To measure and display their blood glucose level, people with diabetes will likely need a blood glucose meter. You can better manage your diabetes by keeping track of blood glucose fluctuations with a blood glucose meter.
As you may already know, many types of blood glucose meters are available on the market. This article discusses how to choose the right glucose meter for you.
What is a Glucometer?
A glucometer (a blood glucose meter) is a portable device diabetics use to measure blood sugar levels. Regular glucometer use can help you understand your blood glucose levels.
Glucose meters can be useful for people with Type I and Type II diabetes, gestational diabetes, and latent autoimmune diabetes.
10 Factors How to Choose the Right Glucose Meter
The number of factors will determine what type of blood glucose monitoring device you should choose.
Discussing your options with your doctor or nurse to determine your insurance coverage is best. They will be able to explain the benefits and disadvantages of each meter based on your circumstances.
Your next step is to confirm your insurance coverage. It is possible that some providers only cover specific types of blood glucose meters and accessories, so if your budget is tight, that might be your primary deciding factor.
As long as you have decided that either type of blood glucose monitor is right for you, consider the following features when choosing a blood glucose device:
1. Insurance coverage.
Ensure that you understand your insurance provider’s coverage details. Some insurance providers limit coverage to specific models or the total number of test strips you can purchase.
2. Accuracy
A reliable device is crucial for obtaining accurate results from your blood glucose readings. This will impact your insulin doses and treatment decisions.
Your blood glucose readings will likely fluctuate depending on your glucose meter model because every meter has a different technology and accuracy performance. No matter where you keep your meters, you should pick one model. Ensure you receive consistent readings for making treatment decisions by sticking with that meter model for your daily management.
In addition, several factors may affect accuracy:
- An increase or decrease in the proportion of red blood cells in your blood (hematocrit)
- Temperature, altitude, and environmental conditions
- Variability in Manufacturing
Use the most innovative technology to detect and correct these variations to ensure your device is reliable.
3. The Cost of Blood Glucose Meters & Test Strips
An essential aspect of the affordability of a blood glucose meter is that it is a one-time purchase, but test strips must be purchased continuously.
More expensive meters may include Bluetooth capabilities or a color screen, while less costly ones may not. Whatever the capabilities, the meter should last for a few years. Several significant brands offer free meter upgrades, but specific qualifications must be met to qualify.
Generally, test strips are available in 25, 50, or 100-count boxes, and the price can vary from less than $0.25 per test strip to over $1 per test strip based on the brand.
Before choosing a blood glucose meter brand, check prices for test strips explicitly designed for that meter. It’s essential to consider your total daily test strip cost if you’re testing several times throughout the day.
4. Ease of use.
Having a blood glucose meter that is too complicated, takes too long to read, or requires coding will make you less likely to reach for it when it’s time to check your blood sugar. And that defeats the whole purpose of having one!
Make sure you are comfortable with the design and technology of your blood glucose meter so you can test it as often as you need. You should also check if you’ll benefit from valuable features like testing reminders or hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic alarms.
5. Meter and Display Size
It’s essential to remember that your meter’s design and form go hand in hand with its functionality. Meters today come in various shapes and sizes, so you can choose which one suits you best.
Before choosing a meter, ask yourself these questions:
- For discreet, on-the-go testing, would you prefer a compact meter or a larger device that is easier to grip and hold?
- Is the display large enough to read the numbers?
- Is it easy to view results in dim lighting or at night with the display?
6. Connectivity
It has become straightforward to capture, analyze, and share your readings with traditional blood glucose meters with Bluetooth wireless connections. You can also transfer results via a data port on some meters if they have a data download feature.
Mobile management apps can sometimes sync and store your readings wirelessly between your meter and smartphone. Many mobile apps allow you to record your readings manually, even if your meter doesn’t have connectivity capabilities.
As a result, you can track your blood glucose levels, share them with your family and doctors, and identify trends.
7. Blood sample size
You must provide a more significant blood drop if the meter requires a larger blood sample. When you do not get a big enough blood drop, you are likelier to make errors or waste test strips. This can sometimes result in errors or waste of test strips. This can present a challenge if you suffer from poor circulation or other health conditions.
When choosing a meter, choose one that only requires a tiny sample, such as 0.5 microliters or less. This will allow you to use a more comfortable lancing depth and lancet size.
8. Information storage and retrieval.
Make sure you know how the meter stores and retrieves information. Some meters allow you to share your readings with your healthcare provider with a smartphone app, tracking the time and date of a test, the results, and trends over time. You can also download your blood glucose readings to your computer, then email your doctor the results.
9. Support.
You’ll find that most meter manufacturers have a toll-free number on their websites that you can call with questions. Ask for a meter with a manual explaining how to use it correctly. Look for a meter with clear instructions explaining how to use the meter correctly.
10. Special features.
If you have special needs, you may want to ask how the machine can address them. Special features may include large, easy-to-handle buttons and test strips, illuminated screens, and audio, which may be useful for people with impaired vision.
Conclusion:
People with diabetes must choose the right blood glucose meter to manage their condition effectively. So many options are available on the market that choosing the right one can be overwhelming.
The information in this article will help you choose a blood glucose meter, ensuring that you have a device that is easy to use.