How to Compare Glucometers

Blood glucose testing is necessary to manage diabetes. Glucometers help measure your blood glucose levels from home so you can see if you are in a safe range. Many diabetics use glucometers multiple times a day, so it you may need to buy glucometers to replace old ones that no longer work or to upgrade to the latest technology. Compare glucometers so you can test efficiently in a way that fits your lifestyle.

Instructions

• 1

  Compare glucometers based on price. Consider the price of the meter itself and the price of glucometers test strips, necessary to conduct your testing. Sometimes the cheapest meter will have test strips that cost the most. Add up the entire operating cost of your glucometer to find the best deal.

• 2

  Buy glucometers easy to use. Small meters are easy to carry around, but the user requires dexterity to use it with ease. Large glucometers are a little bulky, but they also have a larger display and voice module for patients with difficulty seeing or hearing. Consider the size of the glucometers test strips as well. Some strips are so small that they’re difficult to grip. A meter that uses cartridges instead of test strips may be easier to use in some cases.

  If you need to check your levels at night, buy glucometers that come with a backlit display. Compare the pros and cons of each meter, taking into account your own needs, to buy glucometers easy for you to use.

• 3

  Determine the blood sample size required by the glucometers. Units that require less blood cause less pain during testing, which is a huge advantage to maintain daily testing. Blood sample size ranges from 0.3 microliters to 4.0 microliters.

• 4

  Ask about alternate testing locations when you compare glucometers. Pricking the finger is the most common place for glucometers to work. However, to protect your fingers and to spread the wealth, compare glucometers that allow you to test on other locations, such as on your forearm or palm.

• 5

  Shop for glucometers with advanced technology. Some glucometers store your blood glucose results in its memory so you can report to the doctor. Other meters allow you to download your readings to your computer then email that report to your doctor.

  You’ll also find glucometers that allow you to track your diet and exercise levels to determine how it affects your blood glucose levels. Compare the high-tech features on each device and make sure you have compatible equipment to use this technology.