anyone using glucose standard that falls in the 85-115 range? (A "Normal" Solution)
A Anyone using a standard solution that falls in the 85-115 range? What is the name and the source?
...without this standard i.e. the NORMAL solution in this range we may have a hard time with day to day control(and later... A1c control & possibly health issues) The labs have access to these standards(eg.50,100,150.200,300 mg/dl), WHY NOT THE DIABTICS?!
ADA seems to think 120 is boarder-line and 70-100 is normal, but without this standard we probably don't have a clue. (therefore most of us depend on long fasting(if unmedicated!) as a substitute for the illusive 100 mg/dl+_15%(or whatever..), But for medication dependent folks (like my mother) this is much more important to avoid the range between 50 and 70 mg/dl(hypoglycemia).
Reminds me of the poster "sitting ducks II"(search it)
Re: anyone using glucose standard that falls in the 85-115 range? (A "Normal" Solutio
I am very surprised and sorry after reviewing your posts, that you did't understand, but my question is attempting to find "where this particular standard can be acquired".
I already realize many diabetics don't seem aware that it is necessary to use a standard for their own benefit(which is to know how close to normal their glucometer readings actually are). I firmly believe this is very dangerous, especially those trying to avoid Hypoglycemia (anyone juggling medication, diet and exercise-all very important to heathy recovery or maintanence of diabetic control).
I see many people very close to me stuggling with this issue, in great stress and peril as a result of this deficency. I intend to find this answer!!
Re: anyone using glucose standard that falls in the 85-115 range? (A "Normal" Solutio
wa5ekh,
My confusion probably stems from your use of the word "standard". Is that the same thing as "range"? You seem to be defining standard in one post as the "range the labs use" and standard in a different post as "how close to normal your glucometer is". This second definition could mean either "how calibrated" or "how close to normal your blood glucose readings are".
Since I am controlling my Diabetes with diet and exercise alone, I do not usually have many problems with hypoglycemia, unless I exercise too much and haven't eaten. I try to keep my blood glucose below 110 fasting and below 120 after meals. This isn't always obtainable, as many of us know, but if I eat more complex carbs rather than simple ones, it works.
I'm sorry that I can't help you answer your question. I get information on my blood glucose from my CDE (Certified Diabetes Educator). I don't have any particular "name" for that information (standard?), I just talk to her and she helps me.
Re: anyone using glucose standard that falls in the 85-115 range? (A "Normal" Solution)
Are you asking if people know if their meter readings are correct? If you're asking where you can find a testing solution to test your meter then you can just go into any pharmacy for that. Ask the pharmacist for meter testing solution. Your meter strips will have the range that they should test at with a sugar solution (usually right on the strip package). If they fall in the range when used with the testing solution then that means they are accurate. Maybe not 100% but pretty darn close. It wasn't too long ago that people were only able to test their urine at home and even at that they could only get a reading as to if there was sugar and at that they could only get a range on a test strip, not an actual number for their glucose. You can also get a home A1C test to test your 12 week average. I hear those are pretty accurate also but you seem more concerned about low blood sugar. Regular home meters are very accurate, you can even check them against the one the doctor has to see how accurate your mother's is. I think it's pretty rare that you'd find a meter that was so far off that you'd have major problems with your blood sugars.
Is that what you were asking or am I still way off here?
Re: anyone using glucose standard that falls in the 85-115 range? (A "Normal" Solutio
Getting closer..."A Standard Solution" is what I am still looking for Source this Standard Solution.
Explanation(again): This particular glucose solution would produce readings between approximately 85 and 110 mg/dl. This is also the range ADA and many agencies have stated as normal. That simple.
Reason for Search for this particular Solution:Glucose readings will! vary from a)strip pack to pack, b) strip to strip, temperature, c)battery conditions, d) patient technique, e) patients fasting condition...z)...and many things you read about here and experience yourself........so the "standard solution" should always read between 85 - 110 (or 80-120 ...wateva!) .
If it doesn't read 80-120(approximately), then you then can be sure of the potential error in that range in the Glucometer or System(a-z above).
And I assure you it will happen. That is what the glucometer producers and the the medical watchdogs(ADA, FDA,... whoever) are constantly discussing and why they are concerned about this accuracy and glucometer producer liability and performance.
I also do not medicate, but many!! do, so this exact range should be very important to most. Without this "Standard Solution" range (80-120) VERIFIED! you only guess whether your readings are above or below the "normal" values (80-120 mg/dl).
