12 best blood glucose meters
You don't have to constantly go to medical facilities to measure your blood sugar. Modern technology makes it possible to use mobile blood glucose meters right at home. But in order for the data to be accurate, and the equipment did not break down at the wrong time, you need to know which blood glucose meter you can buy. The rating of the best glucometers can help in this.
What to look for when choosing a meter
High-quality blood glucose meters have several technical characteristics in common. The fact is that companies from different countries are engaged in their production, but the main requirement for the device is the same everywhere: the demonstration of the correct data without a serious investment of time and effort of the user. This result is achieved using a combination of the following parameters:
- Method of measurement it can be electrochemical and photometric (also called photoelectric);
- Measurement accuracy also reflects the quality of the meter, 95% or more of the tests must correspond to laboratory tests;
- Calibration method maybe by plasma and blood, the first - more precisely, it is also used in laboratory conditions;
- Price high-quality new generation blood glucose meters start at 800 Russian rubles;
- Test strip shelf life should be 6-18 months depending on opening the package;
- It's good if the meter has additional options, for example, an alarm clock.
The best manufacturers of glucometers
For people with diabetes, it is essential that blood glucose meters measure blood sugar as accurately as possible. Not all manufacturers can provide sufficiently high-quality devices. This means that you need to find companies in advance that you can trust. The following three have excellent reviews:
- Blood glucose meters OneTouch produced by the well-known American company Johnson & Johnson;
- Accu-Chek Is a German-made brand that has been creating blood glucose meters for about 18 years;
- Satellite Is a domestic firm that develops high quality medical products.
In general, there is a lot of debate about who makes the best glucometers. Some people think that the assembly must necessarily be carried out in Europe, but this is not essential. The main thing is that the equipment meets domestic, and better - international medical standards. And it is desirable that the manufacturer provides detailed information about where the equipment is being produced. If these are official factories in eastern countries, everything is fine. Yes, and you need to be vigilant not even for the glucometers themselves, but for the strips for them and behind the handle. After all, it is the pens that interact with the blood. And the strips should reflect the results accurately, while coinciding with the device used for the analysis.
The best inexpensive blood glucose meters
For a good glucometer, you need to pay about 1000 Russian rubles, and now the prices for devices are only increasing due to the instability of the course. But what if you don't want to pay a lot for a glucometer or can't? Here budget models can come to the rescue, which, by the way, are also produced by leading manufacturers of medical products.
Accu-Chek Active
The Authorized Dealer claims to be the most popular meter in the world in 2001 surveys. Be that as it may in those days, now his sales are still high. It has a large display and a large and comfortable blood test strip. It takes 5 to 8 seconds to measure blood sugar levels, which allows you to get results even in critical situations. The meter's memory stores the last 500 measurements. And one battery is enough for 1000 sugar measurements. This is enough for the device to work for more than a year without any interruptions. But even in case of problems with the battery, it will be possible to restore the operation of the Accu-Chek Active: even the simplest batteries are suitable.
PROS:
- Weighs 50g even with the battery included;
- Laconic design;
- Indicates averages for 7, 14, 30, and 90 days;
- Reminder to take a measurement after a meal;
- Automatic switching on when a test strip is inserted;
- Has a liquid crystal display.
MINUSES:
- Severe puncture of the finger;
- Expensive consumables;
- Not very comfortable piercing handle.
Contour Plus
The manufacturer calls the Contour Plus glucometer an innovative device. You can argue here, but the technical characteristics of this model are really impressive. It shows the measurement results within 5 seconds, which is especially important if a person is suspected of hypoglycemia. The meter's screen is large, so it is suitable for both visually impaired and older people. The fact is that you can master the management of a model without even understanding the nuances of using medical equipment. The instructions are written in an accessible language, and the minimum number of control buttons reduces the likelihood of accidental breakdown.
PROS:
- If there is not enough blood for measurement, it beeps;
- Automatically encoded for a new strip;
- Stores 480 results in memory;
- Self-control diary included;
- Sold with a special case;
- Miniature.
MINUSES:
- Requires two batteries to operate, not one;
- Quite expensive stripes;
- Over time, he starts to make mistakes.
Accu-Chek Performa
Accu-Chek Performa is one of the most sought-after models from the leading German manufacturer of blood glucose meters. The device fits easily in the hand, all due to the ergonomic elongated shape and plastic coating that resists slipping. The piercing takes place using a part of the device that resembles a ballpoint pen. In this case, you can adjust the depth of the puncture. The memory of the meter is enough for 500 measurements. And the results can be obtained within 5 seconds, which allows you to find out about the health status of a diabetic as quickly and reliably as possible. By the way, the device will not let you forget about measurements, since it has a built-in sound alarm clock.
