Choosing the right blood glucose meter may seem like a daunting task due to the sheer number of options available. In light of this, how do you choose the meter that is right for you? Before anything else, keep in mind that the “right choice” is mostly a personal preference, as long as you pick up your blood glucose meter from a reputable store or merchant.
First consider the size of the meter you are going to buy. Now this may seem like an irrelevant factor to consider, but for many this factor is of utmost importance. For instance, people who need to monitor their blood glucose levels throughout the day would likely prefer a compact, easy-to-transport meter that can easily fit into their purse or pocket. An average size of blood glucose meter is about the same as a deck of cards, but the latest tests are even smaller.
For obvious reasons, most test-takers prefer tests that require the smallest amount of blood possible. Blood glucose meters vary in this aspect as well—some require a mere pinprick of blood while others may require a larger drop. You may want to take your time picking out a test in this regard. The rule of thumb is that the newer the test, the more likely that a lesser volume of blood will be required. 0.3 or 0.4 are some numbers to look out for when picking out a meter for volume.
Other glucose meters also offer the option of drawing blood from other body parts. This may be preferential and convenient for some buyers as they may prefer drawing blood from their forearms or thighs instead of their fingers. After all, most people often work with their hands on a daily basis. Just keep in mind that these types of tests are currently facing evaluation in terms of accuracy so make sure to do sufficient research before making your choice.
Image size, audio instructions and results are also some factors to consider when weighing options for a blood glucose meter. For those with weak eyesight, a meter with a large display may be preferred as well as one that comes with instructions you can listen to. Testing times also vary from one model to another so if you are not the patient type, you may want to choose the test with the quickest analysis time.
In our current digital age, we have access to many different resources online. So if you’re stumped over what model to pick up, take advantage of technology and compare different tests online. Search for a credible medical site that can show you different customer reviews and staff picks and compare these to the features you are looking for. Choosing the right blood glucose meter doesn’t have to be rocket science, you just have to do your research!