Glucose Readings Looking Off? Here’s What Might Have Happened – Part II

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Although it now forms a crucial aspect of diabetes management, glucose monitoring can have certain accuracy issues. These inaccuracies can be due to a couple reasons, including, variations in strip production, strip storage, and strip aging.

They may also be the result of patient issues, such as, inaccurate coding, insufficient hand washing, changed hematocrit, naturally existing interfering chemicals, or environmental restrictions like temperature or altitude. Exogenous interference factors may also cause inaccuracies in the system’s assessment of blood glucose.

blood glucose test strips are typically accurate when used properly; But on rare occasions or as the meter and strips age, they could become less accurate. Consider the following other elements that influence meter accuracy, and the procedures to fix or avoid the issue:

Managing blood sugar levels

If blood glucose levels are just slightly high or low, several acts can help correct them.

Raising a low blood sugar level

Hypoglycemia, or extremely low blood sugar, can cause the following symptoms.

  • feeling nervous or shaky
  • being famished or fatigued
  • feeling confused or lightheaded
  • altered heartbeat headache
  • having trouble speaking or seeing

If these signs appear, the NIDDK suggests that people:

  1. Analyze their blood sugar levels.
  2. Consume a food item that has 15–20 grams of glucose or carbs.
  3. 15 minutes must pass.
  4. Repeat the glucose test.
  5. If levels are still low, repeat.

Low levels should be checked out by a doctor if they persist. If the person becomes unconscious, someone needs to call for emergency medical assistance.

Lowering blood sugar levels

Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, may cause:

  • thirst, exhaustion, or weakness
  • headaches
  • excessive urination
  • fuzzy vision

Exercise may be beneficial. The client should consult a doctor if elevated levels continue, as their treatment regimen may need to be modified.

Additionally, if a person has severe high or low blood sugar symptoms, they should see a doctor right away. They might require emergency care.

Monitoring levels

A key aspect of managing diabetes is keeping track of blood sugar levels. One possible monitoring strategy is:

  • examinations in a medical office
  • a finger-prick test using a CGM device that continuously measures glucose levels

Common times to check your levels are:

  1. upon discovering symptoms
  2. before meals
  3. before bed

Those testing may also include the following:

before, during, and after exercise, at night while ill following changes to their medication regimen.

The number of tests per month will vary depending on the type and stage of diabetes, as well as personal characteristics. A physician will instruct when, and how frequently, to get tested.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

Typically, the body can get rid of extra blood sugar, or turn it into fat cells to store it. However, issues could develop if persistently high blood sugar levels.

Long-term high blood sugar levels may harm the following over time:

  • kidneys
  • eyes
  • nerves
  • blood vessels

DKA is a medical emergency that poses a risk to life, so treatment must be sought very far away. According to research, it is the most typical type 1 diabetic consequence.

Why does my breath have an acetone-like odor? Examine DKA in more detail.

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS)

High blood sugar and dehydration are two symptoms of HHS, which can be fatal.

In severe situations, decreased blood supply to the brain can cause unconsciousness, intense thirst, increased urination, weakness, and a general feeling of being poor.

Anyone exhibiting HHS symptoms ought to see a doctor very away.

Summary

An essential step in avoiding diabetic complications is controlling blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels that remain within a modest range can show that a treatment is effective.

At the beginning of treatment, a doctor will establish goals because each patient’s needs are unique. As the course of treatment develops, they might modify these goals.

Anyone who is worried about their blood sugar levels should contact a doctor.

Contact American Medical Surplus on 570-600-5040 to sell extra diabetic supplies.

Did you read Part I? If not, check it out now!