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Abbott Diabetes Care is warning about problems with some of the company’s blood glucose meters. These meters could accidentally be switched from one measurement unit to another, possibly causing the patient to misinterpret the glucose test results. The affected glucose meters include the FreeStyle®, FreeStyle Flash™, FreeStyle Tracker™, Precision Xtra™, MediSense® Sof-Tact™, and MediSense® Optium™. Abbott meters are also sold under private label brands such as ReliOn® Ultima, Rite Aid® and Kroger®.

These meters were originally designed to allow patients to see their test results in the units customarily used in their own country. To do that, the patient could switch between showing the results in two different measurement units: mg/dL, the standard used in the U.S., and mmol/L, which is used in many other countries.

The problem can occur if the measurement units switch without the patient realizing it. This can happen when the patient resets the date and time or changes the battery, or even if the meter is dropped or bumped. Then, if the patient just looked at the numbers without noticing the different units or the decimal point, he could incorrectly ume that his blood glucose level is too high or too low.

To help resolve the problem, all new Abbott meters now have the correct unit of measurement locked in place. Patients can continue to use the older units, but they should make sure that their meter displays the glucose test result in mg/dL. If patients don’t know how to change the measurement units, or if the units can’t be changed, they can contact Abbott Diabetes Care at 1-800-553-4105.

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Freestyle Glucose Meter Is Perfect For Continuous Blood Sugar Readings

Diabetic patients do not live an easy life. They have to constantly monitor their glucose levels and keep them controlled. For them, blood glucose monitoring is like a daily affair. They have to deal with several tests, restrictions and medications. The glucose or sugar in the blood requires regular check ups so that it does not get beyond abnormal limits. A freestyle glucose meter enables patients to keep a tab of their glucose levels, and take corrective steps if they find any disparities.

Glucose monitors and freestyle test strips are very convenient way of checking on diabetes. Various manufacturers have come out with such digital glucose monitor meters that very quickly display the glucose levels. These devices are so simple to operate that the patients can take readings by themselves. They do not need to depend on anyone to know their sugar levels. It is not even required for them to visit a clinic or health care center to give their blood sample.

The freestyle glucose meter displays continuous glucose readings. Some models even have a memory to monitor your readings at regular intervals. This way you do not need to write on any paper to keep records. The device will remember your levels in its memory and you can show it to your doctor when it is required. Following are some of its features:

1) Continuous glucose monitoring: Due to continuous monitoring of glucose levels, the patient need not spend too much time in Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia. In the traditional testing methods, it is easy to miss the readings, making it very difficult to take preventive action. With regular monitoring, this device makes it possible to highlight the highs and lows that would not be possible in between the tests, in the older testing methods. Any minute you could have your glucose reading instantly.

2) Sensor: This device has a sensor. You must put the tail of this sensor in about 5mm into the skin. Glucose that is present in the tissue cells is measured.

3) Wireless Transmitter: The wireless transmitter sends glucose level readings to the receiver. It can cover a 3-meter range and you can wear it during activities like bathing, swimming and exercising.

4) Receiver: The receiver of the freestyle glucose meter displays the glucose readings on the screen. After you insert the sensor, you can start getting the readings within an hour.

With the introduction of freestyle glucose meter, it has been very helpful to get glucose or blood sugar readings for diabetics. It is a completely new level in blood sugar monitoring. The best part about such a device is that it is accurate. Moreover, you could know glucose levels of the patient at any point in time. There is no need for fasting or going to a pathology center to give blood sample.

There is a lot of information you can get about such glucose reading meters on the internet. This particular device comes as a very handy tool. For diabetic patients it is very important to control their sugar. Always take corrective steps immediately, in case of any abnormal reading. Such a device will alarm you at the right time and you can immediately change your medications or meals and save yourself from getting into major health problems.

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Learn how to test your blood glucose (BG) or blood sugars with my demostration. I’ll tell you the best (and less painful) sites to get blood from, the best meters to use and why, how to convert your BG from mmol/L to mg/L, and what to do when your BG is too high.

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