Are All Glucometers Created Equal?

When you’re managing diabetes, you’ll need a blood glucose meter you can rely on. These devices provide blood sugar test results quickly and easily, making them a crucial element in any diabetes treatment program. Even if you use a continuous glucose monitoring system, you’ll need to do occasional finger prick tests to confirm low/high sensor readings.

However, not all glucometers are created equal. While we can vouch for the quality of all the blood glucose meters sold here on US MED, some of these meters also boast features that make them particularly well-suited for certain types of people with diabetes. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top glucometers we sell - and help you decide which one is right for you.

Frequently Asked Glucometer Questions 

Before we get started, let’s take a moment to review the basics. Here are our answers to some common questions about blood glucose meters:

What Is A Glucometer? 

A glucometer (or blood glucose meter) is a portable device used by people with diabetes to measure blood sugar levels. Regular glucometer use can allow you to gain a more thorough understanding of your blood glucose levels - you’ll learn what patterns they follow, how they react to factors like stress and exercise, and how medication affects them.

Glucometers should be used by people dealing with all types of diabetes. Along with Type I and Type II diabetes, this includes gestational diabetes and latent autoimmune diabetes in adults.

What Do Glucometers Measure? 

While glucometers measure glucose levels in blood samples, a large sample is not needed for testing. Your device should only require one drop of blood per test.

How Do I Use A Glucometer? 

After preparing your glucometer/accessories and washing your hands, turn on your device and insert a test strip. When the meter is ready, wipe the area you’ll be obtaining the sample from with an alcohol pad and allow the alcohol to dry. Then, pierce your finger and place the resulting blood drop on the test strip.

Once a few seconds have passed, your glucometer will give you your test results. Write down these results for your records. (For added convenience, some glucometers can store test results digitally.)

How Often Should I Use A Glucometer? 

Your testing schedule could vary based on the type of diabetes you have - people with Type I diabetes often have to do more tests per day than people with Type II diabetes do. To make sure you’re testing often enough and at the right times of day, you’ll want to discuss your testing schedule with your healthcare provider.

How Do You Calibrate A Glucometer? 

Though exact calibration methods will vary across different glucometer brands, glucose meter calibration involves the use of a control solution which is applied to test strips instead of blood. For more information, consult your glucometer’s instruction manual.

US MED’s Top Glucometers 

True Metrix Go 

If portability is one of your top priorities in a glucometer, the True Metrix Go is an ideal choice. This pocket-sized meter weighs just 0.58 ounces, making it great for fitness junkies, world travelers, and anyone who loves to get out and about. 

Fortunately, the True Metrix Go’s small size doesn’t affect its functionality. This glucometer features True Metrix’s signature triple sense technology, which can detect, analyze, and correct variables in blood samples. It can also store up to 500 test results and provide 7, 14, and 30-day averages.

Prodigy Voice 

For blind and visually impaired people with diabetes, accessibility is key. The Prodigy Voice is built to make blood glucose testing as easy as possible for everyone. It’s no coincidence that this is the only glucometer that’s won awards from the American Foundation for the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind!

At the heart of the Prodigy Voice is its audio feedback - the glucometer’s setup and testing procedures are entirely audio-based. The device features large, tactile buttons for added ease of use.

Embrace Glucose Meter 

Want a glucometer that features highly accurate test results, all sorts of features - and a modern design? If you do, your best bet is the Embrace. This meter is notable for its large, bold screen and its sleek appearance, making it perfect for anyone who appreciates cutting-edge gadgetry.

That said, this device doesn’t put form over function. Along with its design, the Embrace brings a talking feature and storage for up to 300 test results to the table.

Don’t Forget Glucometer Accessories! 

While a high-quality blood glucose meter is an important part of your diabetes treatment regimen, these devices can’t work in isolation. To successfully use your glucometer, you’ll also need:

Test Strips 

Test strips are one of the primary elements of a traditional blood glucose testing system. These small strips can absorb blood and convert glucose to electricity. That electrical current is what your glucometer actually measures - higher glucose levels in blood samples translate to stronger electrical signals. (One more thing: test strips aren’t universal, so make sure you’re buying strips that are compatible with your device!)

Lancets

Lancets can help you collect blood samples as quickly and painlessly as possible. Used along with a lancing device, these plastic-covered needles can create small holes in the skin that are perfect for collecting small amounts of blood.

Control Solutions

The consequences of using a malfunctioning glucometer could be serious, so your device should be tested regularly. That means you’ll need control solutions, which are chemical solutions containing glucose. To test your meter, apply a drop of compatible control solution to a test strip - based on the range of your test results, you’ll know whether or not your meter is working like it should.

US MED offers all of the products listed above. Just head to our “Diabetes Testing Supplies” page - you’ll find supplies from multiple brands in each of these categories!

US MED: Your Best Choice For Testing Supplies

It’s easy to find businesses selling almost anything online - diabetes supplies included. But just like glucometers, not all medical supply providers are created equal. That’s why you need to make sure you’re choosing a company you can trust when ordering these items.

For over 20 years, US MED has been one of the most reputable names in the world of diabetes supplies. But don’t just take our word for it - our company has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, along with accreditations by the Accreditation Commission for Healthcare, the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission, and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. 

Ready to see for yourself what sets us apart from the competition? Get started today - you’ll enjoy benefits like free priority shipping, 90 days of supplies with each order, automatic reorder reminders, and our 100% customer satisfaction guarantee!

Satisfaction Guarantee is for USMED services. Products must be returned unopened within 30 days for any refunds. Other terms and conditions apply. Visit www.USMED.com/return-policy for full details. Product warranties are provided by manufacturer and subject to their terms and conditions.