PROS:
- High measurement accuracy;
- The puncture is quick and easy;
- Lithium battery lasts for a year or more;
- Large display without unnecessary information;
- Nice laconic design;
- No coding required when working with new strips.
MINUSES:
- The stripes are expensive;
- The on and off button breaks easily;
- Over time, it starts to overestimate the results.
Satellite ELTA (PKG-02)
The domestic modern glucometer is inexpensive, and many reviews call it its main advantage. It takes about 40 seconds to measure blood sugar, which is significantly more than the previously described models. His memory is also small: it is enough only for the last four dozen entries. The glucometer works according to the electrochemical principle, the strip is used once, and the analysis is carried out using the "dry chemistry" technology, which the creators are very proud of. This really allows you to get pretty accurate data. Therefore, the satellite ELTA glucometer (PKG-02) is bought both for independent use and for use in medical institutions.
PROS:
- Lifetime validity;
- Measurement range by 1.8-35 mmol / l;
- Plastic case;
- Weighs only 70 grams;
- Includes detailed instructions;
- CR2032 batteries are suitable.
MINUSES:
- Requires up to 5 μL of blood;
- Calibrated by blood, not plasma;
- May break with other brand strips.
The best blood glucose meters in terms of price-quality ratio
The quality of the meter is incredibly important because the meter is a real medical device. If the device switches off at an inopportune moment or breaks down quickly, there may be a risk to human health. But I don't want to overpay for glucometers either. For this, we need a selection of glucometers in terms of price-quality ratio.
OneTouch Select Plus Flex
The OneTouch Select Plus Flex Meter helps all people who suffer from diabetes. It is easy to use and helps you determine the result not only with numbers, but also through visual cues. The model has a simple blood glucose testing system. And the test strips are considered one of the highest quality among the models presented.By the way, 10 pieces are included in the set even upon purchase. The company also includes sterile lancets and a high-quality lancing device with the meter. True, they are quickly consumed, so a lot of funds are spent to renew their reserves.
PROS:
- Case included;
- Simple user manual;
- Easy blood testing procedure;
- Miniature;
- Control via buttons;
- Large and intuitive screen.
MINUSES:
- The price is above average;
- Rechargeable batteries are not suitable;
- Hard to find in real pharmacies.
Contour TS
This blood glucose meter is great for older users. There is no unnecessary data on its display, it is small and easy to carry. And the blood sugar measurement system meets all modern standards. The results can be found in 5 seconds, and no additional mathematical manipulations will be needed. The instructions offered by the manufacturer explain in detail all the nuances of using the device. By the way, it has passed an international quality assessment and is suitable for both home and laboratory measurements. All because of the speed of action and the minimum number of deviations from clinical data.
PROS:
- Requires only 0.6 milliliters of blood to measure;
- Electrochemical method for measuring sugar;
- Memory for 250 measurements;
- Can use capillary and venous blood;
- No manual coding required;
- Compactness.
MINUSES:
- Expensive strips;
- Often buggy, according to reviews;
- High price.
Satellite Express (PKG-03)
Satellite Express (PKG-03) is another solution for those who need to regularly check their blood sugar levels. This model has affordable test strips, which makes it attractive to buyers who do not want to spend a lot of money on getting results. The analysis requires only 1 μL of blood, which is less than many advanced European instruments. The measurement itself takes 7 seconds, which is the optimal time, provided that the error of the Satellite Express (PKG-03) device is minimal. The model also has a comfortable lancing device that minimizes pain.
PROS:
- Adequate cost;
- Good ergonomics;
- 25 test strips included;
- Upon purchase, 25 lancets are given;
- Convenient storage pouch;
- Clear arrangement of characters on the screen.
MINUSES:
- The plastic of the case is not very durable;
- The lancing device breaks quickly;
- Small screen, so it is difficult for people with poor eyesight.
Diacont voice
Diacont Voice is a good device for measuring blood sugar levels, which is very popular among people with diabetes mellitus. A feature of the model is a voice message in Russian. It allows you to use the meter for the elderly or those with severe vision problems. At the same time, he has an adequate cost both on the Internet and in real pharmacies. The simple process of use, the absence of a coding system and an error of up to 3% makes Diacont Voice an excellent solution for those who do not want to spend a lot of effort on maintaining the meter.
