How often I need to consult a Doctor for Di... - Diabetes India
How often I need to consult a Doctor for Diabetes? Is there any handy devise to check Sugar level on a daily basis?
In terms of cost there is not much difference between devices used in person or getting BS checked in a diagnostic center. The doctor you consult himself is the best person to tell you the period of next visit on each occasion. I say so because a number of factors go into deciding periodicity of checking. Even under normal circumstances once in months is ideal.
You can check your sugar levels daily at home with glucometers that are available with wide ranges and fuctions with calender .Cost between 850 and 3000. But you will be required to purchase specific test strips for specific brand of glucometer and the strips are available in 10s, 30s and so on,.The average price of one strip as compounded will be aroung Rupees 35 each.These strips are for single use only. But besides daily monitoring, you must get your HbA1c test at a lab at least once in 6 months to have an idea how your are controlling your sygar. Lab testing of sugar is accurate and house testing with glucometer may give results plus or minus 10% from actuals.
You can buy a glucometer for about a thousand rupees and use the strips(costing about Rs.20 each).You mat test once in four or five days but at different times of the day like fasting,2 hours after breakfast,just before lunch,two hours after lunch,just before dinner and 2 hours after dinner.This way you will get about 6 readings per month.Keep a record and show it to your doctor when you go for quarterly review. Generally,a diabetologist makes a comprehensive examination(including eye,ecg,liver and kidney function,lipid profile etc) once a year.During quarterly reviews,only fasting,post prondial and HbA1c test are done.
very sensible indeed.
Ideally one should meet the doctor once in 3 months with HbA1c report so that the dr can evaluate changes if any during the past 3 months. Glucometer is one option provided you can afford the cost. Readings need not necessarily be accurate. It is better to take HbA1c results on quarterly basis
