Things to Consider When Buying Blood Glucose Meters

Ease of Use
Number of steps required
Amount of blood required
Testing time and speed
Size and weight of glucose monitors
Measurement range
Display size
Meter cleaning requirements
When and how to calibrate
Whole blood versus plasma glucose concentration results
Memory and ability to download results
Ability to average glucose values
Cost of monitor
Cost of strips
Cost/ease of replacement batteries
Ability to use Alternate Site Testing
Effect of Altitude
Customer support availability

Major meter manufacturers such as Lifescan, Roche, Bayer and Abbott have continued to raise prices of diabetic test strips to the cash-paying consumer. At one point in time, they had superior products and could justify those prices. Over the last two years there have been several new blood glucose meters introduced into the marketplace that are just as good as, if not better than, some of the blood glucose meters from these leading manufacturers - and at much lower prices!

Recommended Blood Glucose Meters

For a detailed side-by-side comparison of blood glucose meters, please see our comparison chart. blood glucose meters. Remember, the initial investment in the monitor may be inexpensive, but the ongoing costs of testing strips is where your largest future expense will be. For a detailed side by side comparison of meters, please see our comparison chart.

Name	Pro's	Con's
TrueTrack Smart System Ž	Requires Small amount of blood (1 microliter) Can be used for alternate site testing Large screen Display Inexpensive Test Strips	Requires Code Chip
Control Ž	Requires Small amount of blood (1 microliter) Can be used for alternate site testing Large screen Display Inexpensive Test Strips	Requires Manual Coding No 24 hour Customer Service
Easy Gluco Ž	Requires Small amount of blood (3 microliter) Can be used for alternate site testing Large screen Display Inexpensive Test Strips	Requires Manual Coding Test will start before test strip is completely filled No 24 hour Customer Service