Selection rules: which glucometer is better?

A glucometer is a medical device used to measure the level of glucose in the blood. Currently, there is a large range of these devices, differing in their characteristics, quality, size, device. Which glucose meter should I choose?

The set of modern glucometers, in addition to the device itself, also includes a nozzle with a finger piercing lance, test strips, and special nozzles for obtaining blood from alternative parts of the body. Lancets, or needles, differ in their size, the choice of which depends on the thickness of the skin (the thicker the skin, the bigger the needle should be).

Selection rules

Before you make a purchase, you should decide what is needed first, which meter is best for you. So, it should be noted that the devices are divided into photometric and electrochemical. The principle of operation of devices of the first type is based on the analysis of the blood level by a special optical system. Such a glucometer is very sensitive to external influences, therefore indications are often with great error.

The principle of operation of the second type of device is based on the electrochemical action: when blood enters the test strip, interaction with a special reagent occurs, as a result of which the device determines the level of glucose in the blood. The results are read out within 5-25 seconds. Such a device shows more accurate data, so it is more popular among the population.

Another important factor in choosing a glucometer is its cost and manufacturer. Among the foreign brands, the Accu-Chek devices from Germany and Van Tach from the USA are the most qualitative and popular ones. They differ in their quality, reliability and accuracy of measurement. Which glucometer is better, German or American, hard to say.

There are Russian analogues. Among them, the most widely used was the "Satellite" glucometer. It is also quite high quality, but at the same time cheaper.

In addition to the type of device, you should pay attention to the size and usability of the meter. So, older people, who often have vision problems, should choose a larger device with a large display, on which it is easy to read the information. Young people better choose glucometers of small sizes, which are convenient to put even in your pocket.

Devices can have additional options, such as memory of several previous results, display backlight, sound notification, etc. Whether this is necessary, the person decides for himself.

If a constant check of blood glucose is required, it is better to purchase the best quality glucometers. Which is better to buy from them? This you must decide for yourself, based on your needs and opportunities. Such devices more accurately determine the level of glucose in the blood. If the check is carried out with less frequency, then you can stop the choice and cheaper analogs.

You should also pay attention to the cost of test strips, which you need to constantly buy. For each meter, they are individual, which should be taken into account when choosing a device.

Thus, which glucose meter is better to choose, first of all depends on personal preferences and possibilities.