Choosing the right meter

To use most blood glucose meters, you first put a test strip into the device. Then you poke the side of a clean fingertip with a special needle to get a drop of blood. Touch the test strip to the blood. Then wait for the meter to show your blood glucose level on the screen.

When used and stored the right way, most blood glucose meters give true results. They can have different features. Here are some things to think about when choosing a blood glucose meter:

• Insurance coverage. Check with your insurance company. Some companies cover only certain meters or limit how many tests you can take.
• Cost. Prices vary. Keep in mind that test strips cost the most over time.
• Ease of use. Are the meter and test strips easy to hold? Can you read the numbers on the screen? Is it easy to get blood on the strip? How much blood does the meter need?
• Special features. Features may include large, easy-to-handle buttons and test strips and screens that light up. Some models read the results aloud. This may help people with vision issues.
• How it gives information. Do you want a meter that saves the date, time and result of each test? Do you want it to show trends over time? Some meters share the results with your healthcare professional through a smartphone app. Some let you download your readings to a computer so you can email the results to your healthcare professional.
• Support. Most companies have a toll-free number to call for help. Look for a meter with clear instructions. Some companies also put user manuals on their websites.