How to choose a blood glucose meter for your home

All people who have diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels. It is worth noting that the speed and accuracy of measurements can cost a person's life. To simplify the acquisition of such data, special devices are used that work according to different technologies, can be used at home, and are also characterized by certain pros and cons. The article will allow you to find out which blood glucose meter to choose, what properties and capabilities the models have.

The best manufacturers of blood glucose meters

For quick information and high measuring accuracy about the state of blood sugar, when choosing a device, you should focus on the brand. There are many manufacturers of glucometers, but there are the best ones that have been producing products for many years and have earned high marks from experts and users.

• Accu-Chek - this company tries to make the most accurate instruments. Their error during measurement is no more than 15%, while the world norm of this indicator is considered 20%.
• Bayer is a large German company that produces various devices and other goods. The line includes devices for healthcare. All models of blood glucose meters are made according to innovative developments, based on the latest advances in this area.
• One Touch - devices from this company make it possible to make the most simple measurements in just a matter of seconds. The margin of error does not exceed the world standard, and the cost is affordable for many diabetics, since it is in the middle price range.
• Omelon - devices from this manufacturer are developed together with the specialists of the Moscow State Technical University. Bauman, it is believed that the technique has no analogues in the whole world. The effectiveness is confirmed by scientific works, as well as a large number of tests.
• Elta is a Russian company that makes accurate and affordable devices for self-monitoring of blood sugar. The devices are not inferior to imported versions, but they are more economical in terms of purchasing consumables.

This article presents some of the best options to help you determine which meter is best for you. The analysis used expert opinions and feedback from people with diabetes. To compile the review, data on accuracy and ease of use, the cost of the device itself and consumables, as well as other features were used.

Options for choosing blood glucose meters for active seniors

For all diabetics who cannot be safely at home and constantly walk, travel or do other things, they must monitor their blood sugar at all times. When buying a device, you need to pay attention to several main characteristics of the meter:

• The mass of equipment should be minimal, it will be more convenient and best. For example, the Gamma Mini model will weigh 20 grams, the same weight is available in some other devices, among them FreeStyle Papillon Mini and Trueresult Twist. For example, the well-known device Accu-Chek Active is 3 times larger in weight.
• The detection rate should be selected with the minimum time. Some models are programmed for 5 seconds, but there are devices that show the state of the blood for 40-50 seconds. The fastest machines are recommended for all active diabetics, some of which should be noted Accu-Chek Performa Nano, Omron Optium Omega and Optium Xceed. They help to give the desired results in 5 seconds, the Wellion Calla Mini and Bionime devices show the glucose level in 7 and 8 seconds, respectively.
• Sound notification makes operation easier and for many may be a useful addition.
• A useful feature is the ability of the meter to automatically suck blood onto the test strip.
• To eliminate the need for constant use and carrying consumables with you, it is recommended to pay attention to the Accu-Chek Mobile model, in which the cassette is designed for 50 measurements. In addition to the technique, a lancet is attached to allow tissue puncture.
• To speed up the operation and use of the device, you should choose blood glucose meters without the need to enter the code for new strips. This is possible with the Contour TS product.

The characteristics described are suitable not only for the elderly, but also for other people who have diabetes. In addition, some patients may not agree that glucose needs to be monitored continuously. This may be due to character or other personal characteristics. In this case, you can use unusual models of glucometers, including:

• A watch is a special device that makes measurements without puncturing tissues. The apparatus is called Glucowatch. Some users note that such hours can irritate the skin, but after a certain time everything goes away.
• Special adapter for iPhone iBGStar. The equipment works by puncturing tissues, but glucose is measured using a specially created application for iPhone smartphones. In addition, it allows you to send scan results directly to the email of a doctor or relative.

Israel-based Integrity Applications invites diabetics to use a non-invasive glucose meter. This allows you to exclude the appearance of pain, and also quickly and with maximum accuracy shows the state of the blood. For this there is a combined type model that includes thermal, electromagnetic and ultrasound technologies - the GlucoTrack DF-F glucometer. The cost of the device is $ 2,000.

