Types of Glucometers
There are several popular types of glucometers available on the market today. They are used for various reasons, and sometimes price plays a major factor, as well as size and features. There are several styles and, depending on the need, you can find a glucometer that can fit your lifestyle and not pay too much for the privilege.
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History
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The first glucometers were very primitive devices that were costly and involved many steps to test your blood sugar. In the 1970s, these devices became available to the public at a very high cost, but as technology advanced, meters became smaller and smaller and produced results with smaller samples and less time. LifeScan was a company formed for the express intent to sell the first portable glucometer called the Glucochek, which was invented in England in the 1970s.
Ease of Use
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Some glucometers are complicated. In recent years, manufacturers have made the testing of blood more simple overall with less quantity of blood needed to test. Meters such as the Freestyle Freedom Lite by Bayer need as little as 0.3 micro liters of blood for an accurate test. Alternate site testing is also available so that you do not have to constantly test on your fingertips, with popular alternative spots being your palm, forearm and parts of the leg.
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Cost
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These types of devices have notoriously been quite expensive. Not only are the glucometers themselves very expensive, but the test strips can cost more than $1 a piece. Manufactures have noted this problem and they have started making less expensive glucometers. You do sometimes lose some features, but many glucometers can be found for less than $35, which is quite a difference from years past.
Features
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In this family of products, features become a major selling point. Although many glucometers have basic features, there are some that are able to chart your blood readings to give you an accurate assessment of your blood sugar. Not only that, but some glucometers, such as the One Touch Ultra Smart, have information that can be downloaded to a computer to help you and your doctor see how you are testing and what it means to you. Glucometers such as the TRUE2go meter by Home Diagnostics will display results in as little as 4 seconds.
Portability
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In recent years, there have been companies that have designed and manufactured glucometers that have portability in mind. One such device is the Accu-chek Compact, which is one of the smallest on the market and is made for on-the-go people who do not want to lug around multiple devices and accessories to take a reading of their blood sugar.
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