PROS:
- AST system that allows you to draw blood from different parts of the body;
- Ambient temperature monitoring;
- Automatic saving of 450 results;
- Communication with a computer;
- Good ergonomics;
- Lifetime warranty on the meter.
MINUSES:
- The cover does not hold the meter well;
- The body is too smooth, it is inconvenient to hold it in the hand;
- It is difficult to find suitable test strips.
The best multifunctional glucometers (blood analyzers)
The more functions the meter has, the better. The fact is that diabetes mellitus may require completely sudden analyzes related to the chemical composition of the blood. So it is convenient if they are really done in the field, using your own technique. And also such models have important additional functions. But first things first.
EasyTouch GCU
EasyTouch GCU is a modern high-end blood glucose meter.It allows you to control not only sugar levels, but also uric acid, cholesterol. So it is bought not only by people with diabetes, but also by patients with hypercholesterol and gout. Results can be obtained using capillary blood, which the machine draws from a person's fingertip. And the electromechanical method used to measure the chemical composition data helps to reduce the amount of blood drawn. The test results, by the way, appear at different times. The analysis for sugar and the amount of uric acid takes 6 seconds, for cholesterol it takes 2.5 minutes.
PROS:
- Powered by two AAA batteries;
- Lifetime guarantee;
- The weight of the device is 59 grams;
- Nice design;
- Simple control system using buttons;
- Memory for the last 200 analyzes.
MINUSES:
- High price;
- Inaccuracy of measurements;
- Poor service.
MultiCare-in
MultiCare-in is a device for measuring glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides. He can do express analysis. At the same time, the device is capable of displaying accurate and detailed statistics on the state of human health. The indication of the average glucose level for the last 7, 14, 21, 28 days and the ability to transfer information to a personal computer allows the model to be used both at home control of one's own state and in laboratory conditions. By the way, MultiCare-in has high accuracy of readings in all three measurement parameters. This device is considered the ideal solution for those who are really concerned about their health.
PROS:
- Automatic removal of the test strip using a button;
- Memory for 500 results;
- Easy installation of strips;
- Wide display;
- Just amenable to antiseptic treatment;
- High portability.
MINUSES:
- It is expensive as it is delivered from Europe;
- Can analyze up to 30 seconds, which is quite long;
- It weighs about 200 grams, that is, many times more than analogues.
EasyTouch GCHb
EasyTouch is a multifunctional system for checking the chemical composition of a patient's blood. It can be used both in a clinical setting and right at home. It is easy to learn how to operate this model: detailed instructions and numerous videos from the Internet will help, telling about all the many functions of EasyTouch GCHb. Among the main ones is the analysis of hemoglobin, cholesterol and glucose in 6-150 seconds, saving about 200 of the last readings. The results show particular accuracy, since they are calibrated using plasma, not blood, and moreover electrochemically. And the device is also convenient to use. Despite the numerous options, it weighs only 59 grams.
PROS:
- Durable plastic case;
- Nice looking design;
- Suitable for anemia, diabetes and hypercholesteroloma;
- Spends little time analyzing blood composition;
- Has an unlimited warranty;
- Fits easily in your hand and does not slip.
MINUSES:
- It is expensive both when ordering online and in real pharmacies;
- May overestimate indicators a little;
- It is inconvenient to change control chips from one type to another.
AccuTrend Plus
If the high price doesn't scare you off, you might consider buying an AccuTrend Plus meter. On this machine, you can do four types of analysis: it determines the level of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and lactate in capillary blood. The difference between the actual clinical picture and the results cannot exceed 3% -5% even after prolonged use of the device. At the same time, it works much faster than professional laboratory equipment; it takes from 12 to 180 seconds to obtain a result, depending on which parameter is being measured. Measurement data can be saved to the instrument. There is enough memory for 100 records of each type.
PROS:
- Highest measurement accuracy;
- Visually pleasing design;
- Good ergonomics;
- Convenient storage case included;
- Allows you to make four types of measurements of the chemical composition of blood;
- When saving the results, indicates the exact date and time of the test.
MINUSES:
- High price;
- It's a little difficult to understand the rules of use;
- Requires not one, not two, but as many as four little finger batteries.
Which blood glucose meter is better to choose
There are many factors to consider when choosing the perfect meter, from the manufacturer to the approximate time it takes to get a result, to the average error. All these features affect the approximate market price of the device.
If you want to save money and strive to purchase a device only for ordinary monitoring of your condition, feel free to choose one of the cheap models. If you want to be sure that the sugar is in order, do not skimp on either the meter or the test strips for it.
