For patients with diabetes, the speed and accuracy of measuring blood glucose levels is vital. Devices for home use work on different technologies, have their advantages and disadvantages. Our rating is designed to familiarize with the best models in each of the categories and help make a competent choice.
Glucometer of which firm is better to choose
Which meter is better to choose
Accu-Chek
Despite the fact that photometric analysis technologies are considered obsolete,the company Roche Diagnostics manages to produce glucometers, giving an error of not more than 15%( for reference - in the world the standard of measurement error is portabledevices in 20%).
Bayer
A large German concern, one of the activities of which is healthcare. The company produces both innovative products and follows the modern achievements of the industry.
One Touch
This company's instruments allow easy measurement within a few seconds. The error does not exceed the recommended 20%.The price policy is maintained at an average level.
Omelon
The development of the company "Omelon" together with the scientific staff of Bauman Moscow State Technical University has no analogues in the world. The effectiveness of the technology is confirmed by published scientific works and sufficient volume of clinical trials.
Elta
A domestic manufacturer who set a goal to make the necessary process of self-monitoring for diabetics more accurate and affordable. The manufactured devices are in no way inferior to foreign analogues, but at the same time it is much more economical in terms of purchasing consumables.
Rating of the best glucometers
When analyzing reviews in open Internet sources, such factors were taken into account:
- accuracy of measurements;
- ease of use, including people with reduced vision and motor impairment;
- the price of the device;
- cost of consumables;
- availability of consumables in retail;
- availability and convenience of a cover for storing and carrying a glucometer;
- frequency of complaints of marriage or breakage;
- appearance;
- storage time of test strips after opening the package;
- functionality: the ability to mark data, the amount of memory, the output of averaged values for the period, data transfer to the computer, lighting, sound notification.
The best photometric blood glucose meters
The principle of their action is based on the analysis of the discoloration of the test zone, which occurs as a reaction of blood glucose to the chemical reagents of the test strip. This technique was used in the first created home glucometers.
The most popular photometric glucometer
The most popular model is Accu-Chek Active.
Advantages:
- device is easy to handle;
- large display with large numbers;
- is a carrying bag;
- memory for 350 measurements by date;
- marking of readings before and after meals;
- calculation of mean values of sugar;
- function with a warning about the expiration dates of test strips;
- automatic switch-on when inserting a test strip;
- comes with a finger puncture device, battery, instruction, ten lancets and ten test strips;
- can transfer data to the computer via infrared.
Disadvantages:
- price of test strips is quite high;The
- battery holds little;
- there is no backlight;
- no audio signal;
- there is a calibration fault, so if the results are doubtful, you need to measure on the control fluid;
- there is no automatic blood sampling, and a drop of blood should be placed exactly in the center of the window, otherwise an error is given.
Analyzing reviews about the model of the glucometer Accu-Chek Active it can be concluded that the device is convenient and practical. But people with poor eyesight, it is better to choose another model.
The most convenient photometric blood glucose meter
The Accu-Chek Mobile model combines everything you need to analyze blood for sugar in one enclosure.
Advantages:
- glucometer, test cassette and finger puncture device are combined in one instrument;
- cassettes exclude the possibility of damage to test strips due to inattention or inaccuracy;
- there is no need for manual encoding;
- Russian-speaking menu;
- for uploading data to a computer it is not required to install the software, downloaded files have the format. xls or. pdf;
- lancet can be used several times, provided that only one person uses the device;
- accuracy of measurements is higher than that of many similar devices.
Disadvantages:
- apparatus and cassettes to it are not cheap;
- during operation, the meter emits a buzzing sound.
Judging by the reviews, the Accu-Chek Mobile model would be much more popular if the price was cheaper.
The most rated photometric blood glucose meter
The most positive reviews are the device with the photometric principle of Accu-Chek Compact Plus.
Advantages:
- convenient handbag;
- large display;
- the device works from usual finger-type batteries;
- puncture pen adjustable - the length of the needle changes by simply turning the top around the axis;
- easy replacement of needles;
- the measurement result appears on the display after 10 seconds;
- memory stores 100 measurements;
- on the screen you can display the maximum, minimum and average values for the period;
- is the indicator of the number of remaining measurements;
- manufacturer warranty - 3 years;
- transfers data to the computer through the infrared port.
Disadvantages:
- uses not classic test strips, but a drum with ribbons, which makes the cost of one measurement higher;
- drums are hard to find on sale;
- when rewinding a portion of the used test tape, the device emits a buzzing sound.
Judging by the reviews, the Accu-Chek Compact Plus has a large number of ardent followers.
The best electrochemical glucose meters
Measure the current that is formed as a result of the contact of blood with the reagents of the test strip and depends on the level of sugar in the blood. This technology is used in hospitals.
The most popular electrochemical glucometer
The highest number of reviews received the model One Touch Select.
Pluses:
- is simple and easy to use;
- Russian-speaking menu;
- result in 5 seconds;
- blood required very little;
- consumables are available in retail chains;
- calculation of the average result for 7, 14 and 30 days of measurements;
- marks on measurements before and after meals;
- comes with a convenient bag with compartments, a lancet with replaceable needles, 25 test strips and 100 alcohol wipes;
- on one battery can make up to 1500 measurements;
- bag for a special harness is attached to the belt;
- analysis data can be transferred to a computer;
- close-up with clear figures;
- after displaying the results of analyzes is automatically turned off after 2 minutes;
- per device is covered by an indefinite warranty from the manufacturer.
