All diabetics need to test blood glucose levels on a regular basis. This can be done at home using a glucose meter and test strips, which can be used at most pharmacies. The glucose level testing kit includes a special tool that is used to prick your finger. The blood is placed on the test strip that has been inserted into the glucose meter and it is analyzed in seconds. The window on the glucose meter displays the amount of glucose in the blood. This allows the diabetic to keep blood glucose levels well under control by monitoring daily or several times a day, whichever is recommended by their diabetic health care professional.
Differences between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a condition that is dependent on insulin injections. People with this form of diabetes do not produce insulin in the body. Therefore, insulin must be monitored on a daily basis to control blood glucose levels and to assure glucose is absorbed by the cells for fuel. Type 1 diabetics must have insulin or they will die. The shots are taken daily before meals. The patient is taught to give their own injection, as well as how to incorporate uninterrupted and critical treatment into their lifestyle.
Modern technology has developed a small computerized device called an insulin pump that diabetics can wear. The insulin pump is connected to a needle by a plastic tube. The needle is inserted under the skin and the insulin pump automatically provides the diabetic with a constant supply of life-saving insulin. The insulin pump can be set to give larger doses before meals.
Insulin pumps can be very beneficial to Type 1 diabetics because they supply insulin in a similar method to that of the pancreas. Pumps enable diabetics to get their diabetes under control easily, but are expensive and more complicated than insulin shots. Diabetics who wish to use an insulin pump should talk to their doctor or diabetic health care professional to determine if an insulin pump is the best method of blood glucose management.