A system is available that enables parents to measure blood sugar level accurately at any time. Precise monitoring and testing of blood sugar may reduce and even reverse some of the complications of diabetes.
Begin by obtaining a drop of blood from a tiny finger-prick. The blood the blood is dropped onto a chemically sensitive strip and then after a simple processing operation the blood sugar level is read on a digital display meter. Another method relies on comparing the strip with a color-coded chart. Each gives accurate results.
Blood glucose monitoring makes it possible to measure blood sugar levels frequently and accurately without visiting the doctor and waiting for lab results; it enables parents to respond promptly to a low blood sugar count by giving high-carbohydrate foods or to a high blood sugar count by injecting insulin. The child’s doctor can recommend the proper insulin dosages or other medications according to glucose levels.
While it involves some degree of discomfort, blood testing is more accurate than urine tests, since there is a delay between the rise of blood sugar and the time that it takes before it shows up in the urine. Also, urine tests show high reading only when glucose is well above acceptable limits.
Use lancets and a machine for picking the child’s finger to obtain a drop of blood. You may prefer to use the sides, rather than the tips of the fingers as they’re less sensitive. Place a drop of blood on the pad on the strip.
Testing strips: The strip will change color to indicate the glucose level.Compare the strip with the color chart on the side of the container.