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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.
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