Diabetes is a disease that affects a majority of population irrespective of age or gender across the world. Since you get different types of glucometers with different features and because there are various brands to choose from, you should be sensible and wise to choose the right glucometer for your needs. Check out the best glucometer reviews.
Here are some facets of glucometers you should check out before buying one:
Approval by reputed organizations: You should buy a quality glucometer that will show accurate readings. To ensure top quality, look for approvals from organizations like AAMI or Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, and other expert institutions. These are those institutions that check different medical devices for quality.
Accuracy of the glucometer: A glucometer is of no use if it does not display accurate readings. Since FDA allows non-accurate readings up to 20%, most glucometers will show a reading that will differ by 20 units. This means, if your sugar level is 120 mg/ml, the glucometer will show either 100 or 140 as the reading. You can check for its accuracy by comparing its results with that of a doctor’s device.
Cost: The price depends on the particular model you will buy. The price of a glucometer includes the price of the meter as well the test strips. Check out the cost of each test strip before buying the meter because you will need test strips regularly because without the strips you will not be able to use the glucometer.
The convenience factor: You should consider if the glucometer is convenient to use. It should be easy to use and its calibration process should be simple. You also get meters that do not require calibration at all. Also, check out the time required and the quantity of sample that will be needed. It should also be easy to maintain and store. Read the best glucometer reviews here.
Memory power: Choose a glucometer with good memory as it will eb able to store your past readings, so that you can find out the average reading every three months or six months, a reading that doctors use to find out how well the blood sugar levels are maintained. Some meters may be able to store 10 readings while some can record up to 500 readings.
The size of the cuff: The small size is around 8.7 inches, the medium ranges up to 12.8 inches, while the cuff size ranging from 18 to 24 can be extra large size. Choose a size that fits you and this size can be found by measuring the size of your upper arm.
Ability to connect: There are meters that can transfer the readings to a phone or computer. This helps to send the readings to your doctor. You can transfer data using Bluetooth or just with a simple USB port.
Also, look the display, the quantity of blood sample to be used, etc. when buying a glucometer. Check out all the features and then make the choice.