weighs a miniscule 25.5 g including battery. With fast testing time, this is an ideal 'on the go' glucose monitor, priced at Rs 990.
Speaking about his role in promoting fitness in India, Farhan Akhtar said 'Keeping fit and staying healthy is essential for everyone in this fast-paced age. I am delighted to partner with OMRON in its mission towards realization of a healthy life and prevention and treatment of lifestyle related diseases. Strict adherence to international quality and safety standards makes OMRON the right choice for you and your loved ones'. When asked about why OMRON had decided to release this glucometer in the Indian market, the OMRON's president, Mr Takuichi Shimizu, said 'The recent rise of emerging markets in Asia and in the heavily populated countries such as China and India in particular, consumer markets are expanding rapidly. This in turn is generating massive demand for Omron's products and solutions'.
With the cost driven down to a thousand rupees, this nifty gadget is sure to take the market by storm. Wondering what a glucometer is? Here are a few things you ought to know:
What is a glucometer?
A blood glucose monitor or glucometer is a medical device used to measure the glucose in the blood. It is gadget normally used by people suffering from diabetes mellitus or hypoglycaemia to monitor their blood glucose levels at home and at regular intervals. It also helps in managing these conditions more efficiently and in reducing the occurrence of life threatening complications that arise out of hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia.
How does it work?
A glucometer has an inbuilt store of glucose oxidase, dehydrogenase, or hexokinase (enzymes that react with glucose in the blood). When a strip containing a drop of blood is inserted into a glucometer, the enzyme reacts with glucose in the blood. This reaction is picked up by an inbuilt electrode that generates an electric current. This current is then recorded and shows up on the screen as a number which indicates the amount of glucose in the blood. There are other meters that detect the amount of glucose in one's blood depending on how much light passes through the blood sample. Newer models can record and store a number of test results or be connected to a personal computer to store these results or print them out. One disadvantage of a glucometer is that it has to be meticulously calibrated to give out the accurate readings.
Who should use a glucometer?
The process of monitoring your own blood glucose levels using a glucometer is often referred to as self-monitoring of blood glucose or 'SMBG'. This device is recommended for people suffering from diabetes, especially for those who are insulin dependent. According to the ADA (American Diabetes Association) patients with type 1 diabetes should ideally test their glucose three or more times per day and pregnant women taking insulin for gestational diabetes should also check their glucose level two times per day. This monitor need not be used by people suffering from Type II diabetes.
How to choose a glucometer:
With a large variety of glucometers flooding the market, there are certain things you should look into before choosing a glucometer, they are :
Newer models have features that make them easier to use. Some meters have features like alternative site testing (sample taken from a place other than you finger), automatic timing, error codes and signals, barcode readers to help with calibration and large screens with spoken instructions for people with visual impairments.
Learning to Use Your Glucose Meter
Not all glucometers work the same way, therefore it is essential that before you start using the meter, a trained professional teaches you how to take a sample, how to calibrate the instrument and how to interpret the results.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.
For more articles on diabetes, visit our diabetes section. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.
