People with diabetes should take extreme care in controlling their blood glucose levels in the body. This is a transcendental aspect for the health of these patients, as well as being important for the general population. That is why the College of Pharmacists of Gipuzkoa, in Spain, praises the advantages of using blood glucose monitoring systems.
One of the fundamental aims of diabetes treatment is to maintain blood glucose levels at adequate values in order to avoid or delay complications arising from the disease. Thus, patients with diabetes have the daily mission to control their diet and exercise.
Thus, one of the best tools for regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is the glucometer. Thanks to this device, people with diabetes can control their blood sugar levels.
However, in recent years, the so-called Glucose Monitoring Systems (GMS) have also been introduced in society, which significantly facilitate the control of blood glucose levels among patients with diabetes.
Glucose Monitoring Systems
In this regard, pharmacist Amaia Malet explains the advantages of using Glucose Monitoring Systems to control blood glucose levels on a regular basis, compared to traditional glucometers.
«Glucose Monitoring Systems are devices that measure glucose continuously, providing readings every 5 minutes or so. They consist of a sensor -which has a flexible filament that is inserted under the skin-, and a transmitter that sends the signal to a receiving device that provides the reading on the screen. The sensor can be placed on the abdomen, buttock or arm according to the manufacturer’s recommendations,» says Amaia Malet.
The use of this type of device requires prior knowledge. Specifically, it requires the person to know how to interpret the results. On the other hand, the patient will have to be clear that diet and physical exercise are still two essential factors to be carried out for proper blood glucose control.
Thus, among the Glucose Monitoring Systems, the following advantages stand out, according to the Gipuzkoa College of Pharmacists:
- They provide a constant reading of blood glucose levels.
- They provide information on the different glucose trends. In other words, thanks to this system, it facilitates decision making in terms of treatment.
- At present, they do not replace capillary blood glucose controls in absolute terms, «but they make it possible to limit them to critical decision-making and/or to reduce them considerably».
- In addition, some of these Glucose Monitoring System devices incorporate alarms to warn the patient when blood glucose levels approach dangerous limits, both upper and lower.
This is one of the most important aspects of this blood glucose monitoring system, as it helps to avoid episodes of hypoglycemia. In other words, thanks to the glucose detector, it warns the person in reference to a possible drastic drop or rise in levels.
Beware of the spring heat
In terms of diabetes, it is important to know that the heat can alter blood glucose levels. The Madrid Diabetes Association states that the body tends to increase blood glucose values in the event of a possible episode of dehydration, since it generates a decrease in blood flow through the kidneys. This fact makes it difficult to expel glucose through urine.
For this reason, in hot periods such as spring and summer, it is important to drink water constantly and avoid the consumption of beverages with large doses of caffeine or sodium. This is because these types of components can favor dehydration.