Non-invasive blood glucose meters

Such devices are created on the basis of the latest developments in the field of science. With their help, it is not necessary to collect biological material. The main disadvantage of this technique is that they are produced in small quantities, so it can be very difficult to find a product on the free market.

Blood glucose meter with pressure analysis technology

This technology is the only one that has no analogues in the world. This is a domestic development that works on the principle of measuring the tone of muscles and blood vessels, the blood sugar level depends on this value. The Omelon B-2 glucometer takes several measurements of the pulse, pressure and vascular tone, after which the glucose is calculated. As a result of a large number of coincidences with real calculations in the laboratory, the product has received mass distribution and production. There are not many user reviews about this product yet, but the device deserves attention.

According to the opinions of users, the cost of the equipment is fully justified by its positive aspects. This product is sold from the manufacturer at a price of approximately 7,000 rubles.

Pros:

• Although the device has a high price compared to conventional types of blood glucose meters, it is quickly compensated by the fact that the user does not need to constantly purchase test strips.
• Measurements are carried out without pain for a person, the skin does not need to be punctured, there is no need to take biological material.
• The margin of error is acceptable, and the indicators are similar to analyzes carried out in laboratory conditions.
• Users can check pulse and blood pressure at the same time.
• The operation of the device is carried out using ordinary batteries.
• If the device is not used for 2 minutes after the results are displayed, it will automatically turn off.
• It is much more convenient to use on the road or at home.

Minuses:

• The dimensions of the device are large, 155x100x45 cm, so you can't carry it in your pocket.
• The warranty period is 2 years, with many classic models including a lifetime warranty.
• The accuracy of the values ​​will directly depend on the rules for measuring pressure. To do this, you need to be in a calm disposition, not to carry out unnecessary movements during the operation of the apparatus.

The best electrochemical glucometers

This technology is often used in stationary blood glucose meters that are used in hospitals. The principle is based on measuring the current that appears due to the contact of a biological material with the agent on the test strip.

Glucometer of the Russian manufacturer

You can save a certain amount of money using a model from the domestic manufacturer Elta Satellite Express. This model gives an accurate reading if the instructions for use are followed. The main user complaints about inaccuracies are caused by people forgetting to code new test strips.

Pros:

• Easy to use apparatus.
• The display is large, shows the values ​​clearly.
• Affordable cost of the device and consumables.
• Test strips are in separate packaging, the material itself is made from raw materials that absorb the right amount of blood for analysis.
• The shelf life of consumables is 1.5 years.
• Sugar readings are shown after 7 seconds.
• Rich equipment.
• The device memory can contain 60 measurements.

Minuses:

• In comparison with laboratory tests, the value may differ by 1-3 units, so the device cannot be used for patients with complex diabetes.
• Unable to sync with PC.

Most reliable in accuracy

For maximum accuracy you should buy a Bayer Contour TS, but the consumables are quite expensive.

Pros:

• Small size and convenient shape.
• High accuracy in comparison with analogues.
• There is often a discount on consumables.
• The needle puncture of the skin can be adjusted.
• There are 250 measurements in memory.
• The data for 2 weeks is displayed as an average.
• For analysis, 6 μl of blood is sufficient.
• Time for displaying results is 8 seconds.
• Test strips with an unlimited shelf life thanks to the sorbent in the package.
• Good equipment.
• With a cable, you can transfer data to a PC.

Minuses:

• The display is easily scratched.
• Cover made of rag material.
• It is impossible to establish an indicator about food.
• Inaccuracy appears if the strip is not inserted in the center.
• The cost of consumables is high.

The most popular

One Touch Select is a device that has received a lot of positive reviews. If you use the device correctly, then the glucometer is suitable for daily monitoring of blood sugar and self-measurements at home.

Pros:

• Ease of use and a high degree of convenience.
• Menu in Russian.
• Outputting the result in 5 seconds.
• The minimum amount of blood to be measured.
• Availability of consumables in specialized stores.
• You can get average data for 1, 2 weeks or month.
• Shows the blood sugar value before and after a meal.
• Rich equipment.
• Long-term retention of charge, with 1 battery 1500 measurements are available.
• Bag-case with belt fastening.
• It is possible to transfer readings to a PC.
• Large screen with detailed display of numbers.
• After displaying the results, the device turns off after 2 minutes.
• Lifetime manufacturer's warranty.

