Home Blood Glucose Testing
After you’re diagnosed with diabetes, your healthcare provider may tell you to test your blood sugar regularly at home. Self-testing can help you monitor whether your treatment plan is working. Your diabetes healthcare team will give you specific advice on how to keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range.
Blood glucose meters or glucometers are devices that allow you to test your blood sugar at home. Most meters require you to prick your skin with a lancing device to draw blood. You place a drop of blood onto a test strip that’s inserted in the meter. Then the meter displays your current blood sugar level. This is the most common way to monitor blood glucose levels at home.
There’s also another method of testing blood sugar levels using a device called a continuous glucose monitor. A continuous glucose monitor uses a small sensor that’s placed under your skin, often in your abdomen or arm. The sensor measures your blood sugar at frequent intervals and sends the results to a device you wear on your body. The device produces a digital readout, so you can know your blood sugar levels in real time and get a better sense of what is happening with your blood sugar throughout the day.
Blood Glucose Monitors At Walgreens
If you have diabetes, your body can’t control blood sugar levels. Your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes and sometimes insulin or other diabetes medications as treatment to bring your blood sugar levels near goal. Blood sugar monitoring can help tell if your diabetes treatment plan is working. You’ll likely have your blood sugar levels checked during appointments, and your doctor may also recommend testing your blood sugar levels at home with a blood glucose monitor. Walgreens can help you test your blood sugar at home accurately and easily with a diverse assortment of monitors that you can shop online and in stores. We also carry lancets, testing strips and glucometer accessories, so you can purchase everything that you need with ease.
Cvs Health True Metrix Glucose Meter
- Meter basics. This meter comes with pre-installed battery, lancing device, 10 lancets, instructions to use, self-test logbook, and a compact carrying case. Users get results within 4 seconds of applying a blood drop. Additionally, this meter has a 500-test memory, the ability to provide 7-, 14-, and 30-day averages, 4 testing alarms, and event tagging .
- User reviews. This meter received a lot of praise, earning an average of 4.5 stars out of 5 from 258 reviews on the CVS website. Some people reported inaccurate readings while using this meter, but most noted that the difference was slight, within 10 to 20 points of comparative readings.
- This is a really nice glucose meter. The display is large and very easy to read. The instructions were simple to follow and not overly complicated. The reading time is decently quick as well. This is the best meter Ive had. Adam
- I was excited to try this out, as I have been wanting a new blood glucose meter for some time. However, after a long testing period, I found the results to vary widely from time to time. I did not take it to my doctor to confirm, though. I will use this for travel or as a backup. Sprout
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Why Get A Free Diabetes Screening
The purpose of this type of screening is to serve as an early alert, hopefully cutting down on the damage done by type 2 diabetes by uncovering it and addressing it early, before you have any complications of high blood sugar. Also, “These screenings have the potential to catch other types of diabetes,” adds Knapp. Since more than 29 million Americans have diabetes, and another 86 million are at risk for the disease, early diagnosis is more important than ever.
Here are more reasons for getting a screening:
- You can find out whether you might have a type of diabetes called prediabetes, which almost always starts before full-blown type 2 diabetes.
- Early diagnosis enables you to start self-care with healthy lifestyle changes, like increasing exercise and losing weight.
- For some people with prediabetes, early treatment can actually return blood glucose levels to the normal range.
What Are The Symptoms Of Diabetes
There are differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes when symptoms first start. In type 1 diabetes, symptoms often come on quickly over a short time. In type 2 diabetes, symptoms may come on slowly over the course of many years and be mild, making them difficult to notice.
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Frequent urination
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Tingling, pain or numbness
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Fruity smelling breath
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Who Should Test Their Blood Sugar
Your healthcare provider will tell you if you need to test your blood sugar at home. In general, you’ll need to test your blood sugar if you have diabetes and:
- Take insulin or other medications that can cause hypoglycemia
- Have a difficult time controlling your blood sugar
- Suspect you have low blood sugar: Symptoms can include headache, sweating, hunger, jitteriness, confusion, dizziness, irritability, weakness, or a fast or irregular heart rate
- Experience low blood sugar without warning signs
- Have ketones from high blood sugar
Relion Premier Compact Blood Glucose Monitoring System
- Meter basics. The ReliOn Compact is a smaller meter that offers on-the-go testing abilities. Like the other ReliOn models, the Compact requires only a 0.5-microliter blood sample to test and displays results within 5 seconds. Users have the option to use alternate site testing in addition to their fingers, including forearm, palm, thigh, and calf. It also comes complete with a carry case, starter set of test strips, lancing device, and lancets.
