8 Important Factors To Consider When Choosing a Glucose Meter

Earlier, people with diabetes had to go to a doctor to measure their blood sugar. It was time-consuming as well as expensive. But now we got the solution! Glucose Meter has become an essential commodity for most diabetes people.

You can easily buy a glucose meter from medical shop or any doctor and can measure blood sugar levels in your body. It helps you manage your sugar level by tracking any fluctuations in sugar level at home only.

There are many options of glucose meters is available for diabetic people. It creates a problem! The problem of choosing the best glucose meter. But don’t worry! This article will tell the factors to consider when selecting a Glucose Meter.

 

8 Factors To Consider When Buying a New Glucometer

Whether you’re new to buying Glucose Meter or have experience of several years, you should always consider some factors. For instance, the cost of the glucose meter, accuracy, and time it takes in giving results. However, if your doctor has asked you to buy a specific glucose meter, we suggest you only select that.

Besides that, the following are the factors to consider when choosing a Glucose Meter:

1. Accuracy of Glucometer

Accuracy is the most crucial factor for your health. Of course, it is! The results on Glucose meter will affect your treatment and insulin doses.

Did you Know?

According to a recent study, not all FDA-approved glucose meters meet accuracy standards. Of all commercially available meters, 66% do not match the suggested accuracy level.

To check if your meter is working properly or not, you can do the following tests:

• Test using Control Solution: Before using the meter with your blood, try it with a liquid control solution as the same blood procedure. These solutions usually come with packages, or you can buy from stores nearby.
• Compare with Lab Results: Always after buying the meter, compare the reading with lab readings. Lab readings are considered accurate. However, the timing gap between tests should not be large.

Due to varying technology and accuracy level, readings fluctuate from one meter to another. Therefore, we suggest that you keep your model consistent.

Various factors affect the accuracy level:

• Test Strip Problems
• Extreme Temperature
• Alcohol, dirt, or other substances on your body
• Not enough blood to get tested
• Monitor Problems, etc.

 

2. Required Blood Sample Size

After doing accuracy tests, you should buy a Glucose Meter that requires less blood to get the readings. Blood samples generally range from 3.0 milliliters to 0.3 milliliters. If the meter requires a large blood sample size, it can affect certain people’s health.

Also, a large blood sample can cause errors if you cannot get enough blood on the test strips. It will be a waste of blood and test strips.

Many people take tests several times throughout the day. If you’re one of them, then use a thinner needle of 33G lancets. It will be less painful and requires less blood drop.

 

3. Cost of Glucose Meter

Basically, the cost of a glucose meter depends on the features. More the features, higher the price! But it should be usable for at least 2 years, no matter what.

As you have to buy test strips separately, it can be expensive. The reason is that the meter you choose will require you to select the strip explicitly made for that meter. Also, before you decide on a meter brand, always check the cost.

 

4. Ease of Use

Instructions always come with the glucose meter. Therefore, the time you buy, check for the instructions. Always ask the doctor or from where you buy it how to use the meter.

In any way, if you find the procedure complicated, take a long time to read, or requires coding, then don’t buy it. The main aim of the glucose meter is to make your testing more accessible.

So, always choose the glucose meter that is easy to use.

 

5. Storage of Readings

In long-term care, keeping a record is essential. However, writing it down every time can be stressful. So, to make it easy, choose a glucose meter that takes and stores readings.

Some meters can keep track by specific periods. However, make sure to check time and date are set correctly. You can also create a downloadable file that connects with your computer and mobile phones.

 

6. Test Time

Test time is another crucial factor that needs to be considered. Waiting for a long—especially who test multiple times a day—is inconvenient and opposite of the aim of the Glucose meter.

We always suggest you check how much time the meter takes in providing readings. Generally, 5-6 seconds or less are considered ideal.

 

7. Special Features

If you want any special features, then you should ask for them. There are many options available for all types of people.

For example, impaired vision people prefer a meter that is easy to read or has verbal command.

Children prefer colourful glucose meters; thankfully, they are also available!

Some other features are following:

• Audio Capability
• Backlit screens
• Strips stored in meter or a USB meter
• A large amount of memory storage
• Meters testing blood Ketone levels

Also, it would be best if you always be comfortable with your brand and model type.

 

8. Insurance Coverage

Many Glucose Meter has insurance coverage, and many do not. You should choose those meters that are included in your health insurance. There are also limits on test strips. So, before deciding on meter and strip, check your insurance coverage or confirm it with the insurance provider.

 

Way Forward

There are many different types of glucose meters available in the market. But it would be best if you always considered all the above-given factors before choosing a meter. Also, educate yourself and use the glucose meter safely and adequately.

However, we suggest you always recommend your doctor before buying a meter or even changing your glucose meter. Well, that’s all for today.