Euglycemia, or a normal concentration of sugar in the blood, is an important goal for all people living with congenital hyperinsulinism (HI). A reliable glucometer, a device that measures the concentration of glucose in the blood is an important tool helping those with HI achieve euglycemia. One of the ongoing issues for those that use glucometers is that they are not always accurate. According to an article in today’s New York Times, the blood sugar levels recorded by glucometers used at home differ from actual blood sugar levels, as measured by more precise devices used in some hospitals, by as much as 20%. The errors made by glucometers in blood sugar readings may prevent people with HI from treating hypoglycemia in a timely manner. Prompt treatment of hypoglycemia is necessary to prevent the possibility of neurological damage. For that reason the news that the FDA may toughen standards for glucometers is welcome news. See the attached article for all the details:
Accuracy of Home Glucose Monitors Questioned – NYTimes.com.
Thanks Julie.
