glukometers

Glukometers, also spelled glucometers, are portable medical devices designed to measure the concentration of glucose in blood. They are widely used by people with diabetes to monitor glycemic control and to guide treatment decisions. Most modern meters provide a numeric reading in seconds from a small blood sample obtained by finger prick and applied to a disposable test strip.

How they work: The test strip contains enzymes such as glucose oxidase or glucose dehydrogenase that react with glucose. This reaction generates an electrical current or a color change, which the meter converts into a numerical reading, typically expressed in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Many meters support alternative testing sites like the fingertip, palm, or forearm, though readings from non-finger sites may be slower to reflect rapid changes in glucose levels.

Types and features: Traditional handheld glucometers use disposable strips and often require calibration with control solutions or a factory code. They generally offer memory storage and data transfer via USB or Bluetooth. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems use subcutaneous sensors to provide continuous interstitial glucose data and may pair with readers or smartphones. Some devices combine CGM data with alarms and trend charts to support tighter glycemic management.

Accuracy and standards: Meter accuracy is subject to regulatory standards such as ISO 15197, which specify criteria for how closely meter readings must match laboratory references. In practice, factors such as temperature, altitude, hematocrit, and strip lot can affect results, underscoring the importance of following manufacturer instructions and performing confirmatory testing when needed.

History: The concept emerged in the 1960s–1970s with reflectance meters and evolved to electrochemical test strips, enabling increasingly compact, user-friendly devices. Modern glucometers emphasize portability, speed, and connectivity.