Some patients often need to know the composition of the blood. This is especially important for diabetics. Timely determination of blood glucose helps them to control their condition. With insulin-dependent diabetes, this can save the patient's life. Therefore, for such people, a glucometer is needed. It is necessary to determine the required dose of insulin, to correct the treatment and the choice of diet.
What is a glucometer and why is it needed
Glucometer is a device for self-checking blood composition. It allows you to quickly measure the amount of glucose. Some devices also measure cholesterol and triglycerides. Using the meter is simple: you need to put a drop of blood on the indicator. After a while, the glucose indicator appears on the screen. Sometimes the analysis is ready after 10 seconds. This is especially important for diabetics, as they can take the medicine on time.
Glucometer is needed to control blood glucose
All glucometers are divided into two groups according to the principle of analysis: photometric and electrochemical. First came photometric instruments. They make an analysis based on the color change of the test strip with the reagent. Now photometric glucometers are also produced, their measurement error can be 15-20%. Modern devices are electrochemical glucometers. They are more accurate since external factors do not affect the result of the analysis. More expensive ones are laser glucometers, which do not puncture the skin with a lancet, but with a laser.
Rules for choosing a glucometer
Often patients who need constant monitoring of their blood conditions do not know which meter is better. Some people think that the more expensive the device, the better. But it is not so. It just might have many additional features that not everyone needs. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor.
In order for the meter to perform its functions, you need to choose it correctly
The most important indicator is the number of test strips that will be needed. Some patients need to measure their sugar levels several times a day. Therefore, you must immediately calculate how much consumables are needed. When choosing a glucometer, it is important to consider their cost and availability. Sometimes diabetics are provided with free supplies at the clinic. In this case, you need to purchase a device to which they fit.
The choice of the meter also depends on other parameters. What to consider:
- age of the patient;
- design;
- menu language;
- accuracy of results;
- manufacturer;
- the presence of a large display or sound for the visually impaired;
- the amount of blood drop needed;
- time for issuing results;
- the memory that is needed to store data about the latest measurements;
- availability of additional features.
Glucometers come in different sizes and designs.
Rating of the best glucometers
On sale now there are many different models of glucometers. They differ in size, weight, design, additional functions. For type 1 diabetes, it is important that the device can be carried around. Therefore, such patients are trying to figure out which portable glucometer is better to choose.
List of the best low-cost devices
The rating of glucometers, popular among diabetics, contains mainly inexpensive devices that are available to every patient. There are several models at a price below 1000 rubles. Test strips for them are usually also inexpensive.This is important for those patients who often have to measure glucose levels.
- The CONTOUR TS model from the German Bayer company is characterized by measurement accuracy and reliability. This device is compact and easy to use. The ability to connect to the Internet, large built-in memory, the presence of an audio signal and the rapid receipt of results are the advantages of the CONTOUR TS meter.
- Model "Diaconte" is produced in Russia. This meter measures glucose levels through electrochemical analysis. This provides high accuracy results. The analysis takes only 6 seconds, which is especially important for insulin-dependent diabetics.
- Model CLEVER CHEK TD-4209 is good for children. The device has an attractive design, it runs on battery power for a long time, it makes a puncture painless, and it requires very little blood for analysis.
- ACCU-CHEK ACTIVE has a large memory that allows you to store the results of 350 measurements. It is convenient, since blood can be taken not only from the finger. The result is ready in 5 seconds in large numbers. This makes the ACCU-CHEK ACTIVE meter the most convenient for older people.
- The Sattelit Plus device of Russian manufacture is reliable and accurate. Its disadvantages include a small memory and a fairly long time to obtain results.
Inexpensive devices are available to every patient
The best models quality-price
Many people want to choose the best glucometer. To do this, at a low cost, the device must be reliable, accurate and functional. Such glucometers cost from 1 to 2 thousand rubles. They are compact and easy to use.
- Sattelit Express runs on battery power for a long time and is very easy to use. The result gives out after 7 seconds, and the possibility of calibration increases its accuracy. The disadvantages include a small memory.
- ACCU-CHEK PERFORMA NANO is recommended for patients with type 1 diabetes. It allows you to find out the exact level of glucose and control the medication. He has a built-in alarm clock that will signal when the patient needs to take a measurement.
- Lightweight, compact and simple, this is ONE TOUCH SELECT SIMPLE. The result is displayed in large numbers, in addition, there are two indicator lights that work when low or high sugar levels.
- For children and those who are afraid of pain, the ICHECK device is suitable. A minimal puncture and a small drop of blood are enough for analysis.
This meter is inexpensive and easy to use.
The best high-tech and functional appliances
Sometimes diabetics buy high-tech devices for home use. They differ from the rest in the presence of several additional functions, the ability to connect to a computer or smartphone, extended memory and high measurement accuracy. The price of such devices is quite high, but mainly due to the high cost of consumables. The glucometers themselves cost from 2 to 5 thousand.
- ONETOUCH VERIO IQ is convenient in that it remembers the last 750 measurements and determines the average result. The analysis requires a minimum amount of blood and does not need to enter a code. This makes it convenient for children and the elderly.
- A beautiful design characterizes the HEALTH WIRELESS SMART GLUCO-MONITORING SYSTEM BG5. It is more suitable for young people, as it requires a wireless connection to a smartphone.
- ONETOUCH ULTRA EASY is very lightweight and compact. It quickly displays the results and can memorize them along with the analysis time.
- BIOPTIK TECHNOLOGY measures blood glucose, cholesterol and hemoglobin levels.
This compact beautiful device has a large memory and several additional functions.
When choosing a glucometer, you must first consult a doctor. Such a device is needed to constantly monitor the level of glucose in the blood, so it is important that it is accurate, easy to use and reliable.
