Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMain TypesBasic Blood Glucose MetersContinuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)CGM-Insulin Pump CombosThings to ConsiderAccuracyFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Blood Glucose Monitoring GuideHow to Use a Glucometer
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Main Types
Basic Blood Glucose Meters
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)
CGM-Insulin Pump Combos
Things to Consider
Accuracy
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in Blood Glucose Monitoring Guide
If you’re in the market for aglucometer(blood glucose monitor), you’ve got choices—and lots of them. Aside from the two main types of glucometers—basic/standard and continuous monitoring—there are dozens of brands and models, each with a variety of features.
Certain glucometers may suit your needs better than others. For example, one may be more advantageous if you use insulin. But whatever you use,regular glucose testingcan greatly reduce the risk of developing long-term complications of the disease.
Read on to learn more about the various types of monitors, how they work, and how to choose a glucometer so you can make an informed decision about which one to buy.
Noppawan Laisuan / Getty Images
Types of Glucometers
There are two main types of devices for checking your blood sugar. These types of glucometers and how they work are different, and choosing what’s best will depend on your specific situation.
The two main types of glucometers include:
Glucose meters are available over the counter at drugstores and other stores that sell pharmaceutical products. They can also be purchased online. Some healthcare providers and diabetes educators also stock glucometers.
At its simplest, a glucometer is a hand-held instrument with a digital screen that’s used with disposable test strips treated with chemicals that react to glucose.
To get a blood glucose measurement, a person draws a blood sample (usually from the side of a fingertip) and carefully touches it to a test strip that’s been inserted into the device.The test strip absorbs the blood, and then an electronic circuit detects the glucose on the strip, displaying it as a number on the screen, usually within seconds.
Most meters run on batteries and have at least a minimal amount of memory for storing results. With very few exceptions, most also have the capability to download and store results to a computer.
But there are other features to consider, such as:
Keeping a log of your glucose meter readings can give you and your healthcare provider an overall picture of how your body responds to certain foods, exercise, medicine, and other factors.
Top Brands
American Diabetes Association’s 2020 Consumer Guide
A CGM works through a tiny sensor inserted under the skin. Usually, it’s placed on the abdomen or back of the upper arm.Every few minutes, the sensor measures the levels of glucose in the fluid between cells in the body.
This information is sent to a monitor via a wireless transmitter, or directly to a smartphone or tablet. Many also come with the capability to wirelessly download meter results to a computer or upload them to a care management system.
Examples include:
Dexcom vs. FreeStyle Libre: What to Know About These CGMs
Some CGMs function as both a continuous blood glucose monitor andinsulin pump.Test results are sent wirelessly to the insulin pump, which uses the information to calculate a precisebolusdose of insulin that needs to be delivered with meals.
Glucometers That Work With Insulin Pumps
Things to Consider When Choosing a Glucometer
Most of the factors that play into choosing a glucometer relate to practicality and lifestyle.
Size
You’ll be keeping your meter with you throughout the day, so think about how you’ll be carrying it. If you always have a purse or backpack with you, any size glucometer should be fine. But if you plan to carry your meter in your pocket or need it to fit into a small carrying case, then you should shop for a small meter.
Screen size
Meters with very small display screens may not be practical if you have trouble reading things close up. Shop for a meter that has a large backlit display screen.
Memory
All glucose meters have memory, but a few offer minimal data banking (10 to 125 tests). Most record between 250 and 500 tests, with one meter (One Touch UltraSmart) able to record up to 3,000 tests.
Computer compatibility
This is a feature virtually all meters offer, along with the ability to e-mail your test results to your healthcare provider. Keep in mind that some products are not compatible with Apple systems.
Cost/Insurance Coverage
Meters can be purchased from a pharmacy for between $20 and $90; be on the lookout for rebate offers from pharmacies.
But before purchasing one, check with your insurance company (if enrolled in a plan) to see if the cost of the device (and test strips) will be covered. Some insurance companies only provide coverage for particular meters.
You may also be able to get a meter for free from your healthcare provider.
The Best 4 Glucometers, Tested and Reviewed
Are Home Glucose Meters Accurate?
Home blood glucose meters are considered clinically accurate if the result is within 20% of what a lab test would indicate. For example, a glucose meter result of 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) could vary between 80 mg/dL and 120 mg/dL and still be considered accurate.
To measure the accuracy of your meter, take it with you when you have a lab glucose test and check your blood immediately after. To ensure the most accurate results, ask the lab to process your blood sample within 30 minutes.
In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released updated recommendations for blood glucose meters, including specific guidelines regarding accuracy.
According to the FDA, glucose meter values should be within 15% of results obtained from a lab 95% of the time, and within 20% of lab measurements 99% of the time.
A Word From Verywell
Managing diabetes can be a complicated undertaking—especially if blood glucose monitoring is part of your protocol. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming, thanks to ongoing advances in glucometer technology.
If you’re not sure which meter is best for you, speak with your healthcare provider or certified diabetes educator.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe use of wearable tech is possible. For example, Fitbit launched a glucose monitoring product in India in 2021. Many still remain under study in the United States but it’s likely they will one day be available.Those that are used now include the continuous glucose monitoring systems and pumps.Learn MoreWearable Tech to Manage DiabetesIt depends on the specific needs of you or your child, so you’ll want to choose based on healthcare provider recommendations. One thing to consider is how easily a child can manage a glucose meter device on their own. A continuous system with remote monitoring capacities may work best.
The use of wearable tech is possible. For example, Fitbit launched a glucose monitoring product in India in 2021. Many still remain under study in the United States but it’s likely they will one day be available.Those that are used now include the continuous glucose monitoring systems and pumps.Learn MoreWearable Tech to Manage Diabetes
The use of wearable tech is possible. For example, Fitbit launched a glucose monitoring product in India in 2021. Many still remain under study in the United States but it’s likely they will one day be available.Those that are used now include the continuous glucose monitoring systems and pumps.
Learn MoreWearable Tech to Manage Diabetes
It depends on the specific needs of you or your child, so you’ll want to choose based on healthcare provider recommendations. One thing to consider is how easily a child can manage a glucose meter device on their own. A continuous system with remote monitoring capacities may work best.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Janapala RN, Jayaraj JS, Fathima N, et al.Continuous glucose monitoring versus self-monitoring of blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review with meta-analysis.Cureus. 2019;11(9):e5634. doi:10.7759/cureus.5634
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Bogue-Jimenez B, Huang X, Powell D, Doblas A.Selection of Noninvasive Features in Wrist-Based Wearable Sensors to Predict Blood Glucose Concentrations Using Machine Learning Algorithms.Sensors (Basel). 2022 May 6;22(9):3534. doi:10.3390/s22093534
Joslin Diabetes Center.Plasma glucose meters and whole blood meters.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Blood glucose control studies for type 1 diabetes: DCCT and EDIC.
Joslin Diabetes Center.Plasma glucose meters and whole blood meters.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Blood glucose control studies for type 1 diabetes: DCCT and EDIC.
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