Expert Advice On How To Select The Right Glucose Monitor For You

Blood glucose meters are computerized devices that are small in size, that help measure and display your blood glucose level. These devices are helpful for people with Diabetes.

For a diabetic patient daily blood glucose monitoring is an essential aspect of everyday life. Diabetes is a lifelong complication and winning the battle against diabetes with standard blood glucose, a good diet, and exercise is vital. Conducting daily glucose tests also helps in monitoring your progress. Using a blood glucose meter can help you better manage your diabetes by tracking any fluctuations in your blood glucose level. 

A standard blood glucose test works by first inserting a test strip into the device. Then you poke a clean fingertip with a special needle to get a drop of blood. You carefully touch the test strip to the blood and wait for a blood glucose reading to appear on the screen.

With many blood sugar test machines in the market, choosing the right blood glucose meter matters as different meters tend to appeal to other people; children, working adults, older people, and those with disabilities. We can choose from basic models to more-advanced meters with multiple features and options.

 It's vital to study your options before deciding which model to buy.

In this article, we will be talking about a few points to consider before choosing the right blood sugar test machine.

 

Accuracy And Reliability

Accuracy and reliability of a blood sugar test machine is an absolute must with accurate and reliable readings that give the patient and medical practitioner a precise understanding of managing your diabetes and making the right daily treatment decisions. This reading helps with everything from insulin dosage as per blood sugar levels to diet and exercise choices.

 

Blood Sample Size.

Extracting blood from a finger can be a daunting task for many but with the recent developments in biomedical technology, the blood samples required are comparatively low with a painless experience. Today you will find several blood glucose meters in the market that require a minimal amount of sample size to give an accurate reading. Opt for meters that only require a small blood sample size. A sample size of 1 to 1.5 microlitres is considered relatively small.

 

 Ease of Use

Not many patients have the time and understanding of a complex machine for daily testing. Always go for a blood glucose test machine with step-by-step and easy to understand procedures. Features like large result displays, large, easy to press buttons, and easy to use menu options are always suitable for older people, kids, and people with disabilities.

 Ease of transport

To check your blood sugar on the go, size and mobility is always an added advantage. A meter that can be packaged away, with all its kit, into a pocket, purse, or briefcase easily, is a go-to. Also, consider the cost of test strips when you are on the move. Meters with software and on-screen charts will be beneficial to track your progress.

The time it takes to show you the result

Waiting an eternity for results — especially if you're testing multiple times a day it is incredibly inconvenient. Meters will typically list their average testing time to give you an idea of how long you're likely to wait. 5-6 seconds or less to be an ideal time to show you the result.

Test data storage

For the patient's convenience, most blood glucose test monitors offer you to keep track of your readings; this gives the patient an idea about their blood sugar progress and your overall health patterns. Make sure to check if your meter time and date are set up correctly.

 Budget

Make sure to consider actual meter costs and long-term costs, such as the price of testing strips and other supplies.

The cost of meters varies in price depending on their features. Be sure to factor in the cost of test strips. Test strips are available in 25, 50, or 100 count containers. Make sure also to consider the total daily test strip cost.

If you've gone through all the costs, features, and other considerations and are still unsure which blood glucose meter to buy, ask your doctor or diabetes educator for a recommendation.