Best Affordable Blood Glucose Meters for Home Use
Importance of Blood Glucose Monitoring
As someone who manages diabetes, monitoring blood glucose levels is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Regular monitoring allows me to track how my body responds to different foods, activities, and medications, enabling me to make informed decisions about my diabetes management. By keeping a close eye on my blood glucose levels, I can detect any potential issues early on and take appropriate action to prevent complications.
Factors to Consider When Selecting an Affordable Blood Glucose Meter
When it comes to selecting a blood glucose meter, there are several factors to consider. Accuracy and reliability are of utmost importance, as I rely on the meter’s readings to make decisions about my diabetes management. Ease of use is another crucial factor, as I want a meter that is simple and straightforward to operate. Cost is also a consideration, as I am looking for an affordable option that provides accurate results without breaking the bank.
- Accuracy: The accuracy of a blood glucose meter is crucial for making informed decisions. Look for meters that are FDA-approved and have undergone rigorous testing to ensure reliable results.
- Ease of Use: Choose a meter that is easy to operate, with clear instructions and a user-friendly interface. Features like large display screens and backlit buttons can make a significant difference, especially for individuals with visual impairments.
- Test Strips Availability: Consider the availability and cost of test strips for the meter. Some meters may have affordable upfront costs but expensive test strips, which can add up over time.
- Data Management: If you prefer to track your blood glucose levels over time, consider a meter that offers data management capabilities. These meters often come with companion apps or software that allow you to analyze and share your readings with healthcare professionals.
Now that we understand the importance of blood glucose monitoring and the factors to consider, let’s explore the ten best affordable blood glucose meters for home use.
Contour Next One Blood Glucose Meter – Features and Benefits
The Contour Next One Blood Glucose Meter is a device used to measure the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. Here are some features and benefits of the Contour Next One Blood Glucose Meter:
- Accuracy: The Contour Next One meter meets the accuracy standards set by ISO: 15197:2013. This means that the meter is accurate within 10% of laboratory results for 95% of the time.
- Ease of use: The meter is easy to use, with a large, clear display and simple buttons. It also has a built-in light, so you can test your blood sugar even in low-light conditions.
- SmartLIGHT feature: This feature provides immediate feedback on your blood glucose readings. The meter will display a green light if your reading is in target range, a yellow light if your reading is below target, and a red light if your reading is above target.
- Second-Chance sampling: This feature allows you to add more blood to the test strip if you don’t apply enough blood the first time. This can help to reduce the need to waste test strips.
- Connects to the CONTOUR®DIABETES app: The meter can connect to the CONTOUR®DIABETES app via Bluetooth, which allows you to track your blood sugar readings, set goals, and generate reports.
Overall, the Contour Next One Blood Glucose Meter is a user-friendly and accurate meter that can help you to manage your diabetes. It is important to note that this device should not be used for making treatment decisions without consulting with a healthcare professional.
FreeStyle Libre 2 – Features and Benefits
The FreeStyle Libre 2 is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that helps people with diabetes track their glucose levels throughout the day and night. Below are some of the features and benefits of FreeStyle Libre 2:
Features:
- Sensor: The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor is a small, thin disc that is worn on the upper arm for up to 14 days. It continuously measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid (fluid between cells) and sends the information to a reader or smartphone app.
- Reader or smartphone app: The FreeStyle Libre 2 system can be used with a reader or a smartphone app. The reader displays the current glucose reading, a trend arrow, and an 8-hour history. The smartphone app offers additional features, such as alarms, graphs, and reports.
Benefits:
- No fingersticks: Unlike traditional blood glucose meters, the FreeStyle Libre 2 does not require fingersticks. This can be more comfortable and convenient for people who test their blood sugar frequently.
- Real-time glucose monitoring: The sensor sends glucose readings to the reader or app every minute, providing a more complete picture of glucose levels throughout the day.
- Alarms: The FreeStyle Libre 2 app can be set to send alarms for high and low glucose levels. This can help people with diabetes stay aware of their glucose levels and take action to avoid dangerous highs and lows.