Disadvantages:
- if the strip is placed in the device and the meter is turned on, the blood must be applied as soon as possible, otherwise the test strip deteriorates;
- price of 50 test strips is equal to the price of the device itself, so it is more profitable to buy large packages that are rarely found on shelves;
- sometimes an individual instrument gives a large measurement error.
Reviews of the model One Touch Select are mostly positive. With proper use, the results are quite suitable for daily home blood sugar control.
Popular electrochemical glucometer of the Russian manufacturer
Some savings in the price are provided by the Elta Satellite Express model. Advantages:
- to use the device very easily;
- large clear screen with large digits;
- relatively small cost of the device and test strips;
- each test strip is individually packaged;
- test strip is made of a capillary material that absorbs exactly as much blood as necessary for the study;
- the expiration date of this manufacturer's test strips is 1.5 years, which is 3-5 times higher than that of other companies;
- measurement results are displayed after 7 seconds;
- complete with the device comes a case, 25 test strips, 25 needles, adjustable handle for puncturing the finger;
- memory for 60 measurements;
- manufacturer provides an unlimited warranty on your product.
Disadvantages:
- values may differ from laboratory data by 1-3 units, which prevents the use of the device for people with severe disease;
- does not synchronize with the computer.
Judging by the reviews, the Elta Satellite Express model gives you accurate enough data if you follow the instructions correctly. Most of the complaints about inaccuracies are due to the fact that users forget to encode a new bundle of test strips.
The most reliable meter for measuring accuracy
If accuracy of results is important to you, take a closer look at the Bayer Contour TS model.
Pluses:
- compact, user-friendly design;
- is more accurate than many similar devices;
- on the test strip is often shares from the manufacturer;
- adjustable puncture depth;
- memory for 250 measurements;
- average output for 14 days;
- blood is required quite a bit - 0.6 μL;
- duration of analysis - 8 seconds;
- in the container with test strips is a sorbent, due to which their shelf life is not limited after opening the package;
- besides the actual meter, there is a battery in the box, a finger puncture device, 10 lancets, a short manual, a complete instruction in Russian;
- by cable, you can transfer the archive of data by analysis to the computer;
- manufacturer's warranty - 5 years.
Disadvantages:
- strongly scratches the screen;
- case too soft - rag;
- there is no possibility to put a note on food;
- if you insert the test strip into the receiver's receptacle not in the center, the result of the analysis will be inaccurate;
- prices for test strips are very high;
- test strips are inconvenient to get out of the container.
Reviews of the Bayer Contour TS model recommend buying the device if you can afford the consumables for a relatively inflated price.
Non-invasive glucometers
Devices manufactured using the latest scientific developments and not requiring blood sampling. The word BEST in this case we omit, since similar devices are produced units.
Glucometer with pressure analysis technology
Technology, which has no analogues in the world, is developed in Russia. The principle of action is based on the fact that the muscle tone and vascular tone depend on the level of glucose. Apparatus Omelon V-2 several times measures the pulse wave, vascular tone and blood pressure, on the basis of which the level of sugar is calculated. A high percentage of coincidences of the calculated indices with laboratory data allowed this tonometer-glucometer to be put into mass production. There are not many reviews yet, but they definitely deserve attention. Advantages:
- the big cost of the device in comparison with other glucometers is quickly compensated due to the lack of necessity to buy consumables;
- measurements are made painlessly, without skin punctures and blood sampling;
- values differ from the laboratory analysis data no more than in standard glucometers;
- simultaneously with the level of sugar a person can control his pulse and blood pressure;
- operates on standard finger batteries;
- is automatically disabled after 2 minutes after the last measurement;
- is more convenient on the road or in the hospital than invasive glucometers.
Disadvantages:
- device has dimensions of 155 x 100 x 45 cm, which does not allow to carry it in your pocket;
- warranty period is 2 years, while most standard glucometers have a lifetime warranty;
- the correctness of the readings depends on compliance with the pressure measurement rules - cuff compliance with arm circumference, patient calmness, lack of movement during operation of the device, etc.
Judging by the few available reviews, the price for the Omelon B-2 glucometer is fully justified by its merits. On the manufacturer's website it can be ordered at 6900 rubles.
Non-invasive blood glucose meter from Israel
The Israeli firm Integrity Applications solves the problem of painless, fast and accurate measurement of blood sugar by combining ultrasonic, thermal and electromagnetic technologies in the GlucoTrack DF-F glucometer model. There are no official sales in Russia yet. The price in the EU zone starts at $ 2,000.
Which meter to buy
1. When choosing a glucometer for the price, focus on the cost of test strips. The products of the Russian company Elta will hit the wallet least of all.
2. The majority of consumers are satisfied with products of Bayer and One Touch trademarks.
3. If you are willing to pay for comfort or take risks with the latest technology, buy Accu-Chek and Omelon products.