When buying a continuous glucose meter you will have various options. It's best to ask your physician which meter is most suitable for your needs. For instance, if your eyesight is poor, you may want a meter with a large readout display. Buying a continuous glucose meter that comes complete with necessary lancets and test strips could save you money. You should also ask your insurance company if coverage will be provided for the model you select.
If you've been recently diagnosed with diabetes and must test your blood sugar regularly, it's best to find something that is not overly complicated. Do some comparison shopping. Choose a manufacturer known for producing diabetes supplies. If you find a continuous glucose meter you'd like to try, contact customer support by telephone and ask for proper instruction.
It is best to choose a continuous glucose meter that has been tested and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or similar agency. Also, look for a blood glucose monitor that is approved or endorsed by a diabetes association. You might want to read online reviews for the product as well.
For a convenient feature, look for a programmable continuous glucose meter. This feature allows you to set an alarm that warns you when your blood sugar levels are not in the targeted range. A continuous glucose meter requires the use of two devices: a sensor to wear and a transmitter to carry with you. If possible, select a model that is lightweight and not cumbersome.
Glucose meter battery life is important as well. Choose a unit with average battery life of at least 1,000 tests. In addition, look for a blood glucose monitor with automatic shut off. This may extend the battery life to some extent.
Some blood glucose meters have a backlit display. This is a convenient feature for monitoring glucose levels at night, or in low lighting conditions. Keep in mind, using the backlit display will reduce battery life.
In addition to ease of use, you'll want a continuous glucose meter that is simple to clean, disinfect and calibrate. Some blood glucose meters are more difficult to care for than others. A meter that requires calibration every eight hours can be more inconvenient than using one that needs to be calibrated every 18 hours. Although it might cost more, a monitor that features automatic calibration is convenient. Additionally, be sure the continuous glucose meter comes with a manufacturer warranty.