| Most diabetics
are quite aware of the importance of monitoring their blood sugar.
Many are not strangers to the painful pin-prick associated with
drawing one’s blood; however, as researchers develop new innovative
products, the discomfort and pain is being removed from regular
blood testing. As alternatives,
the following advances have been found most useful in quelling
the pain associated with monitoring one’s blood sugar:
? Alternative site testing -- These blood sugar
monitors are comprised of built-in blood-sampling devices to
test blood from other areas than the finger (in example: thigh,
arm or abdomen).
? GlucoWatch -- The GlucoWatch is worn verisimilar
to a watch. It detects blood sugar level through the skin. Diminutive
electrical currents extract miniscule amounts of fluid from
the skin to a sensor pad that’s attached to the backside of
the mechanism.
Blood sugar levels can be compared throughout
the day or following specific activities. The downside of the
GlucoWatch is that a daily finger prick is needed to calibrate
it. Additionally, the sensor pad must be changed on a daily
basis.
? Glucose sensor -- This automated testing
device is a sensor that is positioned under the skin. It measures
blood sugar levels and then transmits the results to a tiny
recording device worn on the diabetic’s body. Over the course
of a two to three day period, the sensor can log hundreds of
blood sugar levels.
? InDuo -- This blood testing device is a combination
of a glucose meter and an insulin-injector pen. The advantage
of this instrument can be found in its multi-purposes: measures
blood sugar and inject insulin.
? Needle-free laser -- Rather than use a lancet,
various devices are comprised of a laser beam. It works by vaporizing
the skin’s pinpoint on the finger.
? Specialized lancets -- Certain lancets enable
the diabetic to adjust the depth of the prick to account for
variations in skin density. |
