13 best blood glucose meters

Means and preparations

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

One of the most common health problems of modern people is an increase in blood sugar, which is associated with the course of various diseases of the endocrine apparatus. For this reason, the indicator must be monitored daily, and in order to save time and not run every morning to the laboratory for analysis, it is optimal to use a glucometer – a special device that allows you to control the amount of sugar in the blood.

Experts have compiled a rating that includes 13 of the best models of blood glucose meters available for use at home.

How to choose a glucometer

There are several types of devices by the type of measurement:

  1. The electrochemical glucometer is distinguished by test strips coated with special solutions – when in contact with blood, they conduct a weak diagnostic current, which determines the indicator of the level of glycemia.
  2. Phenometric devices are also used with reagent-treated strips, which, upon contact with the skin, change color, according to its shade, and the desired value is determined.
  3. Romanovsky-type glucometers measure glucose levels by skin spectroscopy, but such devices are not available for home use.

In terms of accuracy, electrochemical and phenometric glucometers are similar, but the former are somewhat more expensive, they are more accurate.

The cost of a device does not always determine its accuracy and reliability – many manufacturers produce exactly budget models that are available for a wide range of sick people. The test strips should be of the same brand as the meter to avoid measurement errors.

It is also necessary to take into account the ability of the device to draw blood from a capillary or from a vein – the latter method gives a more accurate result (10-12% higher). It is equally important to take into account the size of the needle for puncturing the skin – with frequent procedures, the skin needs time to recover, especially in children. The optimal droplet size is 0.3 … 0.8 µl – for such needles penetrate shallowly, they are thin.

The units for measuring blood sugar levels can also vary:

  1. mmol / l;
  2. mg%;
  3. mg / dl.

The diagnostic time determines the convenience of using the meter:

  1. 15-20 seconds is an indicator of most devices;
  2. 40-50 minutes shows outdated or cheap models.

Technical indicators that you should also pay attention to:

  1. Power type – rechargeable battery or batteries, the latter are more convenient to use;
  2. The presence of a sound signal will help you orient yourself when the measurement result is ready;
  3. The internal memory of the device will help to save measurement values ​​for a certain period of time. This is necessary to determine the dynamics of the disease. A meter with maximum memory is recommended for patients keeping a scorecard.
  4. The possibility of connecting to a PC for exporting indicators can also be provided by the device.
  5. The presence of a nozzle for puncturing the skin in other places of the body, except for the finger, for patients of type 1 who need to take measurements several times a day;
  6. Parallel measurement of cholesterol levels is essential for patients with type 2 diabetes.
  7. Some 'advanced' type devices may even have a built-in blood pressure monitor – true multifunctional devices.

Rating of the best blood glucose meters

Nomination a place Name of product price
The best photometric glucometers 1 AccuTrend Plus RUB 9,200
2 Accu-Chek Mobile RUB 3,563
3 Accu-Chek Active with auto coding RUB 1,080
The best inexpensive electrochemical blood glucose meters 1 Accu-Chek Performa 695 RUB
2 OneTouch Select® Plus 850 RUB
3 Satellite ELTA (PKG-02) RUB 925
4 Bayer contour plus
5 iCheck iCheck RUB 1,090
The best electrochemical glucometers in terms of price-quality ratio 1 EasyTouch GC U RUB 5,990
2 EasyTouch GC RUB 3,346
3 OneTouch Verio®IQ RUB 1,785
4 iHealth Smart RUB 1,710
5 Satellite Express (PKG-03) RUB 1,300

The best photometric glucometers

Photometric blood sugar monitors are the most inexpensive, their principle of operation is based on a common chemical reaction – color indication when in contact with blood.

AccuTrend Plus

Rating: 4.9

AccuTrend Plus

The best in the category was the AccuTrend Plus photometric meter. It is able to measure not only glucose levels, but also cholesterol, lactate, triglycerides, the device is suitable for use by patients with diabetes mellitus, people suffering from lipid metabolism, and the determination of lactate levels is in demand in sports medicine. different reactive strips are sold in separate kits.

The device gives a high accuracy of the result, similar to laboratory analysis with an acceptable error of only 3-5%, therefore it is often used in hospitals to diagnose a patient's condition in an accelerated mode. In addition, the waiting time for the result is short – only 12 seconds, but can be increased up to 180 seconds. depending on the type of research. The volume of a drop of blood required for diagnostics is 10 μL, the device stores 400 measurements in classical units of mmol / L, while being connected to a PC, where the results can be downloaded.

To power the AccuTrend Plus, you need 4 AAA tiny finger batteries.

The average price is 9,200 rubles.

