How to Compare Home Glucometers

A home glucometer or blood glucose meter measures glucose in a drop of blood. A glucometer uses a test strip with chemicals that react to glucose in the sample and provides rapid feedback on the level of blood sugar. Factors to compare before purchase include initial cost, cost of supplies and features.

Features

• Most models have internal memory to track more than 200 results. Others have features such as autocoding to recognize the test strip, use of a small blood sample size and the ability to analyze samples from areas less sensitive than fingertips.

Advanced Features

• Specialized features include operation in temperatures higher than 110 F and software to download results to a computer program for your doctor's use. Emedsimulation reports that some models can accept other diabetes management data, such as carbohydrate counts, insulin dosage or amount of exercise.

Accessories

• You can purchase a home glucometer by itself or in a kit, which often includes accessories such as a carrying case, a logbook for recording results, test strips, lancets and a container for safe disposal of used lancets. Purchase more test strips and lancets when the initial supply runs out.

Cost

• A glucometer may be free after manufacturer rebates or store discounts, or your insurance may pay for it. Each glucometer uses a specific type of test strip. According to the American Diabetes Association, the cost of test strips adds up. To save money, determine which strips are covered by your insurance and choose a glucometer that uses those strips.