Re: anyone using glucose standard that falls in the 85-115 range? (A "Normal" Solution)
Aren't all glucose testing solutions in that standard range? What you are actually testing is the validity of your strips, there should be no question about the solution. I had never heard of anyone having problems with the solution before. I would think that if you bought a test solution and your strips and meter test in the normal range then that indicates things are working properly, no? It would be unlikely that the solution is bad, the strips are bad, or the meter is bad, and still get a testing number in the normal range. If you test your meter and get a number out of range with testing solution then it's time to do some trouble shooting to find the problem. Could be expired solution, expired strips, or (like you said) a weak battery in your meter or other meter problems.
Re: anyone using glucose standard that falls in the 85-115 range? (A "Normal" Solutio
I'm not complaining!.....I AM STILL ...JUST LOOKING FOR THAT SOURCE OF A GLUCOSE SOLUTION IN THE 80-120 mg/dl range.
Yes, we must assume the meter and strips and all are correct if we use the prescibed coding (for strips), and the reading falls in the prescibed range for that particular meter and it's "bonafide" Standard Solution Set.
But there are many... ...some meters seem to have a set of "Test Solutions" high/200-300 and low/40-60 range (This obviously tests the range of the system-hi and low ends)
or it seems ... .....some meters have one Standard or Normal Solution that generally will be around 160-200 mg/dl.
I currently use all three , but this is very expensive, laborious and increases the risk of one or two error (or the confusion from one bad strip...which we've all probably seen occasionally give us a wild! reading...so we generally repeat the reading, right)---Too Complicated...even for me...too expensive ...
So on standard at the, say for example, the ADA target would mean we could know if our bg is above their target(80-110) or far bellow(if medicated).......for medicating folks ....more standards should be available....right?
Re: anyone using glucose standard that falls in the 85-115 range? (A "Normal" Solution)
Sorry to be negative, wa5ekh, but could you drop the Smilies and re-ask your question in very Layman's terms, please?
For example, you are assuming we know what you're talking about or what you mean by all your uses of the word "solution" (i.e. Standard Solution, Normal Solution, "Test Solutions", Standard Solution Set, solution, and more...). You capitalize and quote the same words interchangably making it dufficult to understand what you are really asking.
Sounds like you may just be looking to find a manufacturer of glucose testing solution (the little bottle of solution that you use to periodically check your glucometer/test strip accuracy), that always uses the same recipe to produce a consistant accuracy range (the range is always printed on the bottle of test strips). Is that it?? I'm still unclear.
Please re-ask your question or questions in plain text. There are a lot of educated people on this board who'd love to help you out.
Re: anyone using glucose standard that falls in the 85-115 range? (A "Normal" Solutio
Quote:
Originally Posted by vikingirl
Sorry to be negative, wa5ekh, but could you drop the Smilies and re-ask your question in very Layman's terms, please?
For example, you are assuming we know what you're talking about or what you mean by all your uses of the word "solution" (i.e. Standard Solution, Normal Solution, "Test Solutions", Standard Solution Set, solution, and more...). You capitalize and quote the same words interchangably making it dufficult to understand what you are really asking.
Sounds like you may just be looking to find a manufacturer of glucose testing solution (the little bottle of solution that you use to periodically check your glucometer/test strip accuracy), that always uses the same recipe to produce a consistant accuracy range (the range is always printed on the bottle of test strips). Is that it?? I'm still unclear.
Please re-ask your question or questions in plain text. There are a lot of educated people on this board who'd love to help you out.
Cheers,
- Vikingirl
yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, that simple,yes only a solutuion of d-glucose that reads 80-120 mg/dl yes....but I hoping for a source, not another question or statement of confusion...
Re: anyone using glucose standard that falls in the 85-115 range? (A "Normal" Solutio
Quote:
Originally Posted by wa5ekh
but I hoping for a source, not another question or statement of confusion...
It has taken you 5 posts, some of which were quite condesending, to explain what you wanted. You can hardly blame us if we are unable to understand what you are asking. Instead of making posts that state:
Quote:
Originally Posted by wa5ekh
I already realize many diabetics don't seem aware that it is necessary to use a standard for their own benefit(which is to know how close to normal their glucometer readings actually are). I firmly believe this is very dangerous, especially those trying to avoid Hypoglycemia
I'm completely aware that it is necessary to use a SOLUTION to test my monitor's accuracy. I somewhat resent the implication that because you can't explain what you need, I'm jeopardizing my health.
