Type 2 Diabetes - Choosing the Best Blood Glucose Meter For You

A blood glucose monitor is the one essential tool every person diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes must have in order to help keep their blood sugar levels under control. Many diabetics have to perform multiple finger stick tests each day in order to make sure their blood sugar levels are balanced and within their ideal range. That is why it is so important to make sure you have the right blood glucose monitor so you have convenience and easy operation at your fingertips.

When you are looking for a monitor to use or are planning to replace your existing blood glucose monitor, you need to ask yourself some simple questions to figure out which model is right for you.

The first feature you need to think about is whether you plan to store and track your results online. Many people use the ease of the Internet these days to make sure they can track their blood sugar levels and show them to their doctor.

Another factor you might want to consider is whether or not you have any problems with dexterity. If you have arthritis or other problems with your hands, you may decide you need a monitor that has special features to help make the testing process easier for you.

Do your eyes require you to prefer large buttons or displays? There are many different blood glucose monitors that will allow for you to have this feature. Because many people are older when they find out they have Type 2 diabetes, finding blood sugar monitors with these features should not be a problem.

Testing strips and your insurance provider. One important point many new diabetics forget to check is whether or not their insurance provider covers only a specific brand of testing strips. If that's the case, you will need to make sure that you get a monitor that allows you to use those specific strips.

Sample size. Something else you should check before purchasing a monitor is how much blood is required for the test. Some of the older monitors require a finger prick and a full droplet of blood. Newer monitors require much less blood for testing. In fact, some monitors don't require a finger prick, but can take the blood from the forearm to protect your fingers. Usually monitors approved for alternate site testing use much less blood than those that are approved for fingertip testing only.

There are different manufacturers and models available for diabetics who must check their blood sugar levels everyday. There are monitors on the market with a multiple array of features, only you can decide which one is right for you.

When you ask yourself these questions, you will have a better chance of finding the right monitor to fit your needs. Because there are monitors in all different price ranges, you shouldn't have a problem locating one that will fit both your budget and your circumstances.