- User reviews. Reviews are positive for this meter, receiving an average of 4.0 out of 5 stars out of 214 ratings on the stores website. Users especially liked the devices slim design and accessibility.
- I think that this ReliOn Blood Glucose Monitoring system is the best I have ever used. It is lightweight so you can carry it everywhere. It has a fancy design to it. The results were faster than other monitors and with less or no pain. And the results were accurate. I love this system. Elaine
- Very reliable for the price. I took mine to the hospital and compared my readings to their machine Bingo! it read very close. Love the size, too. Easy to carry, easy to use. Ron
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How To Use Walgreens Glucose 4 G Chewable Tablet
Read and follow all directions on the product package before you need to take this product. Be sure to keep this product handy in case it is needed. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this product by mouth as directed. If you are taking a chewable form of this product, chew it thoroughly before swallowing. Some liquid forms need to be shaken before use. Check the manufacturer’s directions.
Check your blood sugar level 10 to 15 minutes after taking this product. If your blood sugar level is still low, take another dose. The blood sugar level should be kept up by eating snacks such as crackers, cheese, a meat sandwich, or milk.
If your symptoms do not get better within 20 minutes or if they get worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.
Walgreens Meter Comparison Review
While living with diabetes takes dedication and diligence, the cost associated with the most effective methods of management can be quite high. The price tags on the testing strips needed to ensure you are testing as much as your doctor recommends can add up. Sometimes, many patients with diabetes are forced to choose between buying groceries, paying bills, or affording their medical supplies.
This impossible situation has made it more difficult for those managing their diabetes than it really needs to be. Large retailers such as Walgreens have come out with more affordable options for testing blood sugar levels for those living with diabetes. But how do these meters and their test strips compare to other more popular brands on the market?
In this review well discuss the three different meter and test strip options available from Walgreens.
These include:
- Walgreens True Metrix Bluetooth Meter
- Walgreens True Metrix
- Walgreens True 2 Go
Well take a detailed look into their specific features, initial cost, ongoing costs as well as much more. If you are someone who finds affording your testing supplies to be a bit of a challenge, this article is for you.
Contents
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What The Results Mean
Your healthcare provider will give you individualized blood sugar goals. General blood sugar guidelines for people with diabetes are as follows:
- Before a meal: 80-130 mg/dL
- One to two hours after meals: less than 180 mg/dL
Remember that food, physical activity, stress and medications each affect your blood sugar levels. While blood sugar levels above or below goal can happen from time to time, a pattern of high and low readings may mean that your treatment plan needs to be adjusted. This is why it’s important to review not just the current reading on the meter, but to look at trends over time. Keep track of your blood sugar readings, whether it be in an app or notebook. Bring the log with you to appointments so your healthcare provider can review it. This information can help them make decisions about your care.
Relion Prime Blood Glucose Monitoring System
- Meter basics. The ReliOn PRIME meter has a big, bold, red-framed display that is easy to read. It displays results within 7 seconds. It has a 250-test memory, fingertip or palm testing capacity, and comes packaged with an English/Spanish product manual, a carrying case and logbook.
- User reviews. Reviews are rather average for this meter, receiving 3.7 out of 5 stars out of 662 ratings. People liked the products price, but many found it to be unreliable and difficult to use.
- I like my product. It is easy to use. The price was unbelievable. Thelma
- Highly unreliable. I finally used my old Bayer glucose meter to check against my ReliOn results, and ReliOn reads 30+ mg/dL higher than the Bayer meter, which seems to be correct when correlated with my A1C. The stores dont carry the control solution, so you have to order and wait 2 weeks. I cant go that long without having an accurate meter, and Walmart should not send out a meter with such a large discrepancy, IMO. They did refund my money. Amy
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What Is A Full Panel Cholesterol And Blood Glucose Test
A full panel cholesterol and blood glucose test measures:
- LDL, “bad cholesterol”LDL cholesterol carries cholesterol, triglycerides, and other fats to various parts of the body. A buildup of LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. Low LDL levels correspond to lower risk.
