A glucometer is an essential device for measuring blood sugar levels. It is necessary for patients with diabetes, the elderly, as well as those who monitor their health. The device allows you to measure quickly and in any conditions. It can be used at home, at work, while traveling. Compact product takes up very little space. Consider what non-invasive glucometers are, how they differ from each other, and give a rating of the best models.
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Ranking table
| Place in the ranking / Name | Expert evaluation | Price range, rub. |
|---|---|---|
Rating of budget glucometers | ||
Accu-Chek Active | 82 out of 100 | From 572 to 890 * |
Diacont No coding | 85 out of 100 | From 575 to 899* |
Accu-Chek Performa | 89 out of 100 | From 711 to 1599 * |
OneTouch Select® Plus Flex | 92 out of 100 | From 657 to 1490* |
Rating of glucometers in terms of price-quality ratio | ||
Satellite Express (PCG-03) | 89 out of 100 | From 1074 to 1590* |
eBsensor eBsensor | 92 out of 100 | From 1 350* |
OneTouch Verio®IQ | 96 out of 100 | From 1905* |
Rating of premium glucometers | ||
B.Well WG-72 Voice | 91 out of 100 | From 2 280* |
Clever Check TD-4227A | 94 out of 100 | From 2 450* |
Accu-Chek Mobile | 98 out of 100 | From 3 369 to 5 090 * |
* Prices are for August 2020
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Blood glucose meters intended for personal use generally come in two types:
- Photometric;
- Electrochemical.
Inexpensive models are most often of the photometric type. They are also called optical. In this case, the blood sugar level is determined by the degree of staining of the test strip under the influence of blood.
Electrochemical glucometers are considered more accurate. The result is given on the basis of the outflow rate, which is produced by the reaction of glucose and the substance of the test strip. Such devices can measure blood sugar levels based on plasma or peripheral blood analysis. Plasma calibration is considered the most accurate.
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Criterias of choice
Pharmacies and medical equipment stores offer a huge range of sugar meters. Before you buy a glucometer, carefully read its characteristics and functionality. When choosing, you should pay attention to the following parameters:
- Test results and measurement of additional indicators;
- Required volume of blood;
- Type of test strips;
- The need for coding;
- Analysis output time;
- Display;
- Source of power;
- Additional functionality;
- Equipment.
Test results and other measurements
A glucometer is mainly designed to measure blood sugar. Many devices are capable of displaying measurement results in several units: mmol / l, mg / dl, mg%.
Additionally, some models are able to carry out a number of measurements. Such devices are called analyzers. They allow you to slow down not only the level of glucose, but also the indicators of pulse, cholesterol and hemoglobin. Such models will be useful not only for diabetics, but also for patients with anemia or hypercholesterolemia. Also, some models of analyzers are equipped with sphygmomanometers with a cuff for measuring arterial pressure.
Required volume of blood
Each glucometer requires a certain amount of biomaterial for measurements. Modern devices require a small drop of blood. The lower this indicator, the more convenient it is to use the device. The optimal level is considered to be 0.3-0.8 µl.In this case, there is no need to make a deep puncture, enough blood from the capillary. This reduces the pain of the procedure, as well as the risk of failure of the analysis and damage to the test strip due to insufficient blood.
Type of test strips
Most glucometers can only use certain test strips. However, there are also universal models on the market. Products differ in the location of the test zone, as well as in size. With modern devices, automatic test strips are used. On ordinary, the user applies blood on their own. In test strips, automatic metering is much easier. The glucometer with a drawn strip refers to the wound, the blood is automatically sucked in the right size.
The need for coding
Some meters need to be coded when using a new pack of test strips. This procedure allows you to adjust the product to the sensitivity of the test strip reagent for the most accurate result. Coding comes down to installing a chip from the package with a test strip into the device or entering a special code. However, modern models use “No Coding” technology, coding in this case occurs automatically, the user does not need to enter anything.
Analysis withdrawal time
This parameter indicates the duration of the period from applying blood to the test strip until the result is displayed. The best is the conclusion of the measurement after 10-25 seconds. Some inexpensive products show the level of glycemia after 40-50 seconds, and this is not always convenient.