Advantages

  • Measurement of sugar, lactate, triglyceride, cholesterol;
  • High accuracy 3-5%;
  • Short measurement time from 12 sec;
  • Large internal memory for up to 400 measurements;
  • PC connection;
  • Automatic shutdown.

disadvantages

  • High price.
  • Expensive strips – about 2600 rubles for 25 pieces (for glucose indication).

Accu-Chek Mobile

Rating: 4.8

Accu-Chek Mobile

The Accu-Chek Mobile photometric glucometer is unique – it does not require the use of test strips, the blood count system is integrated into the device. This is a functional unique device that only works for determining the level of glucose, and for this it requires only 0.3 μl of blood (the device for piercing the skin is thin, does not injure the tissues much). The maximum measurement speed is 5 sec., The result is displayed on a large OLED display with bright backlighting, it is convenient to use it for people with low vision.

The device has a large memory capacity – 2000 measurements, each stored with time and date. Many additional functions will help in monitoring the dynamics: diagnostics can be carried out before and after meals with a corresponding mark, set a reminder of the need for measurement, there is an 'alarm clock' function, determination of average values ​​of indicators for 1 or 2 weeks, a month or 3 months.

The device displays not only the blood sugar value, the device will show when it is time to change 2 AAA batteries (enough for 500 measurements), a test cassette. Accu-Chek Mobile can be connected to a computer.

The average price of the device is 3800 rubles, cassettes – 1200 rubles (enough for up to 90 days).

Advantages

  • Compact dimensions;
  • Lack of test strips;
  • The minimum waiting time for the result;
  • Large internal memory;
  • Additional functions;
  • Fine needle;
  • PC connection.

disadvantages

  • Expensive cassettes with a limited shelf life.

Accu-Chek Active with auto coding

Rating: 4.7

Accu-Chek Active with auto coding

The budget and compact Accu-Chek Active blood glucose meter with automatic coding is easy to use: just pierce the skin with a thin needle to obtain a minimum drop of 2 μL of blood and apply a test strip to it, after 5 seconds the measurement result will be displayed on the screen. The device memory will record the last 500 received data, they can also be transferred to a PC. A useful function is the automatic determination of the average glycemic value for a certain period of time, and an alarm clock that will remind you of the need to do an analysis and eat food will not hurt.

Weighing just 50 grams, the Accu-Chek Active is the lightest device in the category. It is powered by a CR2032 round battery.

The average price is 1080 rubles, the cost of strips is 790 rubles for 50 pieces.

Advantages

  • Only 5 seconds of waiting;
  • Minimal drop of blood;
  • PC connection;
  • Low price for the device and strips.

disadvantages

  • Difficulties may arise with reading the result, it is necessary to check the strips against the table.

The best inexpensive electrochemical blood glucose meters

Electrochemical glucometers are more accurate and easier to use than photometric ones, but they also cost more. In this category we present affordable devices suitable for home use.

Accu-Chek Performa

Rating: 4.9

Accu-Chek Performa

The compact Accu-Chek Performa meter analyzes blood glucose in 4 seconds with precision in accordance with ISO 15197: 2013. Comfortable Softclix pierces the skin gently to obtain a drop of 0.6 μl, suitable for drawing blood from the capillaries of the fingers and other areas, for example, from the forearm. The manufacturer has attached 10 test strips to the kit to the device, later they will have to be bought at an average of 1,050 rubles for 50 pieces. The device records the last 500 measured values.

The device can analyze the average measurement result for 1 or 2 weeks, for 1 or 3 months, with the introduction of a critical glycemic value, it will report the critical condition of the patient. There is a function of marking the results before and after meals, it is possible to set an alarm to remind you to do an analysis.

The Accu-Chek Performa is suitable for medical use and is convenient for home use.

The average price is about 700 rubles.

Advantages

  • Automatic shutdown appliances;
  • Fast results;
  • Reminder functions;
  • Internal memory for 500 results;
  • The error in relation to laboratory tests is no more than 10% (considered minimal);
  • Low price of the device.

disadvantages

  • A relatively large drop of blood is needed;
  • Dear testers.

OneTouch Select® Plus

Rating: 4.8

OneTouch Select® Plus

In second place in the category, the OneTouch Select® Plus meter, complete with color-coded prompts. Blue, green or red colors will help to understand whether the blood sugar level is low, normal or high at the time of measurement, the function is especially useful for patients who have recently started tracking the dynamics of the indicator. For the device, test strips of increased measurement accuracy have been created that correspond to the ISO 15197: 2013 standard, they react to a blood drop in exactly 5 seconds, and the memory is able to record the last 500 tests.

