How to choose the right blood glucose meter – useful tips

There are two methods for measuring blood glucose using a glucometer: electrochemical and photometric. The photometric machine uses certain reagents that change the color of the test strip upon contact with glucose. Such devices are considered not too reliable, since there are frequent cases of color perception disorders in patients with diabetes mellitus.

How to choose the right blood glucose meter – useful tips
A blood glucose meter is an essential device for a person suffering from diabetes, with which you can measure blood sugar levels without leaving your home. In this regard, it is vital to know how to choose the right meter. First you need to decide on what characteristics the device has.

Photometric and electrochemical glucometers
There are two methods for measuring blood glucose using a glucometer: electrochemical and photometric.

The photometric machine uses certain reagents that change the color of the test strip upon contact with glucose.

Such devices are considered not very reliable, since there are frequent cases of color perception disorders in patients with diabetes mellitus, which can complicate the reliability of decoding the result. Moreover, they are subject to the influence of temperature – a sharp decrease or increase in temperature can cause inaccurate results.

The most reliable and convenient for home use is an electrochemical glucometer. In such devices, blood that falls on the test strips is read by electronic sensors. The reliability of the results is not influenced by external factors.

What should you look for when choosing a meter?
An important aspect when choosing a device is its cost. The price of a glucometer in pharmacies varies from about 1,000 to 2,500 rubles. But it must be borne in mind that the acquisition is not the only waste for conducting research.

The operating cost consists of the price of consumables such as test strips, lancets, and lancing devices. When choosing, you should familiarize yourself with the proposed complete set (are there test strips, lancets, etc. in the kit and in what quantity), and also estimate the price of the materials necessary for the study. This will allow you to calculate the cost of operating the device for a certain period of time.

Almost all models of modern blood glucose meters are convenient and consumer-oriented. Most of them are compact, lightweight and easy to operate for everyone. Manufacturers make products with large enough screens and large print. For visually impaired patients, devices with a voice control function are suitable, which accompany the entire research process with a voice, and also sound the analysis result. Some devices are even equipped with an alarm function, at the right time reminding a person about the need for a procedure.

The blood sugar measurement speed is different for each meter, generally, the measurement time range is from 5 to 60 seconds. The duration of the study does not affect its accuracy, however, for people with severe forms of diabetes, a quick measurement of glucose can save lives.

In order for a person to be able to choose a glucometer suitable for him, it is best to just let him hold the device in his hands, try to perform some manipulations, go to the menu, and evaluate the convenience. This will allow you not to make a mistake with the purchase, since the choice of the device depends solely on individual preferences.

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