Blood sugar monitor is really an important tool for those people who are suffering from diabetes. It becomes very crucial to monitor blood sugar level on a regular basis in order to manage diabetes effectively and prevent it in the coming future. For this purpose choosing the right blood sugar monitor is compulsory for appropriate monitoring of blood sugar level. It shows what will be the impact on your overall health. This comprehensive article is all about it. Here in this article, you will learn what essential characteristics a blood sugar monitor should possess. There are different types of blood sugar monitors available but you need a suitable one. Let’s talk about more.
Understanding Blood Sugar Monitors
Here first of all know what actual blood sugar monitors are? Blood sugar monitors that are also called glucometers are devices which are used to measure the absorption of glucose or sugar in the blood. Now the question is why this monitor is so important for an individual who is suffering from it. It is because with the help of blood sugar monitors you can easily and effectively check your level of blood sugar in order to minimize the risk of any other complications.
Key Features to Consider
It is important to know about key features when you want to choose the right blood sugar monitor. Here in the following we are going to talk about some important points that you will have to keep in your mind before selection. Let’s have a look.
Accuracy and Reliability
The first important characteristic that a blood sugar monitor must possess is its accuracy. The incorrect reading can lead to serious complications in managing diabetes. Just prefer those blood sugar monitors which are made according to the standards set by the international organization for standardization.
Easy While Using
A perfect blood sugar monitor is that which is easy to you. Even the old people can also use it easily in an efficient way. There are some special characteristics that you have to look into that blood sugar monitor during purchasing. The monitor should be an easy to read display, simple navigation and minimum buttons. If an affected person unfortunately is visually damaged or imperfect then try to choose those monitors that offer voice assistance.
Sample Size and Test Speed
Sample size and the test speed of the blood sugar monitor really counts. Those monitors are considered good that demand smaller blood samples and give you fastest results. These types of monitors are actually comfortable and easy to use.
Data Management
With the passage of time and the revolution in technology, modern blood sugar monitors are now available that provide you with data management features. For example they have the characteristics to store your test results and can track trends over the period of time. You will be surprised to know that these modern blood sugar monitors can be synchronized with smartphone apps and other cloud based platforms as well. These features collectivity provides comprehensive experience for monitoring and managing blood sugar levels in an effective way.
Cost
Now the question is: what is the normal cost to buy a suitable blood sugar monitor? The answer is really very simple. The cost of blood sugar monitors actually varies because there are certain factors that you have to keep in mind when deciding its cost. Despite the fact of its initial purchase, try to understand its ongoing facts such as test strips, lancets and other required items.
Types of Blood Sugar Monitors
There are different types of blood sugar monitors available in the market each one has its unique characteristics. Here in this part of the article we will talk about different types of blood sugar monitors that will help you to select a better one according to your needs. Let’s have a look.
Traditional Glucometers
The most common type of blood sugar monitors are known as traditional glucometers. Do you know how to use a traditional glucometer? In this type a small drop of blood is taken which is mostly obtained from finger pierce. This blood sample is then placed on a test strip which is inserted into the monitor. These types of blood sugar monitors are very common and widely used. They are also considered as reliable tools to check the sugar level in the blood.
Continuous Glucose Monitors
The name suggests continuous glucose monitors provide you continuous reading of your blood sugar level throughout the day and night. How they are made is the question at the moment. Continuous glucose monitors simply known as CGMs consist of a small sensor which is inserted under the skin. After the insertion of this sensor into the skin it starts measuring blood sugar level in the interstitial fluid. CGMs send data to a receiver which can be a smartphone app after measuring the Glucose level. In this way it allows you to monitor and get alerts of high and low glucose levels on a consistent basis.
Flash Glucose Monitors
Flash glucose monitors almost have the same functioning as the CGMs. In Flash glucose monitors, users need to scan a sensor with a Smartphone or reader in order to get blood sugar readings. We can say that flash glucose monitors provide you more convenience and data as compared to traditional glucometers.
Non Invasive Monitors
As the name suggests, an invasive monitor is basically the latest technology where you can check out your blood sugar level without the availability of blood samples. Now the question is how non-invasive monitors actually work. These types of devices use various techniques, most common is the use of optical sensors and second one is to estimate blood sugar level. Non invasive monitors although are showing a promise but still improvement is required as they are not as accurate as traditional methods are.
