Glucometer is a small device that diabetic patients use for checking their blood glucose levels. Glucometer is a must-have product for diabetic people to check and monitor their sugar. Regular monitoring of sugar levels is necessary because your blood glucose fluctuates for some reasons like food intake, exercise, stress, and medications.
Using the best glucometer to check your blood sugar is a must to maintain your blood glucose. Nowadays many different types of glucometers are available with advanced features. You have to study first and then choose the best one for you.
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Table of Contents
HOW DOES IT WORK?
It is important to know how glucometers work for a person who uses them. Usually, glucometers come with a booklet that guides you about their uses. A glucometer kit has a lancet, strips, and a small meter.
You should clean your hand before checking your blood glucose. The strips contain glucose oxidase, an enzyme. Insert strip in meter and prick your finger with lancet applied blood on strip glucose oxidase reacts to the blood glucose, the meter detects glucose level and gives results in seconds. After that, you have to swipe your finger prick with an alcohol wipe.
BENEFITS OF SUGAR MONITORING
Sugar monitoring on a regular basis is beneficial because you can understand which eating habit is good for maintaining a glucose level. You can know the ups and downs of your glucose level and take diet and medicine according to them.
ARE GLUCOMETERS EXPENSIVE?
The prices of glucometers are varying in their types and features. Continuous glucose meters are more expensive than self-monitoring glucometers.
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HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE?
It is necessary to know a few important things before buying a glucometer.
Blood sample size: Check how much blood sample is needed for a test. It will help you to know how much blood you need for a test. It means less blood sample, less blood you need.
Easy to use: Consider an easy-to-use glucometer because it is more convenient to use anytime or anywhere.
Meter accuracy: Your glucometer reading should be accurate. Most glucometers are approved by the FDA and give accurate results.
Memory: Many devices can save your readings in their storage. So you don’t need to note down it and also you can share your readings with your doctor.
Test speed: Some glucometers give results in less than one minute and some in seconds. Speed doesn’t matter if the results are accurate.
Strips cost: Choose a glucometer that’s strips are easily available and low in cost. Because you need to buy strips frequently for regular use. Try to buy in bulk to save money.
TYPES OF GLUCOMETERS
We can divide glucometers into two types-
Self-monitoring:
Self-monitoring glucose meter gives you information about an individual’s blood glucose level. With this information, a person can schedule their diet, activities, and medicines.
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Continuous glucose monitor:
This device automatically monitors your glucose level all day and night. A continuous glucose monitor tracks sugar levels through a sensor that is inserted into your arm or belly.
HERE ARE SOME BEST GLUCOMETERS IN THE WORLD
CONTOUR NEXT EZ BLOOD GLUCOSE METER
Features: Accurate meter, results in 5 seconds, need a tiny blood sample, alarm reminder, 18-month warranty.
This is an easy-to-use device for those who want to check their glucose level at home with simple features. Secondly, it needs a tiny blood sample and gives a perfect result within 5 seconds. This device includes replaceable lancet and testing strips in a complete kit. When you need to buy more strips and lancet contour gives a loyalty scheme that offers discounts. This is a very convenient device to use at home.
PROS
- Easy to use.
- Give results fast.
CONS
- No screen light in the device.
ACCU-CHEK INSTANT S GLUCOMETER
Features: LCD display, resulting in 4 sec, memory stores 720 results, automatic off after use.
Accu-Chek instant S is the doctor’s first choice. This device gives you the best accurate results. It is simple to use. Just insert a strip, apply a small blood sample and get results in less than 4 sec. you can easily transfer your blood sugar results from monitor memory to USB or PC. Easy to understand displays provide you with relevant info and 7/30/90 days also display on the screen. Accu-Chek brand, fulfill all the requirements of the ISO 15197:2013/EN ISO 15197:2015.
PROS
- Accurate results.
- Big display.
CONS
- Strips are expensive when bought separately.
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FORA 6 CONNECT BLOOD GLUCOSE SET WITH 1 METER
Features: Gold technology for high accuracy, display backlight, Bluetooth connectivity.
This is the best glucometer on amazon with advanced GDH-FAD technology to provide accurate results. It also has advanced Superior Sip-In technology that also improves test results. Gold Strips technology is assured to give best results of blood sugar much easier and faster. Using Bluetooth connectivity you can transfer data to the iFORA HM app and get more manageable with your glucose level.
PROS
- Advanced technology.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
CONS
- Expensive.
FREESTYLE FREEDOM LITE BLOOD GLUCOSE METER
Features: No coding required, fast, 5-sec meter, smallest sample size, small meter.
This device is considered for travel use because its design is so small that you can easily keep it in your bag. It has a large display that is easy to read. It also doesn’t need a large blood sample, it needs just a tiny blood sample. You can use it anywhere at any time. Monitor memory can store around 400 results. It also has an alarm reminder.
PROS
- Easy to carry anywhere.
- Large backlight display.
CONS
- Strips are sometimes harder to locate.
CARE SENSE N DIABETIC CARE KIT
Features: No coding, data downloading via USB, result in 5 seconds, easy-grip design, alarm.
This product has a million choices because of its affordable price. It gives completely accurate results in just 5 seconds. It is simple to use without any coding. You can set an alarm to remind you of pre and post-meal timings for checking your blood glucose. Meter can store about 1000 records which you can save to your phone.
PROS
- Large display.
- Cheaper rates than others.
CONS
- Inserting strips on the monitor is difficult.
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WRAPPING UP
There are millions of choices but I have collected some best glucometers here to ease your search. Every patient has different conditions, always choose according to your need. Glucometer is a must-have thing for diabetics to keep monitoring their sugar levels so choose the best features, accurate results are easy to carry, easy to use, and lastly don’t forget to ask your doctor.
FAQs
Q1: How long do glucometers last?
Answer: Some glucometers can easily last around 10 years. It depends on how you use it.
Q2: What is the normal level of blood sugar?
Answer: For an adult, it should be before a meal. 70-130.
After 2 hours of eating, it should be less than 180.
Bedtime should be 100-140.
Q3: Can we use a lancet more than one time?
Answer: No, it is not recommended to use a lancet more than once by the makers of lancets.
Q4:Which finger is good for a blood test?
Answer: The middle and ring finger is recommended by the world health organization. Don’t use your little finger because of thin skin.
Q5:What is the difference between the lab test and glucometer test?
Answer: A glucometer gives results just in seconds instead lab tests take some days to give results. Because they sent samples to other laboratories to check these processes for some time. So if someone wants immediate results they use glucometers.