Blood Sugar Measurement in Diabetes: Nothing Works Without Test Strips

They are part of everyday life for diabetics: test strips. The best known are those that are used to check the current blood sugar level on a daily basis. However, other test strips can also play an important role in the life of an insulin patient, for example those for determining ketone bodies or protein. But how do these practical helpers actually work? We present two methods for checking blood sugar.

An electronic blood measuring device, a small lancet and test strips are part of the normal "equipment" of most diabetics. In order to determine the blood sugar value yourself with an electronic measuring device, a drop of blood is obtained from the fingertip using the lancet. This is applied to the test strip and inserted into the blood glucose meter for measurement. After a short time, the display shows the measured value.

In addition to the “bloodless” measurement methods that are not yet fully recognized, two methods have proven useful for determining the blood sugar value: Electrochemical measurement is standard in Germany today. In this method - also called amperometric measurement - the blood sugar content is determined via the electrical conductivity of the blood. The test strip contains enzymes in a small reaction chamber, which react with the glucose in the sucked blood drop. This releases electrons and creates a weak current: the higher the glucose content in the blood, the more current flows. The meter converts the current flow into the blood sugar value.

The photometric measurement that has long been the only blood glucose control, is less common today. The measurement value is determined using an optical measurement method with light. The blood drop is placed on the test strip and then inserted into the blood glucose meter via the corresponding insertion slot. This strip contains enzymes, i.e. proteins, that trigger biochemical reactions in the body. These enzymes react with the glucose in the applied drop of blood, whereby the light absorption depends on the glucose concentration. This means that the darker the test strip turns, the higher the blood sugar level.

More test strips for diabetics

Not only is blood sugar control essential for diabetics, but also the determination of ketone bodies in urine and blood, as well as protein in urine . A ketone body measurement can be important, especially in patients with type 1 diabetes, if there is a suspicion of a dangerous overacidification of the body with elevated blood sugar levels. In this case, each patient should have a test strip for a urine test for ketones available from pharmacies.

An increased protein concentration in the urine can be demonstrated with the so-called albumin test. The test is an important means of early detection and treatment of diabetes-related kidney damage. Diabetes patients should therefore have their values ​​checked at least once a year.

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