Blood glucose monitoring is a medical technique used to assess the concentration of glucose in the blood, primarily for daily management and therapeutic adjustment in diabetic patients. By regularly monitoring fasting, postprandial, or random blood glucose levels, patients can promptly understand blood sugar fluctuations, helping them adjust diet, exercise, and medication to prevent acute hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia crises.
This technology is not only suitable for diabetic patients but also an important tool for gestational diabetes screening and blood glucose control before and after surgery. Through systematic data tracking, it can effectively prevent chronic complications such as diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, thereby improving patients’ quality of life and prognosis.
Blood glucose monitoring mainly divides into two types: "Capillary Blood Sampling" and "Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS)". Capillary blood sampling involves analyzing small blood samples with a blood glucose meter to provide instantaneous blood glucose values; CGMS continuously monitors glucose changes in interstitial fluid via a subcutaneous sensor, updating data every 5 minutes and storing records for 24 hours.
Both techniques operate based on enzymatic electrochemical reaction principles. The blood glucose meter uses glucose oxidase and an electrode to generate a current, while the CGMS sensor uses fluorescence sensing technology to convert glucose concentration into electronic signals, which are analyzed by dedicated devices to display data curves.
Mainly suitable for patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, especially those on insulin therapy. Pregnant women with gestational diabetes require frequent monitoring during pregnancy to prevent fetal macrosomia or preeclampsia. Additionally, patients undergoing surgery or experiencing severe infections and stress states also need enhanced blood glucose monitoring to avoid hyperglycemic emergencies.
In special cases such as asymptomatic hypoglycemia or patients with diabetes duration over ten years, it is recommended to use dynamic monitoring systems. For users of islet cell transplantation or artificial pancreas systems, continuous monitoring is crucial for adjusting treatment parameters.
Capillary blood sampling requires cleaning the fingertip with alcohol swabs, using the lancet provided with the blood glucose meter to obtain blood, and applying the blood drop to the test strip. Results should be read within 30 seconds. It is recommended to monitor 4-7 times daily, including fasting, pre- and post-meal, and before sleep.
For dynamic monitoring systems, healthcare professionals place the sensor patch on the upper arm or abdomen, replacing it every 14 days. Patients can view real-time curves via mobile devices, and the system automatically issues hypoglycemia alerts. Personal alert thresholds can be set, such as notifications when blood glucose falls below 60 mg/dL or exceeds 250 mg/dL.
Long-term tracking data can reveal blood glucose fluctuation patterns, aiding in treatment efficacy evaluation. Compared to traditional single-point measurements, continuous monitoring can identify hidden issues such as postprandial peaks and nocturnal hypoglycemia, enhancing treatment precision.
Capillary blood sampling may cause temporary skin bruising or infection risks, and a small number of patients may be allergic to chemical components of test strips. The sensor patches used in dynamic monitoring may cause local skin redness or itching; improper cleaning of contact areas may increase infection risk.
Important Warning: Incorrect data interpretation may lead to overcompensation with glucose or incorrect insulin injections, which could cause severe hypoglycemia coma or hyperosmolar non-ketotic hyperglycemic crisis. Patients are advised to regularly calibrate devices and undergo training with healthcare professionals.
Proper hand and site cleaning before use is essential to avoid alcohol residue affecting results. The sensor patch should be kept dry and away from chemicals; re-calibrate after exercise. Patients with severe coagulation disorders should use blood sampling cautiously, and those with severe skin lesions should not place sensors on affected areas.
Contraindications include severe coagulation abnormalities, allergies to device materials, and open wounds at sensor sites. Implanted sensors are not suitable for those requiring MRI scans or working in environments with strong magnetic fields.
Blood glucose data are key for adjusting insulin doses and should be used in conjunction with oral hypoglycemic agents. When using alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, attention should be paid to the specific postprandial blood sugar patterns.
When combined with glucagon-like peptides or SGLT2 inhibitors, special attention is needed for nocturnal hypoglycemia risk. Data analysis software must be compatible with insulin pump systems to ensure real-time synchronization of treatment parameters.
Clinical studies show that regular monitoring can reduce HbA1c by an average of 0.5-1.0% and decrease microvascular complication risks by 30%. Dynamic systems can reduce hypoglycemic events by up to 40%, especially during sleep.
Multicenter studies confirm that patients using CGMS shorten their time to reach glycemic targets by an average of 14 days and reduce emergency visits by 65%. Data-driven treatment adjustments enhance personalized therapy and improve patient compliance.
Laboratory blood glucose testing is accurate but not real-time, suitable for initial diagnosis or severe complications. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and capillary blood sampling complement each other; dynamic systems provide 24-hour trend analysis, while traditional methods confirm abnormal data.
New wearable devices using non-invasive optical monitoring technology have been developed but are not yet widespread. In resource-limited areas, capillary blood sampling remains the primary monitoring method, with a recommended frequency of at least 2-3 complete blood glucose curves per week.
Before using a blood glucose meter, wash and disinfect your hands and the testing site. Confirm the test strips are within their validity period and the device is properly calibrated. When sampling, use the first drop of blood; if blood volume is insufficient, gently squeeze the finger, but avoid excessive force that may cause tissue fluid mixing and affect results. Record data immediately after testing. If results do not match symptoms (e.g., hypoglycemia without obvious symptoms), retest or consult a doctor.
How to determine the frequency of blood glucose monitoring? Do different situations require adjustments?The frequency depends on individual conditions. Generally, diabetic patients may monitor 1-4 times daily, such as fasting and 2 hours post-meal. During medication adjustments, pregnancy, or significant blood sugar fluctuations, physicians may require more frequent testing. Discuss personalized plans with your healthcare team and actively track data during illness or after exercise.
What principles should be followed regarding diet before and after monitoring?Avoid eating within 30 minutes before testing. For postprandial measurements, start timing after the first bite of a meal. Carbohydrate intake, food temperature (hot foods may affect results), and other factors can influence data. Maintain consistent testing times and dietary patterns, and record current diet details when noting blood glucose values to facilitate analysis by your doctor.
What precautions should be taken during exercise regarding blood glucose monitoring?Enhance monitoring before and after exercise to prevent exercise-induced hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. For high-intensity activities, measure blood glucose 30 minutes before and after exercise, and carry sugary foods for emergencies. For long-term regular exercise, consider adjusting monitoring frequency and discuss exercise plans and monitoring strategies with your doctor.
How should abnormal blood glucose values be communicated with the medical team?If persistent hyperglycemia (e.g., over 160 mg/dL) or hypoglycemia (below 70 mg/dL) is detected, record dietary intake, medication use, and activity. If abnormalities occur repeatedly over three days, contact your doctor proactively. Maintain a "blood glucose diary" with detailed records of abnormal times, potential causes, and symptoms to provide comprehensive information for treatment adjustments.
%201.svg)
Copyright © 2025 MedFrontiers. All Rights Reserved.
