Choosing a Glucose Meter

Many varieties of blood glucose meters are available, each with various features that can make testing your blood sugar fairly easy. You can ask your doctor or diabetes nurse educator to help you determine the best monitor for you. You can also do an Internet search on blood glucose monitors to find unbiased consumer ratings on various models. These ratings are based on ease of use, amount of blood required for testing, cost, speed of results, and variety of features.

Most electronic glucose meters automatically log blood glucose levels; some store as few as 40 readings, and others can store over 3,000 readings. Most monitors are equipped with computer interface ports that allow users to upload blood sugar readings, as well as the date and time of each reading, into a personal computer with the use of special software. Many physicians use this software in their offices, enabling patients to forgo paper-and-pen methods of record keeping of blood glucose levels. Some more sophisticated glucose meters allow you to record your activity levels, dosages of insulin, food intake, and any other data that you and your physician may think are important in monitoring your health. Meters with these electronic record-keeping features are convenient for those who travel frequently and don't want to pack log books into their luggage.

If you have Medicare insurance coverage, you can get 100 percent reimbursement for blood glucose monitors and test strips, and it doesn't matter which meter you choose, be it a simple, inexpensive device or a more expensive, more sophisticated model. If you have HMO coverage or private insurance coverage, you may be able to get your blood glucose monitor at no cost, but often there's a copayment or deductible charge for test strips. Insurance companies offer reimbursement or low costs for blood glucose monitors because monitors are a reliable preventive measure against long-term complications. Patients who regularly use blood glucose monitors end up saving insurance companies money in the long run because patients can control their health and avoid emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and other drug expenses simply by controlling their blood sugar levels.

Whatever form of documentation you choose to use (pen and paper or your monitor's memory features), this documentation allows you and your health care team to spot patterns and make correlations between your diet and exercise plans. For instance, if you have type 1 diabetes and are on a mixed-insulin regimen and note that your afternoon glucose reading is low on the days when you exercise in the morning, you and your physician may choose to increase your food intake or change the morning dose of your longer-acting insulin according to your activity level on those days.