If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, keeping an accurate idea of your blood glucose levels will be an integral part of your health management. Using a blood glucose monitor will be an important piece of kit that you’ll use to do that.
With many different types of meters on the market you'll want to check with your GP or nurse which options would be best suited to you. Here are some things to consider when choosing your own blood glucose monitor:
Is it easy to use?
Testing procedures will vary for each blood glucose meter. Some will require more work than others, some will need a larger blood sample for an accurate reading while others might require more set up to record and manage the readings. Be sure to check these details before choosing your meter.
The digital interface and features on blood glucose monitors will also vary quite significantly across the board. So, when choosing a meter, you may need to decide whether you need more features or whether you need a meter that has advanced features but is simpler to use.
Another basic thing to check for is how easy it is to read & how easily you can source spare glucose testing strips for your specific meter.
How long does it take to get a reading?
Most glucose monitors will give a reading within less than 60 seconds. This might seem very quick, but if you’re testing regularly each day you might want to minimise your testing time and look for a meter that provides a reading in just 5-10 seconds.
Is it portable and can I test on the go?
All blood glucose monitors are portable but some do require you to place the kit down on a surface while you test, while others may enable you to test as you move around - which can be a useful feature for busy people who need to test regularly each day.
Does it record my readings?
Most blood sugar meters allow you to save your results and with many you can use an app on your cell phone to track your levels. If your meter doesn’t connect to an app, or you don’t have a smartphone, you will have to keep a daily, written record of your results so you can discuss your ongoing health with your GP or consultant at each appointment.
However, if you know you’ll be on the go and have a hard time keeping track of your numbers, look for a meter that has memory options. Some meters create logs that you can retrieve at a later time. Some even create a very handy, downloadable file that syncs with your computer and can be emailed directly to your doctor or nurse.
Just make sure that your meter time and date are set up correctly.
Do I need any extra special features?
You might need extra features to make your daily testing more manageable and straightforward. Here are some options that are available in blood glucose meters and monitors:
- audio capability, for people with vision impairments
- backlit screens, which make reading at night or in low light easier
- various amounts of memory storage
- different handling capabilities, such as having the strips stored in the meter, or having a USB meter
- meters that record carbohydrate grams and insulin doses with the glucose reading
- meters that can test blood ketone levels as well as blood glucose levels
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December 2022