Display
The measurement results are displayed on the screen. It should be large enough so that the numbers are easy to read. This is especially important for the elderly. The display backlight function is also useful. The advantages of such devices are obvious - measurements can be taken at night, without turning on the light.
Source of power
Glucometers consume little. Typically, devices are powered by a battery or batteries. You should choose the option based on your own preferences.
Additional functionality
Modern glucometers can be equipped with a number of additional features:
- Memory - the device can store the data of the last measurements, the number of cells depends on the selected model. Also, in some cases, you can specify at what time and under what conditions the measurement was made.
- Ability to transfer data to a computer or phone. Some modern glucometers can be controlled via a mobile application. This feature allows you to better track your condition, send a diary of measurements to the doctor. Connection to a PC can be done via cable.
- Analysis of previous measurements - the devices can give an average sugar indicator for a certain period, which allows you to monitor the change in state over a long distance.
- Voice notification - this feature will be especially useful for the elderly.
- Possibility of measurements not only from the finger, but also from alternative zones (thighs, earlobes, forearms). In this case, the kit includes a special nozzle several times a day. In order for the injection to be as painless as possible and there was no need to use a patch to seal the wound on the skin every time, pay attention to the design of the scarifier, the wider its customization options, the better.
Equipment
The delivery set usually includes:
- the device itself;
- A set of test strips;
- Scarifier;
- A set of disposable lancets;
- Carrying case.
When buying, special attention should be paid to the number of test strips and disposable needles in the kit. Also, be sure to check the availability and cost of consumables.
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We offer TOP 10 best glucometers. The list includes models of different price categories. Models were selected taking into account their technical characteristics, prices, customer reviews and experts.
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Rating of budget glucometers
The list includes devices costing up to 1,000 rubles. Inexpensive models are distinguished by modest functionality and not rich equipment.
Accu-Chek Active
Specifications:
- Price - 572 - 890 rubles;
- User rating - 4.6;
- The principle is photometric;
- Memory - yes, for 500 measurements;
- Measurement time - 5 s;
- Additional functions: automatic shutdown, reminder of measurement and meal, calculation of the average result.
The case has a large display and large buttons. Products work from large and convenient test strips. When working with Accu-Check Active, no coding is required. Only 2 µl of blood is required for the measurement. The device has a memory for 500 measurements. Additionally, the product is equipped with an alarm clock about the need for measurement, as well as a reminder of the meal.
Diacont No coding
Specifications:
- Price - 575 - 899 rubles;
- User rating - 4.6;
- The principle is electrochemical;
- Memory - yes, for 250 measurements;
- Measurement time - 6 sec;
- Additional functions: calculation of the average result.
The level of error is no more than 3%. The compact body has a large display. Only 0.7 µl of blood is required for the measurement. The device has a memory function for 250 cells and the ability to calculate the average value.
Accu-Chek Performa
Specifications:
- Price - 611 - 1,799 rubles;
- User rating - 4.5;
- The principle is electrochemical;
- Memory - yes, for 500 measurements;
- Measurement time - 6 s;
- Additional functions: calculation of the average result, measurement reminder, alarm clock, indication of hypoglycemia.
The device has a low error, is distinguished by a well-thought-out package and compact dimensions. The device does not require coding and complies with accepted European standards of accuracy. It has a memory for 500 results with the ability to mark before or after a meal was measured. Additionally, there is a reminder function for taking measurements, an alarm clock, and a hypoglycemia alert. The kit includes 10 test strips and the same number of disposable lancets.
OneTouch Select® Plus Flex
Specifications:
- Price - 657 - 1,490 rubles;
- User rating - 4.1;
- The principle is electrochemical;
- Memory - yes, for 500 measurements;
- Measurement time - 5 s;
- Additional functions: indicator of the upper and lower limits of the sugar level.
The device not only shows the result, but also allows you to analyze it, thanks to color prompts. The measurement procedure is as simple as possible. The measurements have a memory of 500 cells.
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The list includes models costing from 1,000 rubles. They are distinguished by extended functionality, high measurement accuracy.
