What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a problem with your body that causes blood glucose (sugar) levels to rise higher than normal, commonly known as hyperglycaemia. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes your body does not use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps move blood sugar into your cells to give them energy. When insulin is not working properly, too much sugar stays in your blood.
High blood sugar can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, blindness, and kidney failure. You can take steps to prevent type 2 diabetes, or manage it if you have it. Eat healthy foods, be active, and manage your weight well. You should also monitor your blood sugar levels and see your healthcare provider regularly.
There is no specific way to eat for people with type 2 diabetes but in general you should:
- Focus on a diet with more whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Limit processed foods, such as those that are fried or have added sugar.
- Choose healthy fats, such as olive oil and nuts.
- Avoid or limit sugary drinks.
- Spread out your meals throughout the day rather than eating large meals.
- Monitor your portion sizes.
Regular exercise is also important for people with type 2 diabetes. It can help you control your blood sugar and lose weight. The best exercise for you is the one that you will actually do on a regular basis. Start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time that you exercise. Aerobic exercise, such as walking, is a good choice. But you can also do other types of exercise, such as swimming, cycling, or strength training.
It is essential to monitor your blood sugar levels. Check your levels before and after exercise. If your levels are low before you exercise, you may need to eat a small snack before you start.
In Bangladesh, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that there are more than 7 million people living with diabetes. There is a need for better access to diabetes care in Bangladesh, as the country has a large population, and the burden of diabetics is expected to increase significantly. One way to improve access to diabetes care is to provide people with affordable blood glucose monitoring (BGM) devices.
Trusted Diabetes Machine in Bangladesh
BGM devices are essential tools for people with diabetes, as they allow people to self-monitor their blood sugar levels. This information can then help them make informed decisions about diet, exercise, and medication.
There are a number of BGM devices available in the market though few are appropriate for use in Bangladesh. Below we have a look at the recommended machines:
Accu Chek Active
The machine comes with a number of features that make it easy to use. Its large display shows all of the relevant information at a glance. The machine also has a built-in test strip holder that makes it easy to keep track of your test strips. The Accu Chek Active is powered by two AA batteries and it comes with a one-year warranty.
GluNeo Lite
The GluNeo Lite meter requires a small amount (0.5uL) of fresh blood to be applied to the GluNEO Lite Test Strip upon indication of the meter.It is easier to use and very accurate, takes 5 seconds for the meter to read the blood glucose levels.
Quick View
Uses Silver Electrode Strip technology for better reliability. Uses a Clarke Error Grid (EGA) feature to analyze and give accurate results. The quick view strip is stable and reacts only with blood glucose with perfect conductivity and prolonged expiration of 6 months after opening compared to 3 months of other brands. The machine can read blood levels for only 5 seconds as tiny as 0.06 µl blood samples. The machine is slim with big numerical numbers and a strip ejection slider for users safety.
Accu Chek Performa
Incorporates simple and accurate testing improved technology which makes it compatible for use as often you would like. You can check online for a tutorial on how to set up and use the Accu chek Perfoma blood glucose meter and its lancing device inclusive. You can purchase lancets separately.
Care Check
A large and heavy-duty diabetes machine that is designed to help people with diabetes manage their condition. The machine comes with a number of features that makes it easy to use, including a large display that shows all of the relevant information at a glance. The Care Check is powered by one batteries, and it comes with a Life time Guaranty .
VivaCheck Ino Blood Glucose Monitoring System
Vivachek Ino Blood Glucose Monitoring System is manufactured by Vivachek Biotech and they’ve done a superb job in coming up with a diabetes machine that fulfills all the requirements of EN ISO 15197:2015
The machine uses a small blood sample to measure your blood glucose level and will give you a reading within seconds.
Features
Its main feature is the 8 electrodes per strip which allows you to get accurate results with respect to the haematocrit, humidity, and operating temperatures.
The Vivacheck automatic control solution recognition helps you to avoid confusion between your blood glucose measurements and control readings.
You can also use the VivaGuard App (either on your Iphone or Android) to record your blood glucose readings which can later be reviewed by a health practitioner.
Contour Plus One
Contour Plus One is one of the most reliable diabetes machines that exist, especially if you’re into something that will provide accurate blood glucose readings. The Contour Plus One is easier to use. In addition, it’s super-fast to give results in just 5 seconds. You can also use the simple-to-use meter that connects effortlessly to your smartphone and allows you to manage your diabetes easily.
Features
Highly accurate- In fact, results show that its system exceeded the minimum accuracy requirements of the ISO 15197:2013 (EN ISO 15197:2015) standards.
Easy understanding of blood glucose levels– Thanks to CONTOUR’s smart light, you can easily interpret blood glucose readings. The colored lights will guide you on whether the reading is above, within, or below the required range.
