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Glucose Monitor: Selection, Care and Use
A glucose monitor in an important tool when it comes to monitoring and controlling your glucose levels. There are things to consider when selecting, caring for and using your monitor. These steps should help you wade through the information and zero in on the monitor that is best for you and will also help you to get the most out of it.
1. Budget and Expense of Monitor
Quite often, diabetes care supplies, including blood glucose monitors are covered by health insurance. However, you should not just assume that you will be reimbursed by your insurance company. Before you purchase your supplies get approval from your insurance company so that you can be sure that you are complying with their rules and that you will be reimbursed. Some insurance companies have certain restrictions or arrangements that pertain to specific monitors or supplies. It is important that you discuss your options with your insurance company as well as your health care team in order to get what is best for you and works with your insurance.
2. Budget and Expense of Supplies
When you get a monitor, you will need certain testing supplies to work with that monitor. Eventually, the cost of the test strips of sensors, control solutions and other supplies can become quite expensive, possibly even exceeding the cost of the monitor itself. You need to think about all the costs that are involved with your glucose monitor. Some insurance companies will pay for supplies, some pay for certain supplies. You need to check out everything before you purchase your monitor.
3. Ease of Use
Monitors are just like any other health care item. Some are easier to use than others. Different monitors need different amounts of blood to test, fewer test strips and take less time. If you know people who use monitors, you can ask them their opinions to get an idea of a good monitor. Your doctor can also help. This is important because your doctor needs to be able to work with the monitor that you purchase.
4. Accuracy
Not all glucose monitors are created equal. Some are more accurate than others. When used correctly, most monitors on the market are pretty accurate. However, over time your monitor can become less accurate. You should test your monitor from time to time to make sure that you are getting accurate readings. Your monitor's accuracy should be tested at least once a month. Your monitor's manufacturer instructions can tell you how to go about testing for accuracy. You should also test your monitor's accuracy when you have a problem with it.
5. Cleaning, Care and Maintenance
Any glucose monitor can be damaged and all monitors need the right kind of care. There is a difference, though, because some monitors need more cleaning and maintenance, while others need less. The manufacturer's instructions for your monitor can give you information on maintenance, care and use. It is also a good idea to get training for your new monitor. You should find a monitor that has training that is near you so that you can get it easily.