How to Buy a Glucose Meter

If you have diabetes, purchasing a blood glucose meter (or glucometer) is one of the best and most important ways to monitor your blood sugar at home. You can use this device to manage your diet, make sure your treatment is working properly, and keep blood sugar in a safe range. Buying the right glucose meter may seem daunting, but it’s simple enough when you consider your unique needs, get helpful advice, and keep costs at a minimum.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Identifying Your Basic Needs

1
Prioritize your primary goals. Some models of glucometers offer basic readings but do not store records over time. Others include memory storage that maintains data about each reading, including the date and time for several months. Some models require only a small sample of blood to successfully complete a reading, something that diabetics who must monitor blood sugar once daily or more will find helpful. Even a factor such as size may be important for choosing the right machine.
- To narrow down what you need, make a list of the top 5 most important aspects that you’re looking for in a glucose meter. Number them from most to least important. Consider price, memory storage, type of strips needed, how much blood is needed, size, or any other element that is important to you. ^{[1]XResearch source}
Oftentimes choosing a glucose meter is based on personal preference, but some doctors may be able to make recommendations for you. Endocrinologists, who specialize in treating people with diabetes, probably have a lot of knowledge from other patients about what brands are the most accurate and easy to use. Ask your doctor if they prefer any specific meter over others.^{[2]XResearch source}
3
Read user reviews and check ratings. Investigate the ratings of any blood glucose monitor that seems like a good fit. As with most products, some meters are more reliable than others in terms of readings, the integrity of data archived, and other attributes. By taking the time to check into consumer ratings and comments, you can avoid investing in a glucose meter that fails to live up to the promises made by the manufacturer.
- This is especially important for measures of accuracy. See what people have to say about how accurate their brand of machine is, versus what the company reports.^{[3]XResearch source}
- It is also a good idea to consult with a buying guide, such as the one put out by Diabetes.org.^{[4]XResearch source}
Most models today are easy to use, requiring nothing more than placing a small blood sample on a test strip and inserting one end of the strip into a specific slot on the meter. A few are somewhat more complicated, requiring you to press keys to adjust the settings or reset them each time. Consider ease of use - if you want something simple and easy, go with models that require no more than 2-3 steps to obtain a reading.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Considering Your Advanced Needs

1
Look for a meter with extra functions. Many glucometers will calculate and store your average blood sugar readings over 1 week, 2 weeks, and/or 1 month periods. Some let you “flag” results as being either pre- or post-meal, which can really help you and your physician monitor your diet and how much insulin you need at different times.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Ask your doctor if functions like these are important for you to have in your glucose meter. They will be able to tell you how valuable this information might be.
- If you have poor eyesight, get a machine with a large, bright screen, or one that gives results out loud.
- A lot of newer meters can also act as continuous glucose monitors that have a sensor you apply for 14 days to read blood sugar without poking.
Maybe you have a hard time keeping track of your blood sugar over time. Maybe your partner, child, or parent accompanies you to your doctor and helps you maintain your diabetes. Some meters allow you to transfer all the information to someone else’s computer, usually with a USB cable. Consider whether this is an important tool for you.^{[6]XResearch source}
For some patients, being able to check for ketones in their blood is a necessary function of a glucose meter. Obtain a glucometer with this function if you have type I diabetes or are prone to ketoacidosis.^{[7]XResearch source}
If you or a loved one you are caring for speak a language other than English, take this into consideration. Some meters can speak or write in non-English languages, and finding one that’s appropriate can make care much easier.^{[8]XResearch source}
5
Avoid using GDH-PQQ test strips if you take a medication containing sugar. Some blood glucose meters use what is called GDH-PQQ test strips. It’s been found that these strips and meters may give an inaccurate reading if you are taking certain medications that contain sugars. Meters that still use GDH-PQQ test strips are Accu-Chek, TRUE2Go, TRUEtest, and TRUEresult. Avoid these models if you use any of the following:
- Peritoneal dialysis solution icodextrin
- Certain immunoglobulins like Octagam 5%, Vaccinia Immune Globulin IV, HepaGamB, Gamimune N 5%, or WinRho SDF liquid.
- Orencia (abatacept)
- 4% icodextrin adept adhesion reduction solution
- The radioimmunotherapy medication Bexxar
- Anything that contains or metabolizes into galactose, maltose, or xylose.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Obtaining Your Supplies

Different glucose meters use specific test strips, so before spending money on your meter decide how you’re going to purchase your test strips. This may be from a pharmacy, or you may buy them in bulk over the internet. Find out what test strips are available to you, so that you definitely get a compatible glucose meter without a monthly hassle of finding more strips.^{[9]XResearch source}
2
Visit your local pharmacy to get your meter. Almost every pharmacy like RiteAid, Walgreens, or CVS will have glucose meters for sale. They are commonly-used products that should be readily available. You can ask the pharmacist or a sales associate to help you locate them in the store.
- Stores like Target and Walmart that have health items should also carry them in stock.
3
Buy a glucose meter online. Shopping online is efficient and easy, as long as you obtain the right product. Buy from recognizable online stores like Amazon, and only buy new products – never used. You can also decide which type of glucose meter you want and purchase one from the company’s website directly.
- Avoid buying from outside your own country, as specifications might be different than what you and your doctor are familiar with.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Keeping Costs Down

1
Get a prescription for a glucometer from your physician. Your healthcare provider should be able to prescribe you a glucose meter, lancing device, and test strips. This should enable you to use your insurance, and can greatly decrease the price of your supplies. Ask your doctor for a prescription for these items if they do not write one for you automatically.
- If you have a prescription, you need to use the same brand of strips and glucometer.
2
Check with your insurance about coverage. Call your health insurance company to ask what models of glucose meter they will cover. Some insurance companies may only cover specific brands, and you definitely want to use your insurance to help cover costs every month.^{[10]XResearch source}
- If you have controlled A1c, then insurance will typically cover 1 strip per day rather than a normal 3–4.
3
Look for a glucose meter at a good price. There are many different brands and models on the market today. Some of the private branded models offered by chain pharmacies have a very low price tag, and name brand meters can sometimes be purchased on sale.
- Determine what type of other supplies come with the meter as part of a starter kit, such as a few lancets and possibly a small number of test strips.
- Be cautious about cheaper models since they might not be as accurate. If you can afford it, buy a meter from a reputable brand.
4
Project the future cost of using the glucose meter. A common ploy by manufacturers is to offer a particular brand of meter for a sale price to attract buyers, but they fail to tell you that the test strips required for use with the meter may be very expensive.^{[11]XResearch source} Look beyond the initial purchase and get some idea of how much you will pay for supplies in the future.
- When making your selection, it might help to make a spreadsheet of the costs of the meter, strips, and lancets. See what each brand will cost for one month of use. Multiply by 12 to see what each brand will cost to use for a year. Even multiply that by 5 for a 5-year estimate. You might find that one brand becomes a better financial choice over time.
It is often possible to purchase strips at online retail sites to save money. When using this approach, always check for the expiration date on the strips and determine if you can reasonably use all those strips before that date. You can also try to save money by getting supplies through your health insurance or using a pharmaceutical assistance program.
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