Diabetes Management: Blood Glucose Meters

Author: Scott Michaels

One of the great things about the Internet is that it has created a global community for discussions of topics such as diabetes. You'll find there are a number of forums that will allow you to talk to others facing your situation.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with diabetes, one of your first steps will likely be to find a glucose meter. There are some things to keep in mind as you make your decision because this piece of equipment is likely to be part of your life for the foreseeable future.

A glucose meter (or glucometer) is a medical device for determining the approximate amount of glucose in a drop of blood obtained by pricking the skin with a lancet. Glucose meters are portable and designed for use by ordinary people, especially those with diabetes.

There are now dozens of models of glucose meters. Typical features common to most. The average size is now approximately the size of the palm of the hand, though some are smaller or a bit larger. They are battery-powered. A consumable element containing chemicals which react with glucose in the drop of blood is used for each measurement. For most models this element is a plastic test strip with a small spot impregnated with glucose oxidase and other components. Each strip can only be used once and is then discarded.

Cost is a major issue for most people, but there's good news if you have any kind of medical insurance. A glucose meter is typically considered to be a vital part of medical treatment and insurance companies often pay for a portion or the entire cost of the meter. At the same time, there is sometimes a limit on the amount the insurance company will pay, and that may severely limit your options.

While cost is naturally important, remember that you're going to be living this life from now on. Finding a cheaper glucose meter that requires a more serious stick for blood may seem like the best option when you're writing the check for the meter, but the tedium of the daily stick may negate that cost in the long run.

There are some companies out there that help with the cost of a glucose meter if you meet specific income guidelines. This may be a good answer if your quandary about which meter to buy is purely based on financial restraints. Remember that Medicare often pays on this important testing equipment as well. Your doctor, druggist or representative of a local medical supply company may also be good sources of information about how to find the best deals and how to get help paying for a glucose meter.

Finding a very inexpensive glucose meter may be the best answer to this situation. If the meter is accurate, it'll get you through the initial period of adjusting your life to the regular testing of your blood sugar. Then take time to do some research into what's hot and what's not in glucose meters. You'll find that some make absolutely ridiculous claims and you may have to ask some questions to find those companies that produce the glucose meter that will work best for you and your lifestyle.

Related News Items

CG33: Tuberculosis
The published clinical guideline on clinical diagnosis and management of tuberculosis and measures for its prevention and control.

CG32: Nutrition support in adults
The published clinical guideline on nutrition and support covers the care of patients with malnutrition or at risk of malnutrition, whether they ar...

CG31: Obsessive-compulsive disorder
The published clinical guideline on treating obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in adults, children and young p...

CG30: Long-acting reversible contraception
The published clinical guideline on long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) for all women of reproductive age who wish to regulate their fertil...

CG28: Depression in children and young people
The published clinical guideline on the identification and management in primary, community and secondary care of depression in children and young ...

CG29: Pressure ulcer management
The published clinical guideline on the management of pressure ulcers in primary and secondary care.

CG27: Referral for suspected cancer
The published clinical guideline on referral for suspected cancer

CG26: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The published clinical guideline on the management of post-traumatic stress disorder in adults in primary, secondary and community care

CG24: Lung cancer
The published clinical guideline on lung cancer covers the full range of care that should be available on the NHS to adults who have this disease, ...

CG25: Violence
The published clinical guideline on the short-term management of disturbed/violent behaviour in in-patient psychiatric settings and emergency depar...

CG22: Anxiety
The published clinical guideline on management of anxiety (panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia, and generalised anxiety disorder) in adults...

CG23: Depression
The published clinical guideline on the management of depression in primary and secondary care.

CG21: Falls
The published clinical guideline on falls for older people (aged 65 or older) who live in the community, either at home, in a retirement complex, o...

CG19: Dental recall
The published clinical guideline on the dental recall interval between routine dental examinations.

CG20: Epilepsy
The published clinical guideline on the diagnosis and management of the epilepsies in adults and children in primary and secondary care.

CG17: Dyspepsia
The published clinical guideline on managing dyspesia in adults in primary care.

CG18: Hypertension
The published clinical guideline on hypertension makes recommendations on how a GP or practice nurse working in primary care should: diagnose hyper...