Satellite Express (PCG-03)
Specifications:
- Price - 1,074 - 1,590 rubles;
- User rating - 4.5;
- The principle is electrochemical;
- Memory - yes, for 60 measurements;
- Measurement time - 7 s;
- Additional features: auto-off.
The device takes measurements in just 7 seconds. It has a memory of 60 cells. Only 1 µl of blood is enough to carry out the measurement. The package includes 25 test strips, a lancing device and a carrying case.
eBsensor eBsensor
Specifications:
- Price - 1,350 rubles;
- User rating - 4.5;
- The principle is electrochemical;
- Memory - yes, for 180 measurements;
- Additional features: auto-off, control of the validity of test strips and the temperature of use, the ability to connect to a PC.
The device is calibrated for plasma, which allows you to get maximum accuracy. There is no need to code the product when changing the package of test strips, the operation is performed once. To do this, just insert the coding chip that comes with the kit. Function of control of suitability of strips of indicators and ambient temperature is provided. The glucometer can only be operated in the temperature range from plus 10 to plus 40 degrees. The device has an automatic on-off function, a memory for 180 results with the ability to specify the date and time.
OneTouch Verio®IQ
Specifications:
- Price - 1,905 rubles;
- User rating - 4.5;
- The principle is electrochemical;
- Memory - yes, for 750 measurements;
- Measurement time - 5 s;
- Additional features: test strip entry area is highlighted, average value calculation, meal reminders, auto-off.
The device accurately measures the level of sugar in the blood will allow you to understand how insulin and proper nutrition affect the indicators. ColourSure technology displays a color-coded message for repeated high and low glucose results. The device provides a simple procedure for adding a meal reminder. To simplify the measurement procedure, the test strip insertion area is highlighted. The device has a memory for 750 results with the ability to display the average value.
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The TOP 3 includes devices costing from 2000 rubles. Such models have an extended list of features.
B.Well WG-72 Voice
Specifications:
- Price - 2,280 rubles;
- User rating - 4.8;
- The principle is electrochemical;
- Memory - yes, for 450 measurements;
- Measurement time - 7 s;
- Additional functions: calculation of the average value, voice guidance.
Only 0.7 µl of blood is needed for the measurement. The duration of testing is only 7 seconds. The device provides for displaying the results on the display, as well as voice guidance. There is a memory function for 450 results, as well as the calculation of the average value.
Clever Check TD-4227A
Specifications:
- Price - 2,450 rubles;
- User rating - 4.5;
- The principle is electrochemical;
- Memory - yes, for 450 measurements;
- Measurement time - 7 s;
- Additional functions: self-control of operating temperature and suitability of strips, automatic shutdown.
The results of the study are displayed on the screen, a voice function is also provided. The device has a memory for 450 cells with the possibility of entering the date and time of measurement.
Accu-Chek Mobile
Specifications:
- Price - 3,369 - 5,090 rubles;
- User rating - 4.5;
- The principle is photometric;
- Memory - yes, for 2000 measurements;
- Measurement time - 5 s;
- Additional features: drum for 50 test strips, display backlight, alarm clock, sound warning, meal reminders.
designed for the young and active. The design of the device allows you not to carry test strips with you all the time. The puncture handle is securely attached directly to the body. It charges 6 lancets at once, which allows you to speed up the procedure. Another feature is that before analysis, you do not need to insert a test strip into the device; a drum is provided in its design. 50 strips are loaded into it at once. The meter can be connected to a computer, memory for 2,000 measurements is provided.
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When buying a glucometer, you should pay attention to electrochemical models. They are considered the most accurate. It is also worth considering for whom the device is purchased. Older people are advised to purchase models with the simplest possible controls, automatic test strips and a large display. People leading an active lifestyle are recommended to use more functional devices, and you should also pay attention to compact models that can easily fit even in a small bag.
The glucometer is sold in every pharmacy, many medical stores and even on Aliexpress. However, it is worth considering that when purchasing a model from an unknown manufacturer, one cannot rely on its accuracy. In addition, getting consumables can also be problematic. We recommend paying attention to glucometers of such brands as Accu-Chek, One Touch, Satellite, iChek and others.
