Blood Glucose Meters

What factors to look at when purchasing glucose meters

By Lesley Graybeal

Blood glucose testing meters utilize a number of different technologies to measure the level of glucose in the blood. Glucose meters vary depending on a number of factors and are available from a number of different blood glucose meter providers.

When looking for a blood glucose meter, consider the following:

1. Decide how quickly you want the meter to work. Response times vary widely on glucose meters.
2. Pick a sample size of blood to measure.
3. Determine your memory needs for a glucose meter. Many meters can store several hundred measurements and show trends over time.
4. Ask providers about bulk purchases if you're buying for a medical group.

Get a fast reading blood glucose meter

Pick a blood glucose meter that's able to read your blood sugar faster by comparing response times.
Try: Shop by brand and compare information on how quickly different blood glucose meters respond to the reading. Some meters read the level in as few as 5 seconds, while others can take as long as a minute. Compare glucose meters test times with the Walgreens comparison chart.

Smaller drops can be better

Know how much blood different blood glucose test meters require to take a measurement.
Try: While the amount of blood required isn't always a problem, it can be an issue for people with other health concerns and especially for children who don't want to get pricked multiple times. Western Diabetic manufactures the meter with the smallest sample size, at just 0.3 milliliters, which means the least painful prick required. Try a continuously monitoring meter or non-invasive blood glucose meter, which doesn't require any blood.

Get the most out of glucose meters' features

Some blood glucose testing meters can give you advanced features, like voice recognition or memory features that store more tests than ever and using the data to give you advanced information.
Try: Shop for meters that don't just store hundreds of tests, but have advanced memory to store thousands of tests. These meters often come with advanced software to give you a better understanding of trends in your glucose. If you have impaired vision, you may also need a more advanced meter, like the Voicemate, which will talk you through your monitoring process and even identify insulin types.

Be a smart shopper of providers of glucose meters

Find out about buying in bulk if you're a medical group and know what comes in a blood glucose meter kit.
Try: Compare meter kits to know what comes in a kit and if the blood glucose meters come with strips included, carrying cases, and other accessories. Shop with a medical supplier for more options on kits and buying multiple kits.

Look for emerging technologies on non-invasive meters as well as meters that use biodegradable strips if you are concerned about generating waste when using your blood glucose meter.
Shop for other blood glucose monitoring supplies as well when looking for a meter. Some meters come in a kit with a device to prick the finger but some do not.