How do I Choose the Best Talking Glucose Meter?

Choosing a talking glucose meter instead of a standard silent blood glucose meter can be a big help to a visually impaired person. Choosing the best talking glucose meter depends on your preferences, along with the features of the glucose meter. Checking the speaker system, memory system, design, amount of blood needed and special features will reveal the best talking glucose meter for your needs.

The speaker system of a talking glucose meter is an important aspect, because there is no other way to hear the results if the speaker does not perform satisfactorily. Most modern talking glucose meters have a clear speaker system, so you can easily hear the number. If the speaker is muddled or inferior, however, you will have difficulty hearing the number. The volume of the glucose meter should be adjustable, so it is not obtrusive or muffled when used.

A memory system, which tracks your blood glucose level, can be beneficial in tracking your glucose count over time for both personal use and to provide to your doctor. Most glucose meters, talking or otherwise, come with a built-in memory system that tracks anywhere from less than 100 entries to hundreds of entries. The more entries the unit can hold — and whether the unit can also hold entries such as amount of insulin used — the better it is.

The design of a talking glucose meter may seem a frivolous consideration, but it can greatly affect the usability of the meter. The best talking glucose meters have ergonomic designs that are easy to hold and to use — and allow for effortless swapping of test strips between uses. The monitor, which shows the glucose number, works best if it has a large display. This allows for both visual and audio verification of the glucose test.

No one likes giving blood to glucose meters. Talking glucose meters that require less blood are better in this regard. Less blood normally translates to less pain, and smaller prick marks, when using a talking glucose meter. Most units will still cause an irritating pinch when used, so pain is not entirely eradicated.

Each talking glucose meter comes with its own set of special features. Some are non-invasive, take measurements of ketones, have quick testing systems, are able to download glucose results to a computer, and allow for alternative testing sites aside from the tip of the finger. Check all special features of a specific unit to see if they apply to your lifestyle and needs before choosing.