Blood glucose monitors enable a patient with diabetes to monitor his blood sugar levels at home. According to MayoClinic.com, the ability to monitor glucose levels allows diabetics to adjust the factors that influence blood glucose. Most blood glucose monitors offer accurate readings. The variations in blood glucose monitors come into play in regard to the features offered and method of operation. Evaluating your needs and preferences helps you narrow down the options.
Step 1
Contact your health insurance company to determine the coverage extended for both the monitor and test strips. Ask about restrictions on particular brands or models.
Step 2
Calculate the total cost of each blood glucose monitor. Add in the cost of the monitor itself and the test strips, which often vary in cost from one model to the next. Factor in the insurance coverage to determine which monitor will be most cost-effective in the long term.
Step 3
Ask your health care provider for glucose monitor recommendations. Talk with friends or family members who have diabetes to get recommendations on monitors they have tried.
Step 4
Test the ease of use of the monitor and its test strips. Look for a monitor with a screen that is easy to read. Note how comfortable the blood glucose monitor is to hold, as well as the size of the machine.
Step 5
Explore the data storage offered by the different glucose monitors. Consider a model that tracks all information about the test, including the time of each test. Another option on some models is to download the readings to a computer
Step 6
Read the instruction manual to determine how much blood is needed for the test. Look for a monitor that works with less blood, as the lancet won't need to poke your skin as deeply.
Step 7
Look for a glucose monitor that allows testing at alternate sites on the body, such as the palm or forearm. According to the American Diabetes Association, this may help ease the pain of testing.