How to Choose the Best Blood Sugar Monitor
Choosing the best blood sugar monitor depends on what your health needs, preferences and lifestyle. So don’t be confused because we are here to tell you more about the selection of blood sugar monitors. Let’s have a look.
Consult With Your Doctor
The best option in case of collecting suitable blood sugar monitors is to consult with your doctor. Your healthcare provided actually gives you professional guidance based on your medical history and your health needs at the current situation. It is also important to consult with your physician because they are well aware about the new devices and Technologies especially here in case of diabetes.
Identify Your Priorities
First of all it is important to identify your priorities in case of measuring blood sugar level. If you want consistent monitoring of blood sugar level then you can go for CGM or flash glucose monitor. For a cheaper but more reliable blood sugar monitor, you can buy a traditional glucometer. If your priority is using advanced features like alternate site testing and data management or voice assistance then you can move towards the latest technology made monitors.
Read Reviews and Compare Products
It is useful to read reviews and compare products in case of selecting a blood sugar monitor. Try to listen to others who have their opinion about the different products that they have used before for monitoring blood sugar level. The main points that you have to focus in this case are check out the reliability and overall performance of different types of blood sugar monitors. You can study specialized medical websites that are designed to provide reviews about different medical products.
Check Insurance Coverage
It is also important to check your insurance coverage particularly blood sugar monitors and other related supplies. Different insurance plans have different features and characteristics and some plans only cover specific brands. So when you fully know about your insurance coverage you can select any type of device specialized blood sugar monitor in an efficient way according to the needs and desire in case of diabetes.
Consider the Cost of Supplies
Cost of supply really matters because there are some manufacturers that offer special discounted programs or subscriptions for the supplies that you need. So it is important that before taking any decision about selecting any type of blood sugar monitor consider the cost factor as well.
Test the Device if Possible
Testing the device before purchasing is a good idea. Not all the companies or pharmaceuticals allow this but certain medical stores and pharmacies can allow you to try out different blood sugar monitors. When you check multiple devices you will be in a position to make a better decision according to your comfort and needs.
Popular Blood Sugar Monitor Brands
You can purchase local blood sugar monitors but there are some popular blood sugar monitor brands that provide you quality devices with expertise. Here in this part of the article we are giving you full information about the most popular and most selling blood sugar monitor brands. Let’s have a look.
Accu-Chek
Accu-Chek comes at number one in our list in case of blood sugar monitors. Why is this brand so famous and demanding? It is because they provide you with a variety of glucometers and they are considered best because of their accuracy and ease of use. You can see much difference with other brands in terms of their large display, data management options and quick testing time. This brand is also famous for other related supplies such as test strips and lancets as well.
FreeStyle
If you are fond of getting real time glucose reading then there is no best option except FreeStyle. It is the famous brand by Abbot and provides its customers innovative flash blood sugar monitors. Besides that, FreeStyle also offers traditional blood sugar monitors as well with advanced features and characteristics.
OneTouch
OneTouch is another blood sugar monitor brand which is known for its reliability and simplicity. It provides some important features like Bluetooth connectivity for data management and indicators with color coded range. Products of OneTouch are most of the time covered by insurance which is the plus point for its users.
Dexcom
If you love to use a continuous glucose monitoring system then Dexcom is the best option. Their special CGMs system gives you real time data and alerts about blood sugar level. Dexcom medical devices are considered best in their accuracy and incorporation with various digital platforms related to health.
Contour
Contour is a brand by Ascensia Diabetes Care which is at number 5 in our list. Due to its second chance sampling feature it is used as one of the best choices for selecting blood sugar monitors. It allows the use of the same test strip in order to apply more blood if required. Contour blood sugar monitors can also be used with other data management tools and test strips.
Conclusion
It is your personal decision to buy or choose the best blood sugar monitor. But it depends on various factors like accuracy, cost and ease while using. It is really important to understand your needs. With the help of consultation with your doctor or healthcare provider you can get a blood sugar monitor that actually suits you for monitoring your blood glucose level in an efficient way.
There are different types of blood sugar monitors available including traditional glucometer, continuous glucose monitor and flash glucose monitor. What you need to do is to select the best one and this can happen when you make the right decision. With the passage of time you need to stay informed about the recent developments in the case of blood sugar monitoring Technology. For this purpose it is a better choice to get support and professional guidance from your healthcare providers in order to make sure that you are using the best blood sugar monitor.