How to Use the Contour Plus One
Step 1: Place the test strip with the gray square end facing the meter.
Step 2: Add your blood sample to the test strip.
Step 3: Your results will be displayed.
One Touch Select Plus glucose meter
The one Touch Select Plus glucose meter is a reliable and affordable BGM device that is well-suited for use in Bangladesh.The device is small and lightweight, making it easy to use, with clear instructions that can be followed even by people with limited literacy skills.
The One Touch Select Plus glucose meter has a number of features that make it an ideal choice for people with diabetes in Bangladesh. The device is very affordable, with a price tag of just over $20. This makes it within reach of even the most resource-limited individuals. Another feature with the device is that it is highly accurate, with a precision of +/- 15%. People get assurance of accurate results when they use the device. The device is very user-friendly, with clear instructions and simple design.This makes it easier for people with diabetes to use the device, even if they have limited literacy skills.
The device has a number of safety features such as a hypoglycemia alarm and an automatic shut-off function. This makes it safe for people with diabetes to use the device, even if they are not always able to closely monitor their blood sugar levels.
Lastly, the One Touch Select Plus glucose meter is a reliable and convenient BGM device that is well-suited for use in Bangladesh. The device can help people with diabetes to better manage their condition, and to prevent the development of complications.
One Touch Verio Reflect meter
If you’re looking for a Diabetes machine that can compete with Contour Plus One, it’s One Touch Verio Reflect meter.
Unlike other Diabetes machines, One Touch provides personalized guidance to help you know what your numbers mean and the necessary steps to be taken.
Features
1. Color Sure Dynamics Range indicator– it gives you insight to help you understand when your blood sugar results are near high or low to avoid going out of the target range. By doing so, you’ll be able to take action before any serious health complications.
2. It has a Blood Sugar mentor that provides personalized guidance, insights and encouragement during high or low blood sugar levels.
3. The OneTouch Verio Test strip has been tested and proven to provide accurate test results even during very high or low sugar levels.
NTI BGM -202 Blood Glucose Monitoring System
The NTI BGM – 202 is one of the best non-coding glucose monitoring machines in Bangladesh.
It has grown to become the most reliable diabetes machine used to monitor and control blood glucose levels.
Diving deeper into its features, the NTI BGM-202 has:
1. A complete starter kit that includes; NTI Diabetes monitor, 10 NTI Test strips, 100 NTI Lancets (30g), NTI Lancing Device, NTI control solution manual, Log Book, and carrying case.
2. Easy & Simple to use– the NTI BGM-202 is very simple to use thanks to the no coding ability, its alarm reminded, and has a saved pre post-meal glucose level tests.
3. Fast & Accurate Results– It has a highly accurate meter with test results provided within 5 seconds. Over and above that, the NTI has a second chance sampling with a tiny blood sample.
Bionime Rightest GM700SB Bluetooth Diabetes Machine
Bionime Rightest GM 700 SB Bluetooth Diabetes machine is yet another popular gadget used for monitoring blood sugar levels.
Arguably, It’s one of the best diabetes machines that offers a wide HCT range. Besides that, it is fully equipped with meal markers that ensure that you get accurate results as possible.
Features
1. It has complete Blood Sugar Management that allows you to add notes, photos, and status indicators for more complete entries.
2. Posses an auto-coding potential that eliminates the need for manual coding and delivers maximum accuracy.
3. It accepts a wide array of blood samples (Venous, Capillary, and Arterial blood).
Sinocare
This product has the advantages of being exquisite and lightweight. Easy to carry anywhere. It allows you to easily test your blood sugar while you are on a business trip or traveling. The memory capacity reaches 200, which can display the data average of 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days. You can easily access historical data at any time.
| Pros | Cons |
| Provides fast and accurate results | In case you have any issues with the system, you will need to get a repair. |
| Designed with high-quality | Can be difficult to stick to a diet and exercise regime to lose weight |
| User-friendly | There is an underlying expense for the strips and extras. |
| Easily affordable with reasonable prices | Some machines such as One Touch Verio Reflect meter are quite expensive |
| Save strips with second-chance sampling technology | They can cause skin irritation |
| Smart Light for easier understanding of blood glucose levels | They can be inaccurate |
| Simple & Intuitive | They can be difficult to use |
| You save more strips which allows you to reapply more blood to the same strip. This happens when the blood sample in the first strip is insufficient. | They require regular maintenance and calibration |
Conclusion
As diabetes is a serious health condition, it is important to have a reliable machine to help manage it. The machine should be easy to use and give accurate readings. It should also be affordable so that people can buy it without financial difficulty. The machine should be able to help people with diabetes to manage their condition and live a normal life.