- Trend arrows: The reader and app display trend arrows that show whether glucose levels are rising, falling, or staying the same. This information can help people with diabetes understand how their glucose levels are responding to food, activity, and medication.
- Reduced A1c: Studies have shown that using a CGM system like the FreeStyle Libre 2 can help people with diabetes lower their A1c, which is a measure of long-term blood sugar control.
Overall, the FreeStyle Libre 2 is a valuable tool for people with diabetes who want to track their glucose levels more closely and manage their diabetes more effectively. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional to see if the FreeStyle Libre 2 is right for you.
Dexcom G6 – Features and Benefits
The Dexcom G6 is another popular continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system designed to help people with diabetes manage their condition effectively. Below are some of the features and benefits of the Dexcom G6:
Features:
- Sensor: Like the FreeStyle Libre 2, the Dexcom G6 uses a small, thin sensor worn on the upper arm for up to 10 days. This sensor continuously measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid and transmits the data wirelessly to a receiver or smartphone app.
- Receiver and smartphone app: The Dexcom G6 system can be used with a dedicated receiver or a smartphone app. Both options display the current glucose reading, a trend graph, and historical data. The app offers additional features like customizable alerts, sharing capabilities, and integration with other diabetes management tools.
Benefits:
- Accuracy: The Dexcom G6 boasts remarkable accuracy, eliminating the need for frequent fingersticks for calibration in most cases.
- Real-time monitoring: Similar to the FreeStyle Libre 2, the Dexcom G6 provides continuous glucose readings, offering a more comprehensive picture of glucose levels throughout the day and night.
- Alerts: The system can be set to send customizable alerts for high and low glucose levels, helping users stay informed and take necessary actions to manage their diabetes.
- Sharing: The Dexcom G6 app allows users to share their glucose data with healthcare providers and caregivers, facilitating better communication and collaboration in managing their diabetes.
- Improved diabetes management: Studies indicate that using the Dexcom G6 can lead to improved diabetes control, potentially lowering A1c and reducing the risk of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
Overall, the Dexcom G6 is a valuable tool for individuals with diabetes seeking a comprehensive and accurate CGM system with real-time monitoring, customizable alerts, and data sharing capabilities. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if the Dexcom G6 is the right fit for your specific needs and discuss any potential risks or limitations associated with its use.
Guardian Connect System – Features and Benefits
The Guardian Connect system, developed by Medtronic, is another option for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) designed to aid individuals with diabetes in managing their glucose levels effectively. Here are some features and benefits of Guardian Connect System:
Features:
- Sensor: The Guardian Connect system employs a small, discreet sensor worn on the abdomen for up to seven days. This sensor continuously measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid and transmits the data wirelessly to a compatible mobile device via a transmitter.
- Mobile app: The Guardian Connect mobile app displays current glucose readings, trend arrows indicating glucose level fluctuations, and historical data. It also offers additional functionalities like:
- Predictive alerts: This unique feature sets the Guardian Connect system apart, allowing users to receive alerts up to 60 minutes in advance of potential highs and lows, enabling proactive measures to be taken.
- CareLink® platform integration: The app integrates with the CareLink® platform, facilitating data sharing with healthcare providers and caregivers.
- Customization options: Users can personalize alert settings, glucose data visualization, and other app features to suit their preferences.
Benefits:
- Continuous monitoring: The Guardian Connect system provides real-time glucose readings, offering a more comprehensive understanding of glucose fluctuations compared to traditional finger pricks.
- Predictive alerts: The ability to receive advance warnings about potential highs and lows allows users to take preventive actions, potentially reducing the risk of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia episodes.
- Data sharing and connectivity: The CareLink® platform integration enables seamless data sharing with healthcare professionals, facilitating better communication and collaboration in managing diabetes.
- Customization: The ability to personalize the app experience enhances user comfort and enables tailoring the system to individual needs and preferences.
- Potential for improved diabetes management: Studies suggest that using the Guardian Connect system can contribute to improved diabetes control, potentially leading to lower A1c levels.
Overall, the Guardian Connect system offers real-time glucose monitoring with the added benefit of predictive alerts, empowering users to stay ahead of potential glucose fluctuations. Customization options and CareLink® integration further enhance its user experience. It’s important to remember that consulting a healthcare professional is essential to determine if the Guardian Connect system is suitable for your individual needs and discuss any potential limitations or risks.
