Your Vision and Language
Whether you have severe visual impairment or just have a hard time focusing on small print, you may want to consider this when choosing a meter. Some meters completely talk users through monitoring with both voice set-up commands and readings. The meter may also have buttons with raised imprints. Others have a large screen to make reading the numbers easy. If you have any degree of colorblindness, test a few different models. Make sure that you have no trouble reading the digital display.
Some meters display or speak in different languages, such as Spanish. Others use symbols instead of words to display information.
Test Site
Alternative blood glucose monitoring, such as the upper arm, thigh, calf, and palm, is available with some meters. Make sure to check your meter for the availability of this feature before using alternate sites. Alternate sites will give you more options, but these sites may not be as consistently accurate as your fingertips. For example, readings from alternate sites may vary after eating, after taking insulin, or during low blood glucose periods.
User-Friendliness
Make sure your meter or monitoring system is easy to handle, especially if you have arthritis. Several features can make meters easier to use. Some models require a smaller-sized drop of blood. Ask how much blood is required for each model you might be considering. With some models, too little blood may give a faulty reading, and you may need to repeat the test. This can be inconvenient at best, but it could be a problem for people with poor circulation in their hands or those who must check their blood glucose in cold environments.
Other models may require more hands-on time than others. For example, stay away from devices that require too much time if you’re always in a hurry. Some meters can measure blood glucose just seconds after a drop of blood lands on the strip. These devices can be very useful when you test often or in work and social situations, where a few seconds here and there really make a difference. If you are always on the move, you may want to consider a meter and insulin pen combination.
Blood Contamination
Contamination can be a serious concern if you have an illness such as hepatitis or HIV infection. So, choose a system that will keep handling of blood samples to a minimum. Don’t share lancet devices or meters in which blood can contaminate the device. Always dispose of sharps properly.
Support System
If you are using a meter for the first time, consider one that offers a video that teaches you how to do the reading. A picture or visual image can make a seemingly complicated procedure crystal clear. Also make sure that the company has a 24-hour toll-free number to call for any questions about the meter. Sometimes a quick phone call clears up a simple problem. Also check that your health care team is familiar with the model you purchase and that supplies are easily available in your area or by mail order.
Meter Memory and Data Management System
Your meter can do much more than give you a blood glucose reading. It can also store and manage these readings and sometimes even make recommendations for food or insulin doses based on this information.
Some meters can store up to 3,000 glucose readings. A big memory can be helpful for people who carry their meters around with them during the day. Some models have one-button memory recall to review recent results.
Your meter’s data management system is also important to consider. Some models will help you upload the information to a web portal that only you and your health care provider can access. Some models come with software programs that you download to your computer to help you track and visualize your results. These programs can provide trend analysis, averages, graphs, printouts, and more. This can make it easier for you and your health care team to pinpoint any problem areas that might arise. You’ll read more about keeping records of your readings in the logbook section below.
Surprisingly, data management systems don’t cost too much more than regular meters. Before you buy a system, check to see if your health care team uses or recommends one system over another. Also call the manufacturer’s toll-free number, and ask them what you will be getting. They should answer any questions you may have.
Don’t buy a high-end blood glucose data management system unless you can afford the extra cost. Many people find that they can get along with a good logbook. This is especially true if you have type 2 diabetes and monitor less often.
How to Use a Blood Glucose Meter
Follow your meter manufacturer’s instructions for calibrating, setting date and time, and using control solutions. Check to make sure your strips are not outdated, and store them within the proper temperature limits. Strips can be ruined if they are kept outside the range of acceptable temperatures. If you have problems, there is a toll-free number on the back of the meter that you can call for help. Read the instructions for possible test sites.
Equipment
• Lancet
• Test strip
• Cotton ball or tissue
• Blood glucose meter
• Logbook
Instructions
1. Make sure your hands and skin are clean and dry. Soap or lotion on your skin can cause incorrect test results.
2. Puncture the skin where testing is to be done with the lancing device. If there is a problem with potential hypoglycemia, use your finger for testing.
3. Squeeze or milk out the amount of blood needed by the individual meter. With alternative sites, follow manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Follow instructions to see if blood needs to be dropped on the test strip or if the finger or other site should be held so the strip can absorb the blood.
5. Apply firm pressure with a cotton ball or tissue to the lanced site until bleeding stops.
6. Dispose of the lancet and test strip according to local waste disposal laws.
7. Record your test results in your logbook. See more about logbooks below.
Continuous Glucose Monitors
A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a small sensor inserted under the skin that measures the fluid between cells called interstitial fluid. This measure correlates to blood glucose. The monitor communicates wirelessly with a handheld device that displays your interstitial fluid level. The sensor must be changed every few days or so. The system can display real-time glucose levels at 1- and 5-minute intervals, and alarms can be set to alert patients of high or low glucose levels. Rapid rate of change can also be displayed. In addition, these systems come with data management software to help patients see readings in trend charts and graphs.
CGMs are more expensive than traditional meters. However, some insurance is beginning to cover these devices.
Although CGMs have not been widely studied, some initial studies have shown that they may beneficial for patients who wear the devices all the time and are highly motivated. For example, continuous glucose monitoring along with tight blood glucose
