In the past, if a patient received a free blood glucose meter from his or her doctor, he or she might not have thought to look into other options for blood glucose monitoring. But now, there are many exciting new options, not only for blood glucose meters, but also for other devices, apps, and websites that make blood glucose monitoring easier, more effective, and more convenient.
New blood glucose meters that make monitoring blood glucose easier
Like every piece of technology in our lives – TVs, computers, DVD players, e-book readers, fitness trackers, etc. – blood glucose meters have wireless products that can sync data with websites and apps, which can be very beneficial for patients’ health monitoring. Here are some of the new features of blood glucose meters:
- Share data with a doctor or anyone the patient chooses, such as the patient’s spouse. The key to managing diabetes is tight control of blood glucose, so this is critical.
- Get a more complete picture of blood glucose trends. Looking at only the day’s blood glucose readings can miss the overall trend in blood glucose. These new instruments and apps allow you to see blood glucose trends over weeks and months.
- Viewing data in colorful graph form makes it easier to understand and determine if treatment adjustments are needed. For example, the charts can quickly show if blood glucose is higher in the morning. Patients can easily share this finding with their doctor to determine if a change in treatment is needed.
- Track your diet. Most instruments and apps can record the foods consumed. You can see how carbohydrates are increasing in the same tracker, and you can add notes about exercise or insulin (if using insulin).
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With this information, it’s possible to get a clearer picture of how breakfast or an afternoon run affects blood sugar levels.
Sync with an app, website, or cloud. Here are a few advanced blood glucose monitors or other data transfer devices.
- The iHealth Wireless Smart Glucose Monitoring System and Telcare Wireless Glucose Meter are wireless glucose meters that sync with the patient’s phone. Both of these devices have apps and websites to help track health.
- Ditto is not a blood glucose meter, but a small device that connects to the meter. ditto (available for 9 models of meters) takes readings from the patient’s meter and sends them wirelessly to an app on the patient’s phone, which then uploads them to the website. Store more readings. If the meter does not have a device to synchronize data, a large memory device may be needed to store readings. Most devices can store 100 to 450 readings, but some can store up to 3000.
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These devices allow all data to be displayed on the instrument display as a long-term trend graph.
Diabetes App, low cost and versatile
Even if you don’t want to pay extra for an expensive synchronized blood glucose meter, you can get the same convenience with a low-cost or free mobile app or website.
Be sure to remember to enter your blood glucose readings into the app or website. There are many other benefits of a high-end device, including the ability to share information, enter carbohydrates consumed or exercise performed, track trends over time, and more.
Some diabetes-specific apps can be synced with fitness trackers. Therefore, it is possible to record your physical activity, blood glucose readings, and other data at the same time.
Some not only track your blood glucose and diet, but also provide recipes, videos, and expert Q&A.
Some have a FoodCheck feature that allows patients to compare foods when eating out or shopping.
Some can sync with fitness trackers and also store blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and other data, and print detailed reports for doctors to see.
Many of these apps and websites have online communities that patients can join and through which they can get support and relevant information.
Shop for a blood glucose meter and consider these factors
Whether you’re buying a high-tech blood glucose meter or a more basic one, there are some key factors to consider.
- Easy to read. Make sure the meter has a display that is easy to read. Some glucose meters allow you to view readings in the dark. Some other glucose meters have larger or more contrasting readings that are easier to read.
- Voice announcement feature. If you have vision problems, choose a blood glucose meter with a voice-announced reading feature.
- Try it. If you can, try the meter before you buy it to get to know it better. Make sure the buttons are properly positioned and easy to press.
- If holding small items is an obstacle or your hands have dexterity issues, it may be more comfortable to use a larger blood glucose meter.
- Also, blood glucose meters with test strip cartridges or trays are easier to use so you don’t have to fiddle with those slick little test strips.
- Be aware of the potential cost. Don’t forget the cost of test strips. A cheap or even free blood glucose meter may be more expensive in the long run because test strips are very expensive.
- Check the test. Check that the blood glucose meter self-test is working properly to ensure that the meter is measuring accurately. If self-testing is not possible, occasionally use a control solution (a test solution with a specific blood glucose level) on the test strips to ensure that the meter is functioning properly. Also, find out if and how the glucose meter needs to be cleaned.
- Save time. Make sure there are no codes or special keys to enter when changing test strips. This is an unnecessary hassle for the patient.
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To find out what blood glucose meter is best for you and what data or design is most helpful, consult a doctor or diabetes academic.