9 Things to Consider When Choosing a Blood Glucose Monitor

Controlling your blood glucose levels is key to managing diabetes. Many factors such as exercise, food, stress and medications can affect your blood glucose levels. Accurate and timely testing helps people with diabetes in adjusting their diet, exercise routine and medications, which in turn helps prevent the development of complications.

The most important device available for blood glucose testing at home is a glucometer. It is a simple, hand –held device that can evaluate your blood sugar levels effectively in a small amount of time.

Many types of blood glucose meters are available in the market. Choosing the right glucometer, and properly using it at home can simplify diabetic care to a great extent.

Here are nine key factors to consider when choosing a blood glucose meter:

1. Ease of use and maintenance. A simple to use glucometer ensures that you will use the glucometer as often as you should. Easy to use glucometers have wide, bright displays, easy to handle buttons, small blood sample and hygienic ejection buttons.
2. Cost. The price of glucometers may vary but the test strips are by far the most expensive part of using a glucometer.
3. Information storage. Your glucometer should store your previous readings for future reference.
4. Support. Many glucometer manufacturers include a toll-free number that you can call for help. Look for a meter that includes clear instructions that demonstrate the correct way to use the meter.
5. Accuracy. The glucometer should be capable of calculating the exact blood glucose values, with scope for error lying within the permissible +-15% range.
6. No coding necessary. Not having to code your meter every time you open a pack of test strips -- inputting a new code by hand or by using a key or chip -- means one less opportunity for error. One should look for a glucometer which is has inbuilt auto-coding.
7. AST. Being able to draw blood from alternative sites apart from your fingertips, such as palms and forearms can give your sensitive fingertips a break. Some meters allow you to test with blood from your arms, legs or abdomen too.
8.  Small sample size.  The smaller the blood sample your meter requires for each test, the less painful it tends to be, and the less likely you'll get an "insufficient blood" error and waste the test strip. One should go for a glucometer requiring a blood sample of 0.5 microlitre or lower.
9. Size and portability. The size of the glucometer should be such that it fits easily in the pocket, and should offer great convenience when transporting from one place to another. Small size and pocket friendly glucometers ensure that you will more likely carry your glucometer with you every time you step outside your home.

CONTROL D is the first ‘Made in India’ glucometer that checks all the above categories. Its pocket friendly and compact design allows one to easily carry it at all times and test whenever and wherever. CONTROL D glucometer is auto-coded, stores up to 500 readings and requires a minimal blood sample of 0.5 microlitres. The wide display allows easy reading of the results, catering specially to the aged with impaired vision. Being the premiere home-grown brand of diabetes monitoring devices, it is extremely cost effective in terms of both, the glucometer and the test strips. CONTROL D has also launched diabetes testing accessories including blood lancets, safety lancets and alcohol swabs. With every purchase of a Control D Glucometer, you will get dedicated customer service via the Toll-Free number to assist you in managing your diabetes.

Check your blood glucose levels with Control D regularly to manage your Diabetes