Minuses:

• When the strip is placed and the device is turned on, blood must be applied as quickly as possible, otherwise the test will be spoiled.
• The cost of consumables in the amount of 50 strips is the same as the price of the device.
• Large data errors are possible.

The best photometric glucometers

The functioning of such equipment consists in analyzing the color change of test strips, which appears as a result of the effect of blood sugar on the chemical constituents of consumables. This method was first used to create glucometers that can be used independently at home.

Most rated

This product has collected the maximum number of positive reviews. The meter works on a photometric system and is called Accu-Chek Compact Plus. The product is popular with many diabetics due to its positive aspects.

Pros:

• The presence of a convenient bag in the form of a carrying case.
• Large screen on the body.
• Work from classic batteries.
• The presence of a special handle for a puncture of a finger, which can be adjusted using a rotary mechanism to protrude more or less needles.
• The needles are easy to change.
• The measurement result is displayed on the screen for 10 seconds.
• Up to 100 measurements can be stored in memory.
• Different values ​​can be displayed over a period of time.
• The presence of an indicator that indicates the remainder of possible measurements.
• The warranty period from manufacture is 3 years.
• It is possible to transfer measurement information to a computer.

Minuses:

• The device does not work with standard test strips, but with a drum with tapes, due to which the cost of one measurement is more than usual.
• It is difficult to find consumables in the free sale.
• During the re-marking of a section of the dough tape, the apparatus makes a loud sound.

The most popular

The Accu-Chek Active model is the most popular, based on user reviews, we can conclude that the device is very convenient to use, practical, but people with low vision may have difficulties, so it is better to pay attention to other devices.

Pros:

• The device is easy to use.
• The presence of a large screen on which large numbers are displayed.
• There is a convenient bag for transportation.
• The memory of the device is designed for 350 measurements by date.
• There is a marking of the values ​​before and after the meal.
• The average glucose value is shown.
• Built-in function to warn of consumable expiration dates.
• As soon as the test strip is inserted, the meter automatically turns on.
• Sold with a device that can pierce the skin on the finger. There is a manual, batteries, and 10 lancets and test strips.
• It is possible to transfer test information to a PC using infrared.

Minuses:

• The cost of consumables is high.
• The batteries have a weak hold.
• There is no backlight.
• There is no sound alert.
• There are frequent cases of faulty calibration, therefore, in case of doubtful indicators, the liquid should be measured.
• There is no automatic blood sampling function, and the material itself for analysis must be placed strictly in the center of the window, otherwise there will be an error.

The most convenient to use

The Accu-Chek Mobile blood glucose meter includes all the necessary elements for measuring blood sugar in one device. The main disadvantage, according to users, is the cost that the manufacturer could have done less.

Pros:

• One machine contains a cassette, a puncture needle and other basic elements.
• Cassettes provide excellent protection for strips.
• There is no need for manual coding.
• Menu in Russian.
• It is easy to transfer information to a PC, since you do not need to write software, ready-made files in xls or pdf format.
• If the device is used by one person, then 1 lancet can be used.
• High measurement accuracy in comparison with analogues.

Minuses:

• Expensive consumables.
• A buzzing sound occurs during operation.

Which blood glucose meter is better to choose

As a conclusion and result of all of the above, several tips for the final choice should be highlighted:

• When choosing a device for cost, you need to focus on the price range of test strips. Models from the domestic company Elta are considered the most optimal for a person's budget.
• Many users are satisfied with the blood glucose meters from Bayer and One Touch.
• For everyone who has the financial ability, and also wants to get more comfort, you can use products made according to modern developments from Accu-Chek and Omelon.

Using the materials from the article, you can understand the main selection criteria for a glucometer, as well as get acquainted with the main devices that have a large number of positive reviews on the network. All this will make it possible to determine how to choose a blood glucose meter for the home and its independent use.