You might have tried at some point to explain what you were talking about. I usually just use the solution that comes with my monitor. That is to say, I get the solution that is made for my monitor (OneTouch Ultra from Lifescan). I still don't understand what you are talking about when you say that you have to use 3 different solutions to test your monitor. What kind of monitor are you using?
And is there any way you could drop the smilies? It's very difficult to read your posts when there are green things jumping all over the place. That usually indicates excitement, not that you ended a sentence. The red flaming ones is usually reserved for being extremely angry. So you are indicating in your last post that you are excited, angry, confused, bored, surprised, and happy to see us. As you can see, pretty confusing for the rest of us.
Re: anyone using glucose standard that falls in the 85-115 range? (A "Normal" Solutio
Quote:
Originally Posted by KarenMorris
It has taken you 5 posts, some of which were quite condesending, to explain what you wanted. You can hardly blame us if we are unable to understand what you are asking. Instead of making posts that state:
I'm completely aware that it is necessary to use a SOLUTION to test my monitor's accuracy. I somewhat resent the implication that because you can't explain what you need, I'm jeopardizing my health.
You might have tried at some point to explain what you were talking about. I usually just use the solution that comes with my monitor. That is to say, I get the solution that is made for my monitor (OneTouch Ultra from Lifescan). I still don't understand what you are talking about when you say that you have to use 3 different solutions to test your monitor. What kind of monitor are you using?
And is there any way you could drop the smilies? It's very difficult to read your posts when there are green things jumping all over the place. That usually indicates excitement, not that you ended a sentence. The red flaming ones is usually reserved for being extremely angry. So you are indicating in your last post that you are excited, angry, confused, bored, surprised, and happy to see us. As you can see, pretty confusing for the rest of us.
Re: anyone using glucose standard that falls in the 85-115 range? (A "Normal" Solutio
Gosh Guys! They are only little decorative cartoons to amuse ...pretty decorative...not offensive...! Anyone trying to offend would probably just go to a chat room, right?
I realize this seems confusing...ok...this is part of a problem we all see ..or some of us experience....and seems from the responces it is very common....and I am very aware of Hypoglycemia, because the people in all of the Diabetic support groups I go to, the biggest issue is the fear of hypoglycemia(yes, including my 80 year old mother/type2 "brittle").
I am watching out for her, myself and all of those support group folks(they are looking too!).....well we are all teaming to "get better"-control. I have always controlled(from A1c of 11.6 finally to A1c of 5.3 in a year, ...thank God!) my type 2 with diet -no med. for 3 years mostly with diet. Lost the hardest 60-70 # that I ever lost. I followed the example of several nurses(type 2) who where tire of medications, hypoglycemia and advancing syptoms, and read some books that suggested it was possible to get better(?). NOW I am fighting to maintain tight control at BGs of 85-95....but without this particular standard solution I do not feel confident that I am not really 100-160 mg/dl or 65-85 mg/dl . I continue to DIET!! and exercise.....but dieting may not be such a great idea (for heart, mental, physical performance) if my bgs are actually 65-85 during part of the 3 month averages that produce my current A1c s of 5.3-5.6 I didn't want to explain this because it was too complex....
So I was looking to simply see if anyone uses a "standard solution" that reads 80-120 mg/dl.....still....bet someone uses one...
Re: anyone using glucose standard that falls in the 85-115 range? (A "Normal" Solution)
The following is taken from the fda website. I hope this helps you, wa5ekh.
Quote:
Test quality control solutions have known glucose values. Essentially, when you run a quality control test, you substitute the test solution for blood. The difference is that you know what the result should be.
To test your meter with a quality control solution, follow the instructions that accompany the solution. These will guide you to place a certain amount of solution on your test strip and run it through your meter. The meter will give you a reading for the amount of glucose in the sample. Compare this number to the number listed on the test quality control solution. If the results of your test match the values given in the quality control solution labeling, you can be assured the entire system (meter and test strip) is working properly. If results are not correct, the system may not be accurate--contact the manufacturer for advice.
Manufacturers sometimes include quality control solution with their meter. However, most often you must order it separately from a manufacturer or pharmacy.
Maybe you don't have the control solution that came with your meter and you are trying to find a basic, generic solution that will work with any meter??? I don't know if you can do that if that's what it is that you're looking for. You should use the solution that is made for your particular meter. If you don't have any then call the manufacturer to see where you can buy it. Or just search for it on a search engine. Maybe that will help. What type of meter are you using?
