Blood-Glucose Monitors Buying Guide

A blood-glucose monitor  is an essential tool for measuring blood sugar levels and it is something that every diabetic should own. Not only do they allow you to check glucose levels at any given time, but they also help you maintain a good record of your blood sugar levels from day to day and hour to hour. Many of the newest monitors are less invasive and more functional than ever, making the task of monitoring your blood sugar more convenient and less time consuming.

Choosing a Monitor

Choosing a blood-glucose monitor is a very personal decision. Nonetheless, there are several of things to look for in order to make an informed decision about which monitor to buy. Keep in mind that having at least two monitors is best. That way you can double check your readings in the case that you have an extremely high or low result.

• Convenience and Ease of Use
• It takes time to learn exactly how to use a monitor at first so beginners should look for simple models; those that only require a push of a button to operate, such as the Accu-Chek Advantage.  Newly diagnosed diabetics should also consult their health care professional for recommendations.
• A clear, easy to read display with large numbers is especially important if you have poor eyesight. For those who are visually impaired, voice guided meters are available. They cost substantially more but they speak the results.
• If you need to carry the monitor with you, consider the size and weight of the monitor. Some are as small as a credit card, while others are as big as calculators.
• How long does it take for the monitor to deliver results? Most fall between five and seven seconds.
• Extras
• How many extra features does the monitor come with and are they really useful for you? Only pay for extras you really need or that you really want:
• Alarms notify you when to take your next test.
• Some machines can monitor and administer insulin.
• A few monitors can detect blood ketone levels and others can do an A1c test, important for measuring your true blood glucose level and not just the one that fluctuates throughout the day.
• Taking Samples
• Look at the size of the strips that the meter uses and make sure that they are large enough to easily handle.
• If you need to test frequently, look for the models that draw the smallest amount of blood, or in other words, those with the smallest lancets. For example, Accu-Chek Complete  or One Touch Ultra  (1 microliter). There are also models with adjustable lancets that allow you to control how much pressure is applied when pricking to alter the amount of blood drawn.
• Look for monitors that can draw blood from other locations on the body besides the finger if you have to test frequently. This is usually called "alternative site testing."
• Battery Type
• Meters that take standard AA batteries make it easy to replace them whenever and wherever. However, replacing batteries can be a hassle and can be a problem if they suddenly die on you. Certain models have permanent, built-in batteries that last for around 4000 uses such as the Precision QID Pen. 
• Either way, consider how often you'll need to replace the batteries. These costs do add up over time.
• Recording Capability
• If you are familiar with computers and technology and you would like to record your results for future use, a model that has a jack to download the results ot a personal computer can be very useful.
• Without a way to download your results on a daily basis, make sure that the monitor has a good memory function. Some record as few as 9 results while others can remember more than 300.
• Cleaning
• The monitor should be easy to clean if it requires it, because when it is not sanitary, it will give less accurate results. There are models that don't require any wiping or cleaning, such as the MediSense Pen. 
• Calibration
• It is important to remember that calibration may be necessary on certain models, and if not properly calibrated, they can cause inaccurate results, which is another reason to have more than one meter.
• If a model does require periodic calibration, do make sure that it's easy to do.
• Some models are self-calibrating, such as the Precision Xtra  by Abbott Laboratories.
• Cost
• The monitor itself usually doesn't cost that much, perhaps $30 to $100, and most of the time, if you have insurance, you will pay next to nothing. Talking monitors will cost significantly more, perhaps as much as $500.
• Note that more important than the price of the blood glucose monitor itself, is that of the test strips. If cost is a concern, go for monitors that can use inexpensive test strips such as Ascensia/Bayer brand.

Comparing Manufacturer Models

Please note that BD Logic, a company that teaches about diabetes education, no longer manufactures glucose monitoring systems and that the glucose test strips will be phased out by the end of 2007.

Abbott Laboratories The FreeStyle Flash  (shown) is perhaps the most popular because it is said to be virtually painless and it is one of the smallest meters available. Ideal for young diabetics. For a bigger display and fast readouts, choose the FreeStyle Freedom  instead.	Bayer Health Care Bayer has a number of models called Ascensia.  Most are small, easy to use and very portable. For maximum memory, PC ompatibility, test strip cartridges (rather than strips) and 100 result memory, try the Ascensia DEX 2 Diabetes Care System  (shown).	Home Diagnostics The Side Kick  is perhaps the smallest monitoring system around, and it's even disposable. The small tube (much like a film canister) holds 50 test strips and is pre-coded for convenience. It also offers multi-site testing.	LifeScan The OneTouch Ultra  series are super fast (5 second readings) and only draw a single microliter of blood to get a result. The Ultra Smart (shown) is the top of the line, offering A1c testing and even automatic charting of results on a big, easy to read screen.

Arkray (HypoGuard) The Advance Micro-draw  is fast, accurate, and draws very little blood, making it less painful. Plus it offers a 250 memory and PC compatibility. The only drawback is that it's not very portable and requires 15 seconds to display results and two steps for testing.	Roche Diagnostics The Accu-Chek Aviva  uses ultra-slim lancets for an easier, less painful test plus big strips to help catch all the blood needed without requiring a retest. A big display makes reading results easy, an averaging feature is handy, plus 500 memory and the ability to download to a PC.	Walmart As quick and fast as the OneTouch, with multi-site testing, the Reli On Ultima  is one of the least expensive monitors around and the price for the test strips can't be beat.

Related Products

Blood-Glucose Testing Strips	Alcohol Swabs	Diabetic Lancets	Glucose Tablets	Insulin Syringes

External Links

• Diabetes.net: Get the low down on popular monitors, including the amount of blood they draw, the test time, and the number of strips they come with, all on an easy to read chart.
• FDA.org: Important information for diabetics.
• ChildrenWithDiabetes.com: Reviews by children with diabetes on blood glucose meters and strips.
• Chinese-School.netfirms.com: A very comprehensive guide to blood glucose meters.
• About.com: If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, this is where to go for some informative articles to help you through adjusting.
• LifeClinic.com: Learn about testing, the latest news about diabetes and more.