How to Choose a Blood Sugar Tester

Are you in need of a blood sugar tester? If you have diabetes, hypoglycemia, or a similar metabolic imbalance affecting your blood chemistry, the answer is a definite yes.

Choosing the correct meter will be the key to maintaining good health if you have any of these conditions, where maintaining tight glucose control is of utmost importance. There are quite a few features, possibilities, and models on the market, but if you can just keep a few simple things in mind, you will be sure to get the best blood sugar tester for your needs.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Look at all the costs involved. When you are buying a blood sugar tester, consider any additional costs that may be associated with it. Does it have a proprietary battery that you have to get from the manufacturer? How much are the test strips? You will be going through quite a few test strips, especially if you are newly diagnosed, so be sure to take that recurring cost into an account. Cheap meters frequently have more expensive test strips than more expensive meters.

2. Consider the size and shape. Does it have a large, easy to read display? Is it also small enough for you to carry around throughout your day? It is usually a good idea to carry your meter around with you, especially if you will be eating out or are unsure of the exact sugar content of your food. If you are unable to read the meter or it is too small to be conveniently portable, it will do you no good.

3. Make sure that your meter is accurate. Different models will have different accuracy ratings. The best home use models will tend to be accurate to within ten to fifteen percent, but lower quality models can be much less accurate. Before purchasing any blood sugar tester, speak with the merchant about the accuracy of the meter to make sure you are getting a quality product.

4. Find out whether it allows testing at alternate sites. Some people, particular older people, tend to have trouble getting a large enough drop of blood from a fingertip poke to produce an accurate reading. A blood sugar tester that allows for alternate site testing will allow you to take a reading from the inside of your forearm or other sites with the same level of accuracy.

Tips & Warnings

• Some models allow you to connect to a computer to keep a long term record of your readings.
• Multitasking meters are nice, but checking ketone levels would be of the next highest importance after blood glucose accuracy. Long term diabetics have a tendency to develop kidney problems.

[PhiMcRee]

on 5/26/2009 Good stuff to know before choosing a blood sugar meter