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Blood glucose meter: How to choose
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Choosing the right meter
Advances in monitoring tools
Advances in monitoring tools
Although finger pokes remain the gold standard for blood sugar monitoring, researchers are developing products designed to take the pain out of the process. Ask your doctor about these alternatives.
| Device | How it works | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Alternative site monitor | Allows blood samples to be taken from areas likely to be less painful than your finger, such as your arm, the palm of your hand or your thigh | Not as accurate as fingertip samples when blood sugar level is rising or falling quickly |
| Continuous glucose testing | Uses a sensor placed under the skin to measure blood sugar level; transmits each reading to a small recording device worn on your body, a smartphone or a smart watch; an alarm can be set to alert of blood sugar levels that are too low or too high | Expensive; requires sensor to be replaced every seven to 14 days, depending on the brand; may need to check blood sugar level with a traditional monitor to confirm readings and to program the device |
If you've looked at the costs, features and other considerations and are still unsure which blood glucose meter to buy, ask your doctor or diabetes educator for a recommendation.
