BM moniter

[bobthebiker]

I have a querry on how accurate they are
I was give new one from clinic because have to moniter for DVLA,,,but dont thick its that good
Done test at work with moniter from work....10.4
My own moniter....9.6
The one they gave me....12.5
Can anone give me some advise on this please
BOB

 

[Copepod]

All "home" meters have a tolerance of 10 - 20%, so values can vary quite a bit. Best advice is to use one meter (one model - it's often useful to have 2 or 3 of the same model, using same test strips, so you can leave them in various places / carry one with you etc) and get to know and trust it.

Plus, if the readings you listed were at different times eg before / after driving, then bear in mind that blood glucose levels can change up or down within, say 30 mins. Stress of travelling by road can increase blood glucose levels, while exercise eg cycling can reduce. Are you cycling / motorbiking / driving a vehicle?

 

[bobthebiker]

Thank you for the advise is much welcome
The test was done on 3 monitors at same time from same bit o blood
But you have put my mind at rest thanks
Will have word with nurse next time
Bob

 

[Vicsetter]

This old chestnut keeps coming up, usually in connection to dsn/gp issued meters. Issued meters these days are based on price for the strips and I've found them to be less accurate than the big names (Bayer, accuchek etc), especially at higher readings (20% of 10 gives 12 whereas 20% of 5 gives 6 which doesn't sound quite as bad). The solution as Copepod says is to stick to one make of meter, however I use one meter for driving and one at home, this way I get prescribed 2 sets of strips. The one I use for driving tends to give more accurate and lower readings than my normal meter so I prefer it for driving and on my bedside for any nightime readings.

I also find, the opposite of Copepod that driving and shopping decreases by BG.

 

[trophywench]

Good point - we underestimate the 'exercise' we actually take whilst shoving a trolley round Tesco's (other supermarkets are available)

Have a read of this Blog on that very subject, and I think Northie wrote an Ode about it ?

http://www.diabetes-support.org.uk/diabetes_blogs/?p=723

 

[PattiEvans]

Supermarket shopping definitely pushes my BG down. At one time I could guarantee a hypo before I'd finished putting the groceries away. I mean first of all you push the trolley around (often with a wonky wheel) then you bend down and reach up lifting items into your trolley - then you offload em onto the checkout and re-load them into bags, then you heave bags into and out of the car... then you do more weightlifting and stretching putting stuff away!