How to Buy a Glucose Meter

For those with diabetes, a glucose meter is an important part of managing their disease. Careful monitoring of your blood sugar can help prevent dangerous complications. Because there are literally dozens of meters on the market, finding the right one for you can be a daunting task.

Instructions

Choosing a Meter

• 1

  Make sure your meter is compatible with your doctor's software. Some physicians prefer certain meters over others. Usually this is because most meters can be downloaded into computers, but few doctors have the software to download every meter. Ask your doctor's office for a list of the meters they have software for. There is no standardized software at this time so the doctor's office has to buy software and cables for each individual meter. Your doctor may want to download information from your meter at appointments, so it is important to make sure you choose a meter that she can access.

• 2

  Do research to determine how much you will have to pay out of your own pocket for a meter. Many states now require insurance companies to pay the cost of meters and test strips, but check with your insurance company to find out exactly what is covered. Find out how much they pay toward the cost of the meter and test strips, how often you can replace your meter, and if they require you to get a particular meter. Meters range from just a few dollars into the hundreds, depending on the accessories and functions you want. Test strips range from fairly reasonable to very expensive for a box of 50. A diabetic uses 10 to 12 strips a day so this can add up fast. Your insurance company may be willing to pay the full cost of the cheaper strips but only a small portion of the more expensive ones.

• 3

  Talk to your pharmacist. If you've already talked to your doctor and your insurance company, your pharmacist may be able to help you narrow your choices even further. He will be able to tell you which meters have special features such as large text, strong back lights or speech features, all of which may be important if you have vision problems. He will also know which meters require tiny blood samples. This is important if you are buying a meter for a child who resists finger pricks. Meters that use small samples often allow testing on your arm which is much more comfortable. Some typists, pianists, violinists and others who require their fingertips to be sensitive also prefer arm testing.

• 4

  Determine what you want from a meter. There are lots of places to get consumer information on meters. Not all meters are created equal. If accuracy is important, make sure you know which are the highest rated. (See Resources.) Also know how much work your meter takes. Some require complicated programming and calibrations. Others are deliberately simple to use. If you want to download information to your computer from your meter, make sure this feature is available and that your meter will work with your computer. Most work with PCs but only a few have software for the Mac. Some have the additional feature of being able to upload information directly to your doctor.
  At their most basic, and cheapest, a meter will take blood glucose readings and not much more. It's up to you to keep written records. More expensive meters may have large graphics so you can read them easier, and may perform self-calibration. These meters often are faster than the cheaper meters and uses smaller blood samples, thus allowing you to test on your arm rather than your fingers. They may also have software available for use on your home computer. (This is an extra purchase, though.) The most expensive meters have features that may include multiple logbooks, graphs, medication, food and exercise logs and speech functions for the hearing impaired.

• 5

  Determine which meter suits your needs. Once you've got all the information, study the meters you're interested in. Some meters have built-in log books, and features that allow you to record carbohydrates, exercise, other medical results such as blood pressure, and medications. Others use discs or drums instead of strips. The discs and drums usually contain 10 strips. You put them in the meter and have 10 tests before you have to reload. This is convenient if you test often or if you have dexterity problems.

• 6

  You can buy meters from many sources. Many companies offer special prices at varying times of year and you will often find special offers and coupons in "Diabetes Forecast" magazine. Once you have a meter, be sure to register it. While warranties are often short, the company may be willing to replace a meter gone bad rather than have you buy a different brand. They make their money off the test strips, not the meter. Your meter company may also send you discount coupons or even opportunities to get a free meter just to keep your business.
  Online companies will often give you a free meter to entice you to get your strips through their mail-order company. This is a good option if you don't have insurance as the mail-order companies tend to be cheaper.
  Meters tend to work reliably for a long time so don't be too concerned about the length of a warranty. Many insurance companies allow you to get a new meter every year or two, and the meter company is usually willing to help you out to keep you buying their test strips.
  If you belong to an HMO like Kaiser, you can get your meter at their pharmacy. Every pharmacy and hospital has at least a few meters for sale but you may have to do some comparison shopping. Check Wal-Mart for low prices or any other high-volume discount store in your neighborhood such as Fred Meyers, Krogers, Walgreens, or even Costco.

• 7

  Consider a glucose watch meter. If money is no object, and you have trouble using a traditional meter and strips, you may want to look at a glucose watch. The watch is a non-invasive meter, meaning you don't have to prick your finger or arm to get blood for a test. The watch uses ultrasound and lasers to identify blood vessels and test your blood glucose. It also has alarms that will alert you to high or low blood sugars and remind you to take medication.
  Many parents are turning to the watch for children who hate the finger pricking that goes with most meters or for those who need extremely tight monitoring. The meter records blood glucose every 15 minutes and will set off alarms if it detects problems that need to be addressed.
  While the watch seems ideal, it is still in its early stages of development. They are bulky and expensive, and cause skin irritation in some individuals. However, several companies are working on new and better tools to help you measure your blood glucose, including meters built into contact lenses and other high-tech novelties.
  The meter world changes every year so you might want to take that into account as well.