Home blood glucose monitors can help you better manage your diabetes and lower your risks of complications. But with so many types on the market, it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for you. Here are the top 5 blood glucose meters for 2021.
Top 5 blood glucose meters
1. Best user-friendly: Care Touch Blood Glucose Monitoring Kit
Care Touch blood glucose monitoring system is easy to use and affordable. Some highlights of this glucose meter include:
- Readings available in less than 5 seconds
- Provides 14-day readings on average
- Can store up to 300 readings at a time
2. Best continuous: FreeStyle Libre
FreeStyle Libre is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that uses your interstitial fluid (fluid between the cells) to measure blood sugar levels. The device works via a sensor that has a thin needle that you put over your upper arm. It uses a flash system, which means you can scan the sensor with your smartphone to get your glucose reading. You can repeat the process as often as you like. Though there may be a little discrepancy in readings between FreeStyle and glucometer, the tool is helpful for those who have labile diabetes, are afraid of skin pricks, or need to regularly titrate insulin.
3. Best data management: Dario blood Glucose Monitoring Kit
This is an iPhone-compatible device that is excellent for getting advanced data analysis. You can measure your carbs and monitor your physical activities and share the results with your physician for further updates. It comes in an all-in-one kit.
4. Best budget-friendly option: TrueMetrix Meter
The TrueMetrix meter is the best budget-friendly option. It has additional features, such as four sets of reminders, and can store 500 test results on the device.
5. Best overall: Contour Next
If you are looking for a glucose meter with the highest accuracy, Contour Next has shown 100% compliance in accuracy testing. Home glucose meters should show consistently accurate results because they are meant to monitor your glucose between doctor’s visits.
How to choose a glucose meter
When choosing a blood glucose meter, features to look for include the following:
- Accuracy
- Ease of use
- Overall size
- Testing speed
- Amount of blood needed for each test
- Ability to store test results in memory
- Pain associated with using the product
- Likelihood of interference
- Ability to transmit data to a computer
- Cost of meter and test strips
- Technical support provided by the manufacturer
- Special features, such as:
- Automatic timing
- Huge display screen
- Spoken instructions or results
What are alternatives to traditional blood glucose testing?
For people who may not like traditional blood glucose monitoring because they have a fear of pricking their fingers, alternatives in blood glucose testing include:
- Alternative site testing: Allows blood to be taken from areas less likely to be painful, such as the arm, palm or thigh.
- Continuous glucose monitoring: Uses a sensor placed under the skin to measure blood sugar levels and transmits each reading to a small recording device.
Is alternative site testing reliable?
Testing blood glucose from alternative sites may not give consistent results that correspond to your glucometer, particularly if your blood glucose is fluctuating. Additionally, alternative site monitoring should be avoided if you:
- Have just taken insulin
- Have just eaten
- Have just exercised
- Are sick
- Are stressed
- Have results that are incompatible with the way you feel
SLIDESHOW
Diabetes: What Raises and Lowers Your Blood Sugar Level? See SlideshowMayo Clinic. Blood Glucose Meter: How to Choose. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/blood-glucose-meter/art-20046335
FDA report. Dario LC Blood Glucose Monitoring System. https://fda.report/GUDID/00850065006154
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