How do I Compare Glucose Monitors?

For those who suffer from diabetes, hypoglycemia or similar ailments, blood glucose meters are a key component of blood sugar control. There are a variety of styles and features available; pinpoint your needs and preferences before comparing glucometers. Consider a meter's user-friendly aspects as well as its cleaning and coding requirements. Also study meter size, temperature operation ranges and required blood sample size. It is also wise to consider the cost of the testing strips and other supplies that must be purchased again and again.

Things You'll Need

• Telephone
• Computer
• Internet Access

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine the cost of test strips for all the meters you are thinking about buying. The out-of-pocket cost for test strips adds up quickly, and insurance co-pays vary. Check with your insurance company to determine coverage levels for these supplies. Comparison shop for the least expensive test strips, and see whether the meter that accompanies them meets your needs.

• 2

  Check the cost of blood glucose meters. Call your insurance company to find out which blood glucose meters are covered. Blood glucose meters are very often available at low prices or at no cost through rebates and other promotions, since manufacturers make their money off the testing supplies, such as test strips.

• 3

  Ask your doctor what type of meter she suggests. Your doctor may have in-office software she can use to download test results straight from one brand of meter to make it easier to oversee the care of her patients and make any necessary adjustments to their diabetes management regime. Be frank about your ability to consistently pay co-pays or over-the-counter prices for test strips that accompany the meter he or she suggests. If your doctor writes you a prescription for the brand of meter he or she recommends but the insurance co-pay for accompanying test strips is higher than the outright cost of test strips for another kind of meter, you may be better off buying the other brand. Prescriptions are not required to purchase glucometers and test strips, but most insurance providers require prescriptions for before applying your benefits to their cost, as do discount prescription programs.

• 4

  Evaluate the data storage capabilities of blood glucose meters. Tracking your blood glucose test results may help you better manage your disease. Most meters store results; smaller meters typically don't have as much memory as their slightly larger counterparts. Some meters also feature ways to record meals and physical fitness activities. Blood glucose meters are more technologically-advanced than ever; it's possible to upload test results and graph blood sugar fluctuations by time, day and insulin dosage. Some companies charge for such software; others don't.

• 5

  Decide which glucose meter functions are most important to you. If shopping for a child, consider sample size required---small samples are easier on small fingers---as well as display screen lights and durability. Bayer's Didget, designed for children, offers kids a testing incentive by granting points each time they test. Points can be used on a Nintendo DS, a Nintendo Lite and/or at an online Didget community. Meters with display backlights and audio may be helpful to the visually impaired; those with dexterity difficulties might prefer a meter that uses relatively large test strips. If you wear an insulin pump, you may be interested in a meter that offers wireless interaction with your pump.