History

• The first patent for a blood glucose monitor was issued in 1971 to Anton Hubert Clemens. An insulin-dependent diabetic doctor who was one of the first patients to use a glucose monitor at home wrote a book called "Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution: A Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars." Dr. Richard Bernstein also published articles in 1978 in the medical journal "Diabetes Care."
  
  

Features

• Typical glucose meters are used by placing a blood sample from a finger on a test strip coated with chemicals that combine with sugar in the blood. The test strip is put into the monitor, which measures how much glucose is in the blood. Not all meters have the same features, but most can measure glucose levels between 0 and 600. Some monitors need to be cleaned regularly to work accurately while others can only be cleaned by manufacturers. Monitors are lightweight, portable and give fast results.
  
  

Considerations

• Different factors affect how your glucose monitor works. The quality of the monitor and test strips can affect accuracy. A high or low amount of red blood cells can give false readings. Temperature, humidity and altitude can affect the test strips and the monitor. The FDA requires manufacturers of monitors and test strips to include instructions for use. Some are available over the counter while others need a prescription. Costs vary, but many manufacturers offer free monitors so you'll have to buy their test strips. Check with your insurance company to find out what is covered.
  
  

Types

• Researchers are working on monitors that can read glucose levels without puncturing skin. They're trying meters that measure energy waves in the body, use ultrasound, apply radio waves to fingers, check the thickness of fluids in body tissue, and shine a beam of light through tissue. The FDA has approved one that pulls body fluid from the skin with electric currents. It's called the GlucoWatch G2 Biographer.
  
  

Benefits

• If they're used correctly, monitors are fairly accurate. They come with toll-free numbers for questions, and your doctor will probably recommend a familiar one. Monitors are available in languages other than English and there are audio monitors for people who are visually impaired. Using glucose monitors to keep track of blood sugar levels over time helps patients recognize emergency situations and learn to manage glucose levels.