[PCOL2-LAB-PRE-03] BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING

THIS FLASH CARDS IS ABOUT [PCOL II] BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING

Blood Glucose Monitoring

This is the process of checking how much glucose, or sugar, is in a person's blood.

Diabetes Mellitus

Blood Glucose monitoring is particularly important for individuals with ___________ and other related conditions.

1. Glucose

2. Bloodstream

3. Fuel source

4. Insulin

5. Pancreas

6. Key

7. Cells

Our bodies break down carbohydrates into (1)____, which is then absorbed into the (2)______. This glucose is our body’s primary (3)____ source. The hormone (4)____, produced by the (5)_____, acts like a (6)___, allowing glucose to move from the bloodstream into our (7)____ for energy.

• Capillary Blood Glucose (CBG) Testing

• Venous (Plasma) Blood Sample Testing

• Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

• Interpreting and Acting on Results

• HbA1c Test

What are the four (4) Methods of Blood Glucose Monitoring?

Hint: CV-CIH

Capillary Blood Glucose (CBG) Testing

Identify the Method of Blood Glucose Monitoring:

This is the most common method for self-monitoring at home. It involves a simple finger prick to get a small drop of blood, which is then placed on a test strip and read by a glucometer.

1. Lancet

2. Forearm

3. Test Strip

4. Glucometer

5. Seconds

Capillary Blood Glucose (CBG) Testing:

How it Works: A (1)____ is used to prick a fingertip, or sometimes an alternate site like the (2)____. A tiny blood sample is applied to a (3)________, which is inserted into the (4)_____. The device provides a reading in a matter of (5)_____.

Info

Capillary Blood Glucose (CBG) Testing:

Advantages: It’s quick, relatively painless, and requires only a very small amount of blood. Modern glucometers are user-friendly, and many “smart” models can sync data to a smartphone app, helping patients and healthcare providers track trends.

1. Short expiry dates

2. Temperature

3. Humidity

4. Single snapshot

Capillary Blood Glucose (CBG) Testing:

Disadvantages: The test trips can be expensive and have (1)_____ dates. The results can be influenced by factors like (2)_____, (3)_____, and the patient’s clinical state (e.g., anemia or dehydration). It only provides a (4)_________ in time.

Venous (Plasma) Blood Sample Testing

Identify the Method of Blood Glucose Monitoring:

This method involves drawing blood from a vein, typically in the arm, through venipuncture. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

1. Phlebotomist/Medtech

2. Vein

Venous (Plasma) Blood Sample Testing:

How It Works: A (1)______/______ collects a blood sample from a (2)_____. The sample is processed in a laboratory with sophisticated equipment and quality control checks.

Info

Venous (Plasma) Blood Sample Testing:

Advantages: This method provides the most accurate and reliable results, as it’s performed in a controlled laboratory setting.

1. Initial diagnosis

2. Confirmatory testing

Venous (Plasma) Blood Sample Testing:

Disadvantages: It’s more invasive, painful, and not suitable for frequent, at-home monitoring. It’s primarily used for (1)__________ and for (2)__________.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

Identify the Method of Blood Glucose Monitoring:

This system uses a small sensor, usually applied to the back of the upper arm or abdomen, to measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid just beneath the skin.

1. Sensor

2. Insulin pumps

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM):

How It Works: The (1)____ is worn for several days to a couple of weeks, depending on the device. A reader or smartphone can be scanned over the sensor to get a real-time glucose reading and see trends over the past several hours. Some advanced systems can even send alerts for high or low glucose levels and can be integrate with (2)______.

1. Sleep

2. Hypoglycemia

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM):

Advantages: CGMs provide a continuous stream of data, offering a much more complete picture of glucose trends, including (1)____. This helps detects episodes of (2)______ that might otherwise be missed. It is also less painful than frequent finger pricking.

Info

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM):

Disadvantages: There’s a slight delay between blood glucose and interstitial fluid glucose, so it might not be as accurate during rapid changes in blood sugar. It’s also generally more expensive than a glucometer.

• Millimoles per liter (mmol/L)

• Milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)

Blood glucose is measured in either?

Normal Range

Interpreting and Acting on Results: Blood Glucose

A healthy fasting blood glucose level is typically between 4 to 6 mmol/L (or 72 to 108 mg/dL).

Prediabetes

Interpreting and Acting on Results: Blood Glucose

Fasting levels are elevated, between 5.7 and 6.4 mmol/L (or 100 to 125 mg/dL). This is a warning sign that lifestyle changes are needed.

Diabetes

Interpreting and Acting on Results: Blood Glucose

A fasting blood glucose of ≥7.0 mmol/L (or ≥126 mg/dL) on two separate occasions is a strong indicator of diabetes.

HbA1c Test

Identify the Method of Blood Glucose Monitoring:

Another important diagnostic tool; measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. Glucose molecules attach hemoglobin in red blood cells. Since red blood cells live for about 120 days, this test provides a long-term snapshot of glycemic control.

Hemoglobin

Glucose molecules attach to __________ in red blood cells.

120 days

How many days does a red blood cells live?

Long-term snapshot

The HbA1c test provides _________ of glycemic control.

3.5% to 5.6%

HbA1c Test:

Normal: ?

5.7% to 6.4%

HbA1c Test:

Prediabetes: ?

>6.5%`

HbA1c Test:

Diabetes: ?

>7.0%

An HbA1c level of _____% often signals the need for pharmacological intervention.

• Inadequate insulin

• Insulin resistance

• Stress

Hyperglycemia can occur due to (3)?

High Blood Sugar

Hyperglycemia is also known as?

• Polyuria (frequent urination)

• Polydipsia (increased thirst)

• Blurred vision

Hyperglycemia is characterized by symptoms like (3)?

Hint: PPB

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

This is a life-threatening complication of severe hyperglycemia, most common in Type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is the most common?

1. Ketones

2. Acidosis

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA):

When the body can't use glucose for energy, it starts breaking down fats, producing (1)_____. This can lead to a state of (2)_____, with symptoms like fruity-smelling breath, rapid breathing, and altered mental status.

Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State (HHS)

A serious complication of Type 2 Diabetes. Profound hyperglycemia causes severe dehydration, leading to a hyperosmolar state and potential coma.

1. Type 2 Diabetes

2. Dehydration

3. Hyperosmolar State

4. Potential Coma

Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State (HHS) is a serious complication of (1)________. Profound hyperglycemia causes severe (2)_______, leading to a (3)_______ and (4)______.

Hypoglycemia

This occurs when blood glucose levels drop below 3.9 mmol/L (or 70 mg/dL). This can be caused by insulin overdose, not eating enough carbohydrates, or an imbalance between medication and physical activity.

Low Blood Sugar

Hypoglycemia is also known as?

Info

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar):

Symptoms: Confusion, sweating, lightheadedness, and even seizures. Since organs like the brain rely on a constant supply of glucose, a severe drop can be devastating.

Info

Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia:

Regular monitoring is crucial to prevent both acute episodes and long-term complications like nerve damage (neuropathy), kidney failure, and cardiovascular disease. As future pharmacists, you will play a vital role in educating patients on how to use their glucometers, interpret their results, and understand the importance of proper management.