Factors To Consider Before Buying A Glucometer

If you have diabetes, a blood glucose meter will probably be necessary to gauge and show the level of glucose in your blood. Your blood glucose level is impacted by various things like exercise, diet, medication, stress, and other variables. By monitoring whatever changes occur in your blood glucose levels, using a blood glucose meter will assist you in managing your diabetes more effectively.

Your blood glucose level is measured and shown using a blood glucose meter, which is a compact electronic device. People with diabetes may benefit from using these gadgets. There are several different kinds of blood glucose monitors or glucometers that may be used at home. These models vary from simple ones that merely measure blood sugar levels to more complex ones that include features like storage space for recording data. 

The different types of glucometers have different functions and are all priced differently depending on their features. Test strips and blood glucose meters come in a variety of glucometer price, and some of them are covered under insurance as well. 

Take An Advice From Your Doctor Before Choosing A Glucometer

Before buying a glucometer, it is important to understand what type you might need to use. There are different types of glucometers that offer different settings and functions and before making your purchase, you must consult your doctor and understand which one you will need. Doctors and healthcare workers have a lot of experience when it comes to determining what a person will require in the long run as sometimes these can be case specific and it’s best to capitalize on the fact that they know your medical history. Your doctor will also help you understand whether or not your glucometer is covered by insurance. 

Check The Glucose Meter’s Accuracy Rating

One of the most important things to keep in mind before buying a glucometer is the accuracy of its readings. Every glucometer in the market is given an accuracy rating which helps customers to determine just how accurate its readings are. When picking a glucometer to buy, always pick one that has the highest accuracy rating. If the result of an at home glucometer is within 20% of what a lab test would reveal, it is deemed clinically accurate. A glucose meter reading of 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), for example, might range between 80 and 120 mg/dL and yet is deemed accurate.

The newer models of glucometers automatically convert the readings to plasma. The instructions that come with the glucometer state whether it is calibrated for whole blood or plasma readings. You can also inquire with the manufacturer's customer support for more details. 

To test the accuracy of your meter, bring it with you to a lab glucose test and check your blood soon afterwards. To get the most reliable results, request that your blood sample be processed within 30 minutes. Also know about best sugar test machine in India.

Check How Easy It Is For You To Use This Meter

A glucometer is something that you will be using on a frequent basis and hence ease of access and functionality are important. Having a complicated system to work with can get very frustrating on a daily basis. The size, weight, computer compatibility and memory storage of the glucometer are all important things that need to be considered and should be easy to operate for best results. 

These glucometers should fit your needs and should be easy to use daily. Some glucometers have a more complex mechanism than the others depending on the amount of features that they use. Their user interface should also be easy to understand and they should be compatible with computers so the blood reports can easily be sent to your healthcare provider. You should easily be able to use and hold test strips and needles as well as the device. They should also be able to easily collect blood. Read more to know about what level of blood sugar is dangerous?

Pay Attention To The Meter's Blood Sample Size

Different blood glucose meters need a different amount of blood sample size that needs to be deposited on the strips. Some require more and some require less amount of blood so it is important to choose a glucometer that requires you to deposit relatively less blood and still give accurate readings. It is necessary to do this because people with diabetes need to measure their blood more than once or twice a day and drawing too much blood too often can cause various other health problems. 

Most glucometers have the sample size mentioned in their packaging which can make choosing a glucometer an easy decision. 

What Is The Amount Of Blood Sample Required To Monitor Blood Sugar Levels

The size of the blood drop you must need to draw will depend on how much blood the meter needs. If you have poor circulation or other health issues, this can prove to be challenging and even dangerous. It can also sometimes result in more mistakes or wasted test strips if you can't produce a large enough drop of blood or too much blood gets on the strip. It might be beneficial to choose a meter that only needs a little sample, such as 0.5 microliters or less, since this will allow you to employ a more comfortable lancing depth and lancet size.

A lancet with a smaller gauge (bigger finger prick) could become uncomfortable if you want to check your blood sugar levels often during the day. You may be able to use a lancet with a thinner needle (like 33G lancets) for frequent testing or to get a smaller drop of blood, which many people find to be less unpleasant. These work better in the long term and also are easier to handle and dispose of. 

Bottomline

Checking blood sugar levels almost becomes second nature to a person with diabetes because of the frequency that they have to do it. It is one of the key aspects to maintain a healthy life by keeping this range to the best and most optimal level. Use your glucometer as much as you would like; in fact the more frequent the testing, the better. 

FAQs

How do I choose a Good Glucometer?

A glucometer is an electronic device which measures the glucose levels in the human body. There are different types of glucometers which offer different functions and features so depending on the need and objective, a glucometer must be chosen. Overall, functionality and accuracy should be the priority while choosing a glucometer. 

Are Digital Glucometers accurate?

If the result of a home blood glucose meter is within 20% of what a lab test would reveal, it is deemed clinically accurate. A glucose meter reading of 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), for example, might range between 80 and 120 mg/dL and yet be deemed accurate. To test the accuracy of your meter, bring it with you to a lab glucose test and check your blood soon afterwards preferably within 30 minutes of drawing blood. 

Can Glucometers give false readings?

In most cases, thanks to the advancements in technology, glucose meters don’t give false readings and are generally accurate. But there are some factors that could cause glucometers to give out false readings such as :

• Expired test strips
• Extreme temperatures
• Sugar, dirt or traces of alcohol on your fingers
• Dirty glucometer
• Wet fingers or glucometer
• Insufficient blood
• Dehydration in the body

Does squeezing fingers affect blood sugar reading?

It is recommended by doctors and healthcare providers to avoid applying excessive pressure to the finger while measuring blood glucose levels since doing so will dilute the specimen with tissue fluid (plasma) and increase the risk of hemolysis.