Diabetes Test. How to choice blood glucose meter and test strip

The most common method of monitoring the blood sugar is by pricking your finger with a lancet (a small, sharp needle), putting a drop of blood on a test strip and then placing the strip into a meter which displays your blood sugar level. Usually, the meter shows the results in less than 5 seconds and may record down the information for later use. The meters can also calculate the average blood sugar level for a period of time.

In choosing blood glucose meter, you should discuss with you doctor or pharmacist. You may choose models that store the testing results for a day, a week or a month according to you need. If you have to monitor frequently, you may want to find a blood glucose meter that requires a smaller sample of blood. If you want to compare daily tests result, you may get one with more memory capability. Other factors you have to consider are the size of the display, testing speed, portability of the meter, cost of the device and cost of the test strips. Make sure the meter is easy for you to use. And remember to consider the maintenance and cleaning, too. Last but not least, all home blood glucose meters and test strips must be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This ensures the meter compares in consistency and accuracy to similar products on the market.

You should also note the compatibility of blood glucose meter and test strips. As different brand blood glucose meter and test strips may not work probably. Therefore, you should probably choose the same brand blood glucose meter and test strips.

Blood sugar testing is usually recommended before meals, after meals, and at bedtime. Frequency and timing of blood sugar measurements should be depended on yourself.