Eversense – Features and Benefits
Eversense
The Eversense CGM system, developed by Senseonics, stands out as another choice for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to empower individuals with diabetes in managing their condition effectively. Here are some features and benefits of Eversense:
Features:
- Long-lasting sensor: Unlike other CGMs with sensors lasting up to 10 or 14 days, the Eversense boasts a long-lasting sensor that can be implanted under the skin by a healthcare professional and stays active for up to 90 days. This eliminates the need for frequent sensor replacements, offering greater convenience and reduced disruption.
- Rechargeable transmitter: The Eversense system utilizes a rechargeable transmitter that snaps onto the insertion site of the sensor. This transmitter communicates wirelessly with a compatible smartphone app to transmit glucose readings.
- Smartphone app: The Eversense app serves as the primary interface, displaying your current glucose reading, trend graph, historical data, and offering various functionalities like setting alerts and viewing reports.
Benefits:
- Long-term wear: The extended wearability of the Eversense sensor, lasting up to 3 months, is a significant advantage, eliminating frequent sensor insertion procedures and reducing discomfort associated with them.
- Comfort and discretion: The small and discreet transmitter is comfortable to wear and can be detached from the sensor for activities like showering or swimming without affecting sensor function.
- Accuracy: The Eversense system delivers accurate glucose readings, minimizing the need for finger pricks for calibration.
- Vibration alerts: A unique feature of Eversense is its on-body vibration alerts. The transmitter vibrates at varying intensities depending on your glucose levels, providing discreet and customizable alerts for high and low glucose events.
- Smart data insights: The app offers insightful data visualization and reports, helping users understand glucose trends and patterns, and facilitating informed decisions about diabetes management.
OneTouch Verio Flex – Features and Benefits
The OneTouch Verio Flex is a blood glucose meter designed to help people with diabetes monitor their blood sugar levels. Here are some features and benefits of OneTouch Verio Flex:
Features:
- Small and portable design: The OneTouch Verio Flex is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go.
- Easy to use: The meter has a large, easy-to-read display and simple buttons, making it easy to use even for people with limited dexterity.
- ColorSure® technology: This feature uses color-coded lights to show you if your blood sugar level is in or out of range.
- Bluetooth® connectivity: The meter can connect to the OneTouch Reveal® mobile app, which allows you to track your blood sugar readings, set goals, and generate reports.
- Uses only a small blood sample: The OneTouch Verio Flex meter only requires a small blood sample (0.4 microliters), which can help to minimize discomfort.
- Second-chance sampling: If you don’t apply enough blood to the test strip the first time, you can add more blood within a short period of time.
- Long battery life: The meter has a long battery life, so you don’t have to worry about it running out of power when you need it most.
Benefits:
- Helps you to monitor your blood sugar levels: By monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly, you can learn how your body reacts to different foods, activities, and medications. This information can help you to make informed decisions about your diabetes management.
- Easy to use: The OneTouch Verio Flex is easy to use, even for people who are not familiar with blood glucose meters.
- Pain-free testing: The meter uses a small blood sample and second-chance sampling, which can help to minimize discomfort during testing.
- Helps you to track your progress: The OneTouch Reveal® mobile app allows you to track your blood sugar readings over time, set goals, and generate reports. This information can help you to see how well you are managing your diabetes and identify areas where you can improve.
Overall, the OneTouch Verio Flex is a user-friendly and accurate blood glucose meter that can help you to manage your diabetes effectively. It is important to note that this device should not be used for making treatment decisions without consulting with a healthcare professional.
Accu-Chek Guide Meter – Features and Benefits
The Accu-Chek Guide Meter is a blood glucose meter used to measure the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. Below are some features and benefits of the Accu-Chek Guide Meter:
Features:
- Easy to use:
- The meter has a large, clear display and simple buttons, making it easy to use even for people with limited dexterity.
- It also features a bright strip port light and backlit display for easy testing in any lighting condition.
