Self management of diabetes,through regular blood sugar check up is of vital importance .So a glucometer has become a very potent tool in hands of diabetics to achieve that goal.The glucometer is device to test your blood sugar at home and it can be carried to any place you go.So far so good,but the problem arises when we see many types of meter are available in the market or online and choice becomes difficult.Therefore let us consider a few things-
ACCURACY,every manufacturer claims his meter to be accurate ,so please read review of different meters and also ascertain the accuracy from anyone who is using it.Please note that none of the meters are 100% accurate,but much more than the previous or older meters.
COST, many meters are not very costly by themselves but the TEST stripes are pretty costly.
EASE of use and maintenance , meter should be light weight ,easy to hold and use.Shows very clearly the test result reading on the screen,how much blood is needed for the test,how long it takes the reading to appear on the screen, should be kept in mind.
SPECIAL features, include large and easy to handle buttons and test strips.Illuminated screen and audio for visually impaired people.
INFORMATION storage and retrieval ,some meters will track everything that one writes in a log,such as time and date of test and result and trends over a time.Some meters offer the ability to down load blood glucose readings to a computer or a mobile device.
SUPPORT,some manufacturers include a toll free number for your queries and help.Some offer users manual with clear cut information on how to use the meter,while others offer manual on their web sites.
SOME meters allow you to use sites other than finger to test blood glucose.
It may not be an exhaustive list, but i have tried to cover main points.
PLEASE REMEMBER LIFE IS YOURS,HEALTH IS YOURS AND DICISION IS ALWAYS YOURS.