How to Choose a Glucose Meter

If you have Diabetes, one of the most important things you can do is monitor your blood sugar levels and manage them with healthy eating, exercise, and sometimes insulin. However, how do you know how to choose the right meter to suit your lifestyle and needs? Here are some of the most important features to consider when you start looking for a glucose meter:

Ease of use. Some meters only have a couple of steps, while others take several before you get a reading. If you're the kind of person who gets fed up with an involved routine, pick a simpler model.

Customer support availability. Check into the brand you're considering and find out how easily you'll be able to get help if something goes wrong. Sometimes this can be crucial.

Amount of blood required for measurement. No one wants to bleed any more than is really necessary, and this is an especially big concern if you have to test multiple times a day.

Size and weight of the meter. Do you need to take your monitor with you? If so, make sure it fits easily in your purse, pocket, etc.

Display size. This is especially important if you have difficulty seeing small displays, and may even take precedence over the size of your meter for some people.

Range of Measurement. Make sure your meter will meet all of your needs.

Requirements for cleaning. Don't get a meter that's more high maintenance than you are.

Testing time and speed. Don't let testing impose on your life more than it needs to. Make sure it's going to be quick and easy.

Calibration. How hard is it to accurately calibrate your meter? Does it need to be calibrated with each new set of test strips, or just once when you first get it?

Memory and ability to download results. You should know how long your meter is going to store your results. If you like to store your progress on a computer, consider one of the USB meters that will easily plug into your computer. If you prefer keeping track with paper and pencil, you may not need to worry about that as much.

Ability to average glucose values. Will your meter do this for you, or will you need to do it yourself?

Cost. Although the cost of the meter is important, it's more important to find out how much it will cost to keep yourself in test strips each month. Consider also whether your insurance will pay for some strips and not others - even if you like another meter more, this could make a huge difference in your decision.

Ability to use alternate testing sites. Will you always have to test on your poor fingers, or are there other options?

These are all important considerations to think about as you try to decide which meter is right for you. Make sure that you're ready with a meter that will help you commit to managing your diabetes completely.