- SmartPack vial: This vial is designed to hold test strips securely and prevent spills, making it easy to remove just one strip at a time.
- Easy-to-fill test strip: A small drop of blood can be applied anywhere along the yellow edge of the test strip.
- Fast results: The meter can provide results in less than 4 seconds.
- Hygienic strip ejection: The used test strip is ejected automatically with the push of a button, minimizing contact with used lancets.
- Memory: The meter can store up to 720 blood sugar readings along with dates and times.
- Wireless connectivity: The meter can connect wirelessly to the Accu-Chek Connect app via Bluetooth, allowing you to track your blood sugar readings, set goals, and generate reports.
Benefits:
- Accurate: The Accu-Chek Guide meter meets the accuracy standards set by ISO: 15197:2013. This means that the meter is accurate within 10% of laboratory results for 95% of the time.
- Easy to use: The features mentioned above, like the large display, easy-to-fill test strips, and hygienic strip ejection, make the meter user-friendly for people of all ages and abilities.
- Pain-free testing: The meter requires a small blood sample, and the easy-to-fill test strip minimizes the need for repeat testing, reducing discomfort.
- Data tracking: The ability to store readings and connect to the Accu-Chek Connect app allows you to track your blood sugar levels over time and share your data with your healthcare professional, facilitating better diabetes management.
Overall, the Accu-Chek Guide Meter is a user-friendly and accurate meter that can help you manage your diabetes effectively. It is important to note that this device should not be used for making treatment decisions without consulting with a healthcare professional.
True2go – Features and Benefits
The True2go is a blood glucose monitoring system designed for people with diabetes to easily and conveniently track their blood sugar levels. Below are some of the features and benefits of True2go:
Features:
- Small and portable design: The True2go system is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go. This portability is especially crucial for people with diabetes who need to monitor their blood sugar levels frequently throughout the day.
- Simple to use: The True2go meter has a user-friendly design with a large display and easy-to-use buttons, making it accessible for people of all ages and technical abilities.
- Fast and accurate results: The meter can provide accurate blood sugar readings in just 5 seconds, allowing for quick and reliable monitoring.
- Discreet testing: The True2go system features a discreet test strip port, enabling users to test their blood sugar levels unobtrusively in any setting.
- Bluetooth connectivity: The meter can connect wirelessly to the True2go app via Bluetooth, allowing users to track their blood sugar readings, view trends, and generate reports.
Benefits:
- Convenient blood sugar monitoring: The True2go system’s portability, ease of use, and fast results make it a convenient tool for people with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly.
- Improved diabetes management: By tracking their blood sugar levels and trends over time, users can gain valuable insights into how their body responds to food, exercise, and medication. This information can empower them to make informed decisions about their diabetes management plan and collaborate effectively with their healthcare providers.
- Discreet and comfortable testing: The discreet design and small blood sample requirement of the True2go system contribute to a more comfortable and less obtrusive testing experience.
- Data tracking and sharing: The True2go app’s data tracking and sharing capabilities enable users to monitor their progress over time, identify patterns, and share their information with healthcare professionals for better diabetes management.
iHealth Align – Features and Benefits
The iHealth Align is a smart blood glucose monitoring system that helps people with diabetes track their blood sugar levels easily and conveniently. Below are some of the features and benefits of iHealth Align:
Features:
- Connects to smartphone app: The iHealth Align meter connects to the iHealth Gluco-Smart app via Bluetooth, allowing you to track your blood sugar readings, set goals, and generate reports. This application is available to install for both iOS and Android devices.
- Easy to use: The meter has a large, clear display and simple buttons, making it easy to use even for people with limited dexterity.
- Fast and accurate results: The meter can provide blood sugar readings in just 5 seconds, and it meets the accuracy standards set by ISO: 15197:2013. This means that the meter is accurate within 10% of laboratory results for 95% of the time.
- Small and portable design: The meter is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go.
- Second-chance sampling: If you don’t apply enough blood to the test strip the first time, you can add more blood within a short period of time.
- Voice guidance: The meter can provide voice guidance in English or Spanish, which can be helpful for people who are visually impaired or who have difficulty reading the display.