The OneTouch Select® Plus kit includes a comfortable piercing handle and removable Delica® # 10 lancets – their needle is covered with silicone, its diameter is minimal – 0.32 mm, the puncture is almost painless, but the droplet is sufficient for measurement.

The device is powered by round batteries, they are already included in the kit. The instrument has a convenient interface.

The average price of the device is about 650 rubles, a set of n50 strips is about 1000 rubles.

Advantages

  • Thin lancets on a comfortable handle for piercing the skin of a finger;
  • High accuracy;
  • Large contact display with color cues;
  • View average values ​​for different periods;
  • Before and after meals;
  • Computer connection;
  • Memory of the device for 500 measurements with saving date and time.

disadvantages

  • Dear testers.

Satellite ELTA (PKG-02)

Rating: 4.7

Satellite ELTA (PKG-02)

The device of the brand Satellite of the ELTA series (PKG-02) with manual coding is not the fastest – the result is within 40 seconds, but it is highly accurate. It is easy to use – a comfortable handle with removable lancets pierces skin anywhere on the body, but the procedure is mostly painful – the device needs 2-4 μL of blood for analysis. The measurement range is significant – 1.8 … 35.0 mmol / l, but for a modern device the memory is small – only 40 values.

The main advantage of the Satellite ELTA glucometer is its high reliability. The model is brand new and has proven itself to be in perfect working order for many years. The device operates on CR2032 round batteries, they last for 2-3 years with two daily glucose measurements. Another advantage is the lowest price for test strips, only 265 rubles for 25 pieces, and you need to pay about 900 rubles for the device.

Advantages

  • High reliability, build quality;
  • Cheap test strips;
  • Auto power off;
  • Long battery life.

disadvantages

  • Long wait for the result – 40 seconds;
  • A large drop of blood is needed;
  • Minimum memory.

Bayer contour plus

Rating: 4.6

Bayer contour plus

The fourth line in the rating of inexpensive blood glucose meters went to the Contour Plus device, which does not require coding. It quickly measures the amount of sugar in a small 0.6 μl blood drop, analyzing plasma and giving the result in 5 seconds. The device is very light – only 47.5 g. It is powered by two CR2032 batteries.

In terms of functionality, the Bayer Contour Plus glucometer is not much inferior to more advanced counterparts: there is a function for setting a mark on food intake, it is possible to calculate the average value for different time intervals, the internal chip records 480 measurements, they can be exported to a PC.

The average price is about 850 rubles, n50 test strips will cost 1050 rubles.

Advantages

  • Short analysis time – 5 sec .;
  • High reliability;
  • Compact dimensions;
  • Diabetic diary set.

disadvantages

  • Dear testers.

iCheck iCheck

Rating: 4.5

iCheck iCheck

Another budget meter iCheck iCheck processes a drop of capillary blood of about 1 μL for 9 seconds, stores 180 readings in memory, and provides a connection to a computer. The device calculates the average values ​​for 1-4 weeks. A lancet device and needles for skin puncture, a case, a round battery, a coding strip, an instruction in Russian and 25 testers are already included.

The measurement accuracy of the iCheck meter iCheck is normative, so the device is suitable for home diagnostics of the patient's condition.

The average price is 1,090 rubles, the cost of strips with lancets is 650 rubles for 50 pieces.

Advantages

  • The right little drop of blood;
  • Optimal analysis speed;
  • Light weight, only 50 grams;
  • Inexpensive lancet test strips in one package.

disadvantages

  • Inconvenient lancing device;
  • Not all pharmacies sell testers.

The best electrochemical glucometers in terms of price-quality ratio

The higher priced blood glucose meters have the most accurate performance of any device available for home use. Their mechanism is reliable, manufacturers have taken care of the convenience of users.

EasyTouch GCU

Rating: 4.9

EasyTouch GCU

The EasyTouch GCU multifunctional meter is designed for the analysis of blood glucose, uric acid and cholesterol levels, so it is suitable for patients with different diseases. For the analysis of each substance, there are separate strips in the kit, which will have to be purchased if necessary. A drop of blood required for the study is 0.8 … 15 µl, for a puncture the set for the device has a special pen and replaceable lancets.

Analysis of blood composition for glucose and uric acid is carried out in 6 seconds, for cholesterol in 2 minutes, 200 results are recorded in the device memory, from where they are exported to a PC. The device is powered by 2 AAA batteries, they are enough for several months, when the charge ends, the icon will flash on the screen. However, users note the need to reset the time and date after replacing the batteries.

