Glucose Meter - 5 Important Things To Check Before Ordering

The Qualities of a Good Blood Glucose Meter

A good glucometer or glucose meter is used to find out how much glucose is in the blood stream and will be accurate. If use correctly it can be the most accurate way of testing the blood for glucose. It is the best way for someone with diabetes to test their own blood glucose levels at home. It works by putting a little blood droplet on a disposable test strip and then using the glucose monitor to test the level of glucose in the blood. The way the meter displays the level is in mg/dl or in mmol/l. Of course one must learn how to read this in order to test their own blood.

The patient essentially wants to have a normal level of glucose in their blood at all times. In 1980 this method was developed to make life easier for diabetics. Of course being able to keep an eye one one's glucose level with a glucose meter drastically helps in maintaining one's health.

How do glucose meters differ?

There are many differences that a blood monitor can have from others. If you don't do your research before buying one you can be sorely disappointed later on when your blood glucose meter doesn't do what you need it to do.

1.The Cost

You can get a glucose monitor for free from a doctor or complimentary online. Test strips can cost $.35 to $1.00 each. For type I diabetes you must test 4 to 10 times a day, resulting in up to $40/day in costs. For type II the testing frequency is a lot less.

2.The Size-

The size of your meter should be about the size of your hand. You should easily be able to hold it and it should use batteries.

3. Test strips-

This is the part that you can throw away. Each time you test your blood glucose levels with a monitor you will use a new test strip. On some glucose meters there is a plastic strip used that has glucose oxidase on it. If the glucose meter doesn't use strips then it will most likely use discs that can be used a few times. Either option is fine.

4. Measuring-

Some meters will need you to type in a code from the vial of test strips. This is simple to do and should not be of much importance. When you enter in this code the tester will know how to read your strip correctly. Of course if you don't do this right then the reading will come out wrong, so make sure you enter it properly. If you do the reading wrong then you could be at risk of high levels of glucose levels in your blood. Of course some strips have a microchip which can be easier and will help you in your readings.

5. Testing time-

The testing time can be up to 60 seconds. We always use the faster ones, so try to get one that measures around 30 seconds.

Fortunately now most blood glucose meters will meet all of these standards so you don't have to worry.