rostkowb
10-16-2009, 07:23 PM
Hello Everyone.
Something I thought that should be shared among everyone:
Over the last few years, I decided to perform tests to see how "truely" accurate our glucometers are. First, I have been using many of the consumer meters available. Among these meters, I tested them against each other using test methods recommended by the companies and health care professionals in the "real world". Result, the meters are very accurate! But something did come up that drew my immediate attention. During certain "real world" tests, sugar readings were innaccurate. This is the example: During the warm season, I spend time detailing automobiles professionally. I use high quality products such as car shampoos, polishes, waxes and maintenace products applied to $40000+ cars. Incorporating my diabetic schedule in this, I would test my sugars before/after the activity. What came up was that my sugars were showing higher than normal without the obvious symptoms! This lead me to thinking uncertainty with my management at first. But then I said something needs to be done. I then arranged for a test that would span over the warm season.
First, I had the meters tested against blood/lab work. Meters are accurate accordingly. Then I would test prior to the activity. Result, sugars are within expected range. After the activity, I would test. Result, readings are high and actually higher than expected! Next (directly after activity), I would test each meter against themselves (3 to 5 minute span). Result, meters are reading the same and accurately. Then I would test the meters on someone else (healthy non-diabetic) and readings are identical and accurate. If all done shows no fault on the meters, what could be the problem? Next, I followed the meters instructions conservatively and "WASHED" my hands aggressively several times and in a quick manner (3 to 5 minute span). Result, readings were showing a drop of 5 mmol! I was stunned to find that sugars dropped so quickly just by performing required instructions. Due to this, I followed the above procedures numerous times to confirm this over the season. Result, the same! Readings dropped by 5 mmol. This means that not "thoroughly" washing my hands (after product use) readings can be leading me to thinking I'm okay when it is not. I then further questioned that if I am already in a low state, what would happen if I didn't wash thoroughly several times after product use?
Please understand that I am not degrading the meters or car care products themselves. But that we need to look at and follow instructions as required for most accurate results. Also, I do wash my hands accordingly but with the other products, I need to take more caution.
Final, this has now lead me to thinking about other products that I/we use that could potentially lead us to the same situation without us knowing. Household cleaners, lawn maintence, personal hygiene, hair care etc could do the same? I don't know? But it is a possibility? Let me know what you think or what results you have had.
Thanx.
Something I thought that should be shared among everyone:
Over the last few years, I decided to perform tests to see how "truely" accurate our glucometers are. First, I have been using many of the consumer meters available. Among these meters, I tested them against each other using test methods recommended by the companies and health care professionals in the "real world". Result, the meters are very accurate! But something did come up that drew my immediate attention. During certain "real world" tests, sugar readings were innaccurate. This is the example: During the warm season, I spend time detailing automobiles professionally. I use high quality products such as car shampoos, polishes, waxes and maintenace products applied to $40000+ cars. Incorporating my diabetic schedule in this, I would test my sugars before/after the activity. What came up was that my sugars were showing higher than normal without the obvious symptoms! This lead me to thinking uncertainty with my management at first. But then I said something needs to be done. I then arranged for a test that would span over the warm season.
First, I had the meters tested against blood/lab work. Meters are accurate accordingly. Then I would test prior to the activity. Result, sugars are within expected range. After the activity, I would test. Result, readings are high and actually higher than expected! Next (directly after activity), I would test each meter against themselves (3 to 5 minute span). Result, meters are reading the same and accurately. Then I would test the meters on someone else (healthy non-diabetic) and readings are identical and accurate. If all done shows no fault on the meters, what could be the problem? Next, I followed the meters instructions conservatively and "WASHED" my hands aggressively several times and in a quick manner (3 to 5 minute span). Result, readings were showing a drop of 5 mmol! I was stunned to find that sugars dropped so quickly just by performing required instructions. Due to this, I followed the above procedures numerous times to confirm this over the season. Result, the same! Readings dropped by 5 mmol. This means that not "thoroughly" washing my hands (after product use) readings can be leading me to thinking I'm okay when it is not. I then further questioned that if I am already in a low state, what would happen if I didn't wash thoroughly several times after product use?
Please understand that I am not degrading the meters or car care products themselves. But that we need to look at and follow instructions as required for most accurate results. Also, I do wash my hands accordingly but with the other products, I need to take more caution.
Final, this has now lead me to thinking about other products that I/we use that could potentially lead us to the same situation without us knowing. Household cleaners, lawn maintence, personal hygiene, hair care etc could do the same? I don't know? But it is a possibility? Let me know what you think or what results you have had.
Thanx.