Diabetes meters can be valuable tools in helping to monitor and control your glucose levels.  Self-monitoring may be one of the most important steps in helping you get the upper hand over diabetes.  With daily monitoring, you can know what is working for you and what isn’t.  Every person is different and our bodies are all affected in different ways by things such as carbohydrates, exercise and medication.  A simple walk can help you see those numbers come into range, or perhaps you need more or less insulin.  With such an important device that helps to determine your actions and thus health, you don’t want to skimp!  How do you choose a good meter?

Start by reviewing the characteristics of modern glucose meters.  The size of the blood sample can really vary, from a full hanging drop of blood to a barely there dot of blood.  This can matter for many due to pinprick size, and the associated “ouch” levels!  Other major factors to consider when choosing diabetes meters include if the meter requires coding, the size of the meter, the time it takes to get results and display size.  For those with poor vision, some newer models today even have an audio function that speaks the results.

The next thing to consider when shopping for meters is the price.  Usually, the newer the technology, the more costly the device will be.  Deciding what is a “must” for you is important when searching for a model in your price range.  When shopping for meters remember to look at the price of lancets and test strips.  The meter itself may be a great deal, but the big expense will come when buying multiple boxes of test strips.  Some test strips can run from 30 cents apiece or less to over a dollar.  This may not seem like much of a difference, but those who are testing multiple times a day every day for weeks, months and years—this cost is certainly something to keep your eye on!

Accuracy is another thing to check when choosing diabetes meters.  Some meters allow alternative testing sites such as on the forearm or thigh.  However, some tests have shown these results are not as accurate as finger testing.  Be sure to read about accuracy percentage on the meter you are considering.

Don’t get overwhelmed with the options as you can take your diabetes meters search online and find reviews from others who have used the same meters you are considering.  You can also compare features easily.  This can be a life saving tool, so choose wisely!