How do I Compare Glucose Monitors & Supplies?

If you are diabetic, your blood glucose monitor is an important health tool. It provides information on how well your blood sugar levels are controlled and how well your diet and medication therapy work together.

There are plenty of glucose monitors available and sometimes it's hard to know which is the monitor for you. And, how do you factor supplies like test strips, lancets and disinfecting into the equation?

Instructions

Comparing Glucose Monitors and Supplies

• 1

  Compare the convenience of monitor models. Is it easy to carry and to use? Is it small and compact enough to fit in your purse or carry all? Does it have test strips that are easy to load? Will more than one kind of test strip work in the monitor?

• 2

  Compare the performance levels. Does the display feature have large enough print to be easily read? Does it have back lighting, so you can see the results even in dim lighting? Does it provide results quickly and accurately? What is the warranty on your meter? How many test results will it store? Are the lancets adjustable, so you aren't jabbing yourself too deeply?

• 3

  Compare the simplicity of use. Does it require you to enter coding or other data? Does it include additional features that must be learned to take advantage of all of its capabilities? Does it have a test strip drum that packs multiple test strips so you don't have to load them every time?

• 4

  Compare user cost. Many monitors have free meter programs, but the cost of your meter is only a small fraction of the cost over time. What do test strips cost? How many test strips come in a package? Do the lancets load into an adjustable loader? Do you want alcohol swabs or will you use other methods to clean your test area?

• 5

  Compare testing supply availability. Once you purchase your meter, that part is done. How easy is it to get the testing supplies that make your meter work? Does your local pharmacy carry them? Will you have them home delivered from a medical supply company? If you are on a trip and run out of supplies, how common is your meter type if you have to get more supplies?

• 6

  Compare the sample location choices and the amount of blood required. The fingertip has always been an option. Does your meter allow options on where to get your blood sample? Sample sites for relative pain-free testing include palm, arm, thigh and calf. One advantage of alternative site testing is that a smaller blood supply is needed. Does the lancet adjust so you can control how much blood will flow?

• 7

  Compare support resources. Does you meter come with 24/7 customer service? Is the instruction manual easy to understand? Is there additional software and web support you can access to improve your control over your blood sugar levels?