Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte concentration in body fluid in an animal body having skin and subcutaneous soft tissue that includes body fluid. The method comprises, introducing a portion of an analyte-measuring device into the subcutaneous soft tissue. The analyte-measuring device includes an analyte sensing element, having a sharpened distal end to facilitate introduction into the animal body. Additionally the sensing element has an indicating electrode that is adapted to be activated by electric power and to form a raw analyte measurement, when it is activated and in contact with the body fluid, in less than two minutes. The sensing device further has a reference electrode and an electric power and display device that is adapted to mate to the analyte-sensing element. The power and display device activates the analyte-sensing element by applying electric power to it.