By Beverleigh H Piepers
For a diabetic, their blood glucose meter is pretty much their lifeline. It is, by far, the most valuable piece of equipment in their arsenal to help keep tabs on their disease. So having the right one is vitally important. This will give some insight on how to choose a blood sugar monitor.
The first thing that people want to consider is price, since some brands might not be covered on insurance plans. Don't let the price sticker make your decision. This is important enough that you want to make sure all your areas are adequately covered, even if you have to come out-of-pocket a little. But even the more expensive brands will typically run under $75.
Response time can also be important if you are experiencing blood sugar issues. The faster you know if there is a problem, you quicker you can respond to the effects.
Portability is another important consideration. This isn't as big of a deal for women as men, but it is still nice to have a compact unit with all of the necessary components. A model that can be slipped into a pocket, any pocket, is the best scenario.
You want to make sure that the display is large enough and easy to read. Sometimes diabetics experience complications that affect their eyesight, including blurred vision. Not having to look for your glasses to read the results is priceless.
Make sure that the unit has adequate memory. This is crucial for diabetics since monitoring is a continuous up-and-down succession of levels. Some units will only record 10 testings, and from there it can go into the hundreds. Having a valid history on hand, wherever you are, will let you know if a problem is arising and how serious it has become.
Since testing involves taking a blood sample, the amount and location of the sample is important. Models require differing amounts of blood in order to record the level. Some only require a tiny drop while others seem like they are pulling straight from an artery. For comfort, you want the tiniest spot necessary to do the job.
Location, location, location. This applies to testing, too, and not just real estate. Having the option of choosing where you want to be stuck is better than going after the same defenseless fingers over and over again. Forearms, calves, thighs, or other areas offer more protection and won't make your fingers sensitive for the rest of the day.
Dozens of blood sugar testing meters are now on the market... check several before you buy. Some pharmacists, especially those who have many customers with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, may be able to explain the pros and cons of different models. Most mail-order houses specializing in diabetes supplies carry blood glucose testing meters.
For a diabetic, their blood glucose meter is pretty much their lifeline. It is, by far, the most valuable piece of equipment in their arsenal to help keep tabs on their disease. So having the right one is vitally important. This will give some insight on how to choose a blood sugar monitor.
The first thing that people want to consider is price, since some brands might not be covered on insurance plans. Don't let the price sticker make your decision. This is important enough that you want to make sure all your areas are adequately covered, even if you have to come out-of-pocket a little. But even the more expensive brands will typically run under $75.
Response time can also be important if you are experiencing blood sugar issues. The faster you know if there is a problem, you quicker you can respond to the effects.
Portability is another important consideration. This isn't as big of a deal for women as men, but it is still nice to have a compact unit with all of the necessary components. A model that can be slipped into a pocket, any pocket, is the best scenario.
You want to make sure that the display is large enough and easy to read. Sometimes diabetics experience complications that affect their eyesight, including blurred vision. Not having to look for your glasses to read the results is priceless.
Make sure that the unit has adequate memory. This is crucial for diabetics since monitoring is a continuous up-and-down succession of levels. Some units will only record 10 testings, and from there it can go into the hundreds. Having a valid history on hand, wherever you are, will let you know if a problem is arising and how serious it has become.
Since testing involves taking a blood sample, the amount and location of the sample is important. Models require differing amounts of blood in order to record the level. Some only require a tiny drop while others seem like they are pulling straight from an artery. For comfort, you want the tiniest spot necessary to do the job.
Location, location, location. This applies to testing, too, and not just real estate. Having the option of choosing where you want to be stuck is better than going after the same defenseless fingers over and over again. Forearms, calves, thighs, or other areas offer more protection and won't make your fingers sensitive for the rest of the day.
Dozens of blood sugar testing meters are now on the market... check several before you buy. Some pharmacists, especially those who have many customers with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, may be able to explain the pros and cons of different models. Most mail-order houses specializing in diabetes supplies carry blood glucose testing meters.
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