Blood glucose meters can be like security blankets – we tend to get pretty attached. (I’ve written about this before.) Every year there are reports on all the blood glucose meters available, their features, accuracy, and so on. Here’s the latest one from Consumer Reports.
So how do we possibly decide which meter is best? There are some features that really make a difference for people. For instance, some of us need larger numbers/letters on the display, others need a talking meter. Some people want the shortest possible time involved, or the smallest possible drop of blood. For others it’s the actual size of the meter that matters most.
Personally, I’m driven by cost. My insurance wants me to use one particular meter over another, so in order to get the strips for the cheapest price, that’s the one I use. Some health insurance plans allow a choice, others don’t (for the lowest price, that is). Luckily, most meters work about the same. Most no longer have to be coded. As far as accuracy and ability to find and follow trends, consistent use of one meter tends to be best, but it’s also good to know that there are groups of people advocating for better controls for blood glucose monitoring strips.
It’s probably a good idea to take a look at these reports each year and figure out if we are still using the best (and most cost-effective) meter. And very important: if you have health insurance, be sure to find out how to get your strips for the best price. I often hear about people who buy their strips out of pocket, not realizing that it’s a prescription (or durable medical – depending on coverage) item and would be covered.