Choosing a Glucometer for Blood Testing

[Guest guest]

Laurie,

You wrote, " (Re: blood sugars) I guess it is time to look at the pro

and cons to different instruments. Any suggestions? "

There are many meters to choose from. Some meters are made for those

with poor eyesight. Others come with memory so you can store your

results in the meter itself. Though, I may have my preference, The

PAI, as an organization, does not endorse any products or recommend

one meter over another. If you plan to buy a meter, here are some

questions to think about:

1) What meter does your doctor or diabetes educator suggest? They

may have meters that they use often and know best.

2) What will it cost?

Some insurance companies will only pay for a certain meter. Call

your insurance company before you purchase a meter and ask how to

get a meter and supplies. If your insurance company does not pay for

blood glucose checking supplies, rebates are often available toward

the purchase of your meter. You still have to consider the cost of

the matching strips and lancets. Shop around.

3) How easy is the meter to use?

Methods vary. Some have fewer steps than others.

4) How much blood sample is required?

This is a big question to consider. The new freestyle is the

smallest glucometer on the market and requires the smallest amount

of blood.

5) Can it do alternative site testing?

This is new in the last five + years. Most glucometers can obtain

blood samples from the fingers and the forearm. This helps many

because after testing 8 times a day, the fingers become sore, and it

is necessary to be able to access blood from another site.

6) How simple is the meter to maintain?

Is it easy to clean? How is the meter calibrated (set correctly for

the batch of strips you are using)?

7) How can I do glucometer clinical trials?

After you purchase a glucometer, be sure and send in the product

registration. On there it will ask if you would be interested in

future product review. I did that and receive a new glucometer once

or twice a year to use and then I fill out a questionnaire. The

glucometer is mine to keep.

Karyn E. , RN

Executive Director, PAI

http://www.pancassociation.org

Pancreatitis Association International