The set includes a self-control diary for recording measurement results, a case, replaceable lancets. The average price of the device is 6000 rubles, test strips for glucose n50 – 700 rubles, cholesterol n10 – 1300 rubles, uric acid n25 – 1020 rubles.

Advantages

  • Measurement of sugar, cholesterol, uric acid;
  • Compact dimensions;
  • Handle for auto-puncture of leather;
  • High measurement accuracy;
  • Patient diary included.

disadvantages

  • High price for test strips;
  • The price of the device.

EasyTouch GC

Rating: 4.8

EasyTouch GC

Another analyzer in the ranking is the EasyTouch GC device with automatic coding. It is designed for home control of glucose and cholesterol levels in a 0.8 µl blood drop. The calculation of the amount of sugars occurs within 6 seconds, and cholesterol – 150 seconds using different test strips included in the kit.

The internal memory assumes recording 200 measurements, the device will show the average result over a certain time period to track the patient's condition. The device is powered by a pair of AAA batteries.

To pierce the skin on a finger, there is an auto-lancing device included in the kit; disposable lancets of sufficient size to receive a drop of blood 0.8-14 μl are attached to it.

The average price of the EasyTouch GC device is 4000 rubles, strips for n10 cholesterol – 1300 rubles, for glucose – n50 – 715 rubles.

Advantages

  • To diagnose the amount of sugar and cholesterol at home;
  • High accuracy;
  • Memory for 200 results;
  • Convenient lancing device included;
  • Optimal measurement time.

disadvantages

  • Expensive test strips.

OneTouch Verio®IQ

Rating: 4.7

OneTouch Verio®IQ

The uniqueness of the next in the ranking glucometer lies in the implementation of several thousand measurements in just 5 seconds from one drop of blood, after which the device shows the average value as close as possible to the true result. If the lower or higher sugar level is repeated several times, the device will indicate this with a color signal.

The design of the OneTouch Verio®IQ meter is compact, bright screen, intuitive operation, the place of insertion of the test strip is illuminated, as is the place of collection of a blood droplet of 0.4 μL. Its one difference from analogs is the need for recharging, it has no batteries, a built-in battery. The device can also be charged by connecting to a computer via the USB port.

To puncture the skin, the kit includes a comfortable Delica handle with an adjustable puncture depth and elongated lancets, the design of the device allows you to make penetration painless and low-traumatic. The design of the case is also unique, from which you can get everything you need to measure blood glucose with one movement. Measurement can be taken before and after meals and can be marked accordingly. The memory stores 750 results, the device will show the average value for 1, 2, 4 weeks and 3 months.

The average price is 1650 rubles, the cost of n100 strips is about 1550 rubles.

Advantages

  • Average value of thousands of sugar level measurements at one time;
  • Comfortable lancing device with lancet length adjuster;
  • Built-in battery;
  • Intuitive interface;
  • Illumination of the test strip slot and blood sampling site;
  • Large memory for 750 results.

disadvantages

  • High price of strips;
  • Works only for glucose measurement.

iHealth Smart

Rating: 4.7

iHealth Smart

The iHealth Smart glucometer from Xiaomi is a technological gadget connected by software with a mobile device – a smartphone or tablet with a pre-installed program. There is no display on the device itself, the result of determining the blood sugar level is transmitted to the software through a standard 3.5 mm jack.

The delivery set includes an apparat-glucometer and a pen with lancets. There are no devices or test strips on the free market, they should be prudently ordered from representatives in cities or in online stores directly from China. The products Xiaomi are distinguished by exceptional manufacturability, the measurement results are reliable, they are recorded by dynamics and displayed in the analysis graph in the application on the mobile device. It also allows you to enter all the necessary data: reminders, average values, etc.

The average price of the iHealth Smart device is about $ 41 (about 2660 rubles), replaceable lancets with n20 strips cost about $ 18 or 1170 rubles.

Advantages

  • Compact dimensions;
  • Direct connection to smartphone with pre-installed app;
  • Comfortable handle with lancets;
  • A minimum drop of blood is needed;
  • Measurement speed 5 sec;
  • Convenient control of measurement modes and other application parameters.

disadvantages

  • Not commercially available;
  • Expensive strips.

Satellite Express (PKG-03)

Rating: 4.6

Satellite Express (PKG-03)

The rating is completed by the Satellite Express blood glucose meter with an installed CR2032 battery. It measures the sugar level in 7 seconds from a 1 µl blood drop and stores the results of the last 60 manipulations. Glucose value and indicator information is displayed in large icons on a screen suitable for visually impaired people.

The device has a sturdy and reliable design, on which the manufacturer gives an unlimited warranty. Includes a skin lancