"This is a newer model and it's very tiny" (1:32)
Sean, 34, explains how to use a glucose meter and why it can save your life.
Click the thumbnails below to watch more real stories.
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Glucose Meters
"This may save your life"
( 1:32 )
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Pricking Your Finger
"It's nothing to fear"
( :37 )
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Hemoglobin A1C
"It's a really key test"
( 1:35 )
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Testing Each Day
I test morning, evening, and before meals
( :34 )
Share Your Thoughts
What kind of glucose meter do you use?
Blood glucose meters are one of the most important advances in diabetes management in recent decades. And they're also smaller, faster, and require less blood than in the past. To use the tiny devices (generally the size of a cell phone), you prick your finger and put a drop of blood on a test strip that is inserted into the meter. By testing your blood regularly, you can look for patterns to see if blood sugar is in the safe range. If not, you can change your diet, increase exercise, or see your doctor for medication to lower blood sugar—and your risk of complications. What's more, the device can tell you if you have hypoglycemia—a potentially dangerous situation in which insulin or other medication causes blood sugar to go too low.
Glucose Meters"This may save your life"
Pricking Your Finger"It's nothing to fear"
Hemoglobin A1C"It's a really key test"
Testing Each DayI test morning, evening, and before meals
