| Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot make or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas which is necessary for glucose to be able to enter the cells of the body and be used for energy. |
What are Lancets and lancing devices? | | Lancets are the sharp devices to prick and draw a small drop of blood, to test for glucose. These are generally used with lancing devices.
Lancing devices hold the lancets firmly and help prick skin in a very controlled way. The depth of the prick can be adjusted so as to make sure that this only goes in as deep as required. Different areas of skin will need different adjustments. |
What are diabetic test strips? | | Diabetic test stips are a simple way to diagnose diabetes through a blood test. Blood samples are placed on these strips. These test strips are then placed in the glucose meters to measure the glucose level in the blood. |
What are glucose monitors/meters? | | Glucose meters are small battery-operated devices to measure glucose level in the blood. To test for glucose, place a small sample of blood on a "test strip" and place the strip in the meter. The meter measures how much glucose is present. The meter displays the glucose level as a number.
Some meters measure the amount of electricity that can pass throught the sample. Others measure how much light reflects from it. Certain models record and store a number of test results. Some models can also connect to PCs to store test results and print them out. |
What are glucose control solutions? | | It is very important to test the accuracy of the test strip and glucose meters on a regular basis. Glucose control solutions are used for this. A glucose control test is performed exactly like a glucose blood test. The glucose control solution is used instead of blood to do the test. The difference is that what the result should be is known. |
What are the types of diabetes? | | Type 1: In this form of diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin. This condition can be treated by taking daily injections of insulin.
Type 2: In this form, sufficient insulin is produced. However, the body's cells do not recognize insulin in the bloodstream. They are not able to get glucose they need to make energy. People with Type 2 diabetes do not need to take insulin. |
| Insulin pumps deliver insulin 24 hours a day through a catheter under the skin. It's a small, pager-sized device that can be worn. It contains a pump reservoir filled with insulin, batteries, and has a programmable interface that allows you to control the insulin flow in your body. |
What are insulin infusion sets? | | Together, the insulin pump tubing and cannula ( a soft plastic or steel needle) at the end of the tube are called an "infusion set". |
I am diabetic and often need to travel by air. Any special advice for me? | | Air travel is not a problem as such for those suffering from diabetes. But it is always better to take some precautions. For instance, always carry the required liquid medicines, such as insulin, for the period of your trip. Adequate medication and equipment should be carried in the hand baggage. You can carry the insulin in a cool bag. |
|