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CHOOSING YOUR BLOOD GLUCOSE METER
When you've got diabetes, checking your blood sugar is of utmost importance in helping to avoid life-threatening problems. The best way to keep your blood sugar under optimum control is by testing with a blood glucose meter. Your blood glucose meter is one of the most necessary items you will use in monitoring your diabetes. When choosing the right blood glucose meter for you, keep the following in mind.
Simple Testing - Choose a meter that is simple to use and understand.
Fast Results - Choose a meter that gives you an accurate reading fast, within seconds.
Easy to Read Display - Choose a meter with a clear, easy to read display, especially if your eyesight has been damaged by diabetes.
Convenient Size and Shape - Choose a meter that is small enough to carry around wherever you go and has a comfortable shape that fits in the palm of your hand.
Simple, Less Painful Lancet - Choose a meter containing "less painful" lancets that either attach to your meter or come with a bag so you can easily keep the meter and lancet together.
No Coding Required - Choose a meter that doesn't require you to "code" in numbers from your test strips before allowing you to test.
No Individual Test Strips - Choose a meter with an "autodisc," "drum," "automated," or "preloaded" test strip cartridge that includes multiple test strips. They are simpler to use because you don't have to put in a new test strip every time you test.
Requires Small Drops of Blood - Choose a meter that only requires a small drop of blood to obtain accurate results.
Multiple Site Testing - Choose a meter that allows for multiple site testing. It's much less painful when you can test from not only your finger, but also from your forearm, thigh, abdomen, palm, or any other parts of your body.
Saves Test Results - Choose a meter that saves and records your test results, averages blood sugars, and comes with software so you can download your meter's records into your computer.
A Meter That Talks - If your eyesight has been damaged by diabetes, you can still check your blood sugar levels without the assistance of others with a talking blood glucose meter.
Most insurance companies cover the price of a blood glucose meter, lancets, and test strips, so cost is not usually too much of a factor when choosing a meter.
Check with your doctor before purchasing your blood glucose meter to make sure it is suitable for your needs.
There are often new meters hitting the market, making it simpler and more convenient for diabetics to manage their blood sugar. Keep learning and researching so you at all times have the blood glucose meter with the best features for you.
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