- HDL, “good cholesterol”HDL cholesterol carries cholesterol, triglycerides, and other fats from other parts of your body to your liver. Essentially, HDL cholesterol helps lower the “bad” LDL cholesterol. Studies have shown that the higher your HDL cholesterol, the lower your risk of coronary heart disease.
- TriglyceridesTriglycerides are a type of fat used to store excess energy from your diet. Like LDL cholesterol, a high amount of triglycerides can be an indicator for coronary heart disease.
- Total cholesterolLDL, HDL and Triglycerides are factored in to achieve your total cholesterol result.
- Blood glucoseThe amount of sugar in your blood is measured by a blood glucose test. Elevated blood glucose for long periods of time can be an indicator of health problems such as diabetes.
A full panel cholesterol and blood glucose test helps identify abnormal levels of cholesterol and/or blood glucose and helps you devise a plan to improve your health.
Who Is Diabetes Screening & Counseling Recommended For
This service is recommended for patients who may be at risk for diabetes and who are interested in better understanding their health so they can take steps to lead a healthier life. Patients receiving this service are encouraged to share their results with their primary care provider.
If you believe you have a medical emergency, please call 911.
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Walgreens True Metrix Bluetooth Meter
The Walgreens True Metrix Bluetooth Meter has all the basic abilities of your typical blood sugar meter. There is no coding necessary, so this helps to save time with testing, which is great for those needing to find out their blood sugar level fast. Getting results is pretty quick as well. Most other brand name meters on the market take upwards of 5 seconds to receive your blood sugar results, which is pretty fast, when you consider the meters used in the hospital setting can take upwards of 20 seconds. The True Metrix Bluetooth Meter however, goes a step further in the quickness of receiving your results with a 4 second time wait.
Further Reading:
The True Metrix Bluetooth meter also gives you the option of using alternative testing sites, to help save those fingers from consistent scarring. The 0.5 microliter size for the sample also allows you to need much less blood than some other traditional meters on the market.
Blood Sugar Data Management
One of the most important parts of diabetes management, other than taking your medications is keeping track of your blood sugar levels . All modern meters on the market feature data saving abilities allowing you to store results for a certain period of time. The True Metrix Bluetooth meter stores up to 1,000 results including their date and time. In addition to blood sugar level readings, you will also have the ability to include tags which each reading.
Who Is Cholesterol And Blood Glucose Testing Recommended For
A cholesterol test is recommended for everyone at least once every five years in adults ages 20 and over.
A blood glucose test is recommended by the American Diabetes Association every three years for people with normal levels or in good health with no risk factors. Those who are overweight and/or over age 45 should talk with their doctor about whether more frequent testing is recommended. Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of diabetes. However, other tests must be used to diagnose diabetes.
The blood glucose test is also used to monitor patients who have diabetes.
People with the following factors may be at risk for Type 2 Diabetes and may want to consider having a blood glucose test done:
- Impaired glucose tolerance
- Lack of regular exercise
- Low HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides, high blood pressure
- Member of certain racial and ethnic groups
- Those with gestational diabetes, or who have had a baby weighing 9 pounds or more at birth
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Why You Should Test Your Blood Sugar
Self-testing is called self-monitoring of blood glucose . It’s an important tool that can tell if your diabetes treatment plan is working. While your healthcare provider will still check your hemoglobin A1C levels when you come in for a checkup, many people need to augment this with blood glucose monitoring at home. The A1C test gives a good overall picture of how well your blood sugar has been managed over the past three months. But testing your blood sugar at home can provide a quick measurement of your blood sugar level at any given time. The results of home blood sugar testing can help you make appropriate adjustments to your diabetes medicine, diet and/or level of physical activity. Your diabetes healthcare team will give you specific advice on how to keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range.
When To Test Your Blood Sugar
The number of times that you need to check your blood sugar each day depends on the type of diabetes you have, the type of medicine you take to treat your diabetes, and how well your blood sugar levels are controlled. For example, people who take insulin injections or use an insulin pump may need to check their blood sugar more frequently than those who take diabetes pills. Some people test their blood sugar before eating meals or snacks, before and after exercise, when they feel sick, or when they think their blood glucose is low. Talk with your healthcare team about how often you should check your blood sugar.
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Checking Your Blood Sugar