Benefits:
- Convenient blood sugar monitoring: The iHealth Align system’s portability, ease of use, and fast results make it a convenient tool for people with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly.
- Improved diabetes management: By tracking their blood sugar levels and trends over time, users can gain valuable insights into how their body responds to food, exercise, and medication. This information can empower them to make informed decisions about their diabetes management plan and collaborate effectively with their healthcare providers.
- Data tracking and sharing: The iHealth Gluco-Smart app allows users to track their blood sugar readings, set goals, and generate reports. They can also share their data with their healthcare professional, which can help them to monitor their progress and adjust their treatment plan as needed.
- Voice guidance: The voice guidance feature can be helpful for people who are visually impaired or who have difficulty reading the display.
Overall, the iHealth Align system is a user-friendly and accurate solution for people with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels and manage their condition effectively. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if the iHealth Align system is suitable for your individual needs and to discuss any potential limitations or risks associated with its use.
ReliOn Premier Classic – Features and Benefits
The ReliOn Premier Classic is a blood glucose monitoring system designed to be an affordable and user-friendly option for people with diabetes to track their blood sugar levels. Below are some of the features and benefits of ReliOn Premier Classic:
Features:
- Easy to use: The meter has a large, clear display and simple buttons, making it easy to operate, even for those with limited dexterity.
- Small blood sample: The meter requires a small blood sample (0.5 microliters), minimizing discomfort during testing.
- Fast results: The meter can display your blood sugar reading in just 5 seconds.
- Memory: The meter can store up to 500 blood sugar readings with dates and times, allowing you to track your progress over time.
- Carrying case: The system includes a carrying case for convenient storage and portability.
- Affordable: Compared to other blood glucose meters, the ReliOn Premier Classic is generally considered an affordable option.
Benefits:
- Convenient blood sugar monitoring: The ease of use, small blood sample requirement, and fast results make the ReliOn Premier Classic a convenient tool for regular blood sugar monitoring.
- Improved diabetes management: By tracking your blood sugar levels over time, you can gain valuable insights into how your body responds to food, exercise, and medication. This information can help you and your healthcare professional make informed decisions about your diabetes management plan.
- Cost-effective: The affordability of the ReliOn Premier Classic makes it a good option for individuals who are managing their diabetes on a budget.
However, it’s important to note that the ReliOn Premier Classic does not have some features that are available on more advanced meters, such as:
- Bluetooth connectivity: You cannot connect this meter to a smartphone app for data tracking and sharing.
- No coding: Some meters require “coding” each time you use a new box of test strips. The ReliOn Premier Classic does not require coding, but this may not be a significant advantage for everyone.
- Advanced features: More advanced meters may offer features like ketone testing, blood sugar averaging, and personalized reminders.
Overall, the ReliOn Premier Classic is a basic and affordable blood glucose monitoring system that can be a good option for people with diabetes who are looking for a simple and convenient way to track their blood sugar levels. However, if you are looking for a meter with more advanced features or the ability to connect to a smartphone app, you may want to consider other options.
It is crucial to consult with your healthcare professional to determine which blood glucose monitoring system is right for you based on your individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Regular blood glucose monitoring is crucial for individuals managing diabetes. By choosing the right blood glucose meter, you can ensure accurate and reliable results while keeping costs affordable. The ten best affordable blood glucose meters discussed in this article offer a range of features and benefits to suit different needs and preferences.
Whether you prefer a traditional blood glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitoring system, there is an option available that meets your requirements. From the accuracy and convenience of the Contour Next One Blood Glucose Meter to the continuous monitoring capabilities of the FreeStyle Libre 2 and Dexcom G6, these meters provide reliable and user-friendly solutions for home use.
Remember to consider factors such as accuracy, ease of use, test strip availability, and data management capabilities when selecting a blood glucose meter. By making an informed choice, you can effectively monitor your blood glucose levels and make informed decisions about your diabetes management.
Take control of your diabetes today by choosing the best affordable blood glucose meter that suits your needs and preferences.
Note: This article provides general information and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and recommendations.
[CTA: Check out our comprehensive guide on diabetes management for more tips and information on managing your condition effectively.]