Re: anyone using glucose standard that falls in the 85-115 range? (A "Normal" Solutio
linda1629...that is exactly what I am attempting...but I have searched all sorts of websites and search engines, including PubMED/medline...etc. ....and asked several pharmacies and medical supply houses.....I am about to make my own ....though part of the idea was to find a commercial supplier for users (like me..other support group folks..)
and still looking for one, only one solution that
reads 80 to 120 mg/dl
does ANYONE use one like this?
(most meter will read this solution's value if it out there...I have several, usually keep two operating for reference and comparison..generally one 10-20 points higher than the other....one maybe serum corrected..)
Re: anyone using glucose standard that falls in the 85-115 range? (A "Normal" Solution)
Im not trying to be rude, but if you think the reason your mother or anyone else's blood sugars are low or too high just because there is no "normal" soloution to test a meter you are misunderstanding blood glucose numbers and how they react to food and insulin. You need to stop your search and use your energy to understand carb to insulin ratios, the peak concentration and pharmacodynamics of the insulin she is on, and then balance meals around the insulin titrating for more or less. This is a much better task for you. It will prevent the lows or highs.
Again, if she is on a RAPID acting insulin like novolog or humalog plus a basal or a rapid acting mix like Novolog Mix 70/30 or Humalog 75/25 you will be able to get better control w/ less hypo and really work w/the food & insulin. Using R, NPH, or 70/30 is like using a betamax in a dvd world. Not as predictable and the results arent as accurate.
I think you are using the meter solution as a justification for lack of control of blood sugars. Although you try to make a good argument, you are missing the point in the first place. There is no debate, it doesnt matter what the solution is. Get a new meter if you dont like yours but stop blaming the meter solution and start taking responsibility for either lack of knowledge of what certain foods do to her blood sugar or how unpredictable her insulin regimine is.
Re: anyone using glucose standard that falls in the 85-115 range? (A "Normal" Solution)
Wa5ekh,
I think the problem is that you don't seem to understand the function of the control solution. It is NOT to compare your blood sugars, it is only to test the functioning of the meter.
Meters are, unfortunately, only accurate to within 20%. This doesn't mean that they're ALWAYS off by 20%, but simply that the standard of excellence is that they must be accurate at least to within 20%. No matter what meter you use, the tests will be accurate to within that 20@ parameter...sometimes much closer than 20%, sometimes off by nearly 20%, even using the same meter.
The glucose control solution is used to verify that the meter is, indeed, accurate to within it's 20% parameters. If you use control solution, and the results do NOT fall within the guidelines on the bottle of test strips, then your meter is off. If they do fall within the guidelines, then all that means is that your meter is functioning properly.
Test solution has NOTHING whatsoever to do with your individual blood glucose readings. I think what Almonkey is trying to say is that you are focusing on the wrong thing, and wasting time and effort that could be better used in determining how to keep blood glucose levels within the target range that your doctor has set, or that you have set for yourself. Insulin, food intake, exercise...all of these effect blood glucose readings, but control solution does not!
anyone using glucose standard that falls in the 85-115 range? (A "Normal" Solution) 
Anyone using a standard solution that falls in the 85-115 range? What is the name and the source?
ADA seems to think 120 is boarder-line and 70-100 is normal, but without this standard we probably don't have a clue. (therefore most of us depend on long fasting(if unmedicated!) as a substitute for the illusive 100 mg/dl+_15%(or whatever..), But for medication dependent folks (like my mother) this is much more important to avoid the range between 50 and 70 mg/dl(hypoglycemia).
I am very surprised and sorry after reviewing your posts, that you did't understand, but my question is attempting to find "where this particular standard can be acquired".
If it doesn't read 80-120(approximately), then you then can be sure of the potential error in that range in the Glucometer or System(a-z above). 
I also do not medicate, but many!! do, so this exact range should be very important to most. Without this "Standard Solution" range (80-120) VERIFIED! you only guess whether your readings are above or below the "normal" values (80-120 mg/dl).
But there are many...
...some meters seem to have a set of "Test Solutions" high/200-300 and low/40-60 range (This obviously tests the range of the system-hi and low ends)
.....some meters have one Standard or Normal Solution that generally will be around 160-200 mg/dl.
I currently use all three , but this is very expensive, laborious and increases the risk of one or two error (or the confusion from one bad strip...which we've all probably seen occasionally give us a wild! reading...so we generally repeat the reading, right)---Too Complicated...even for me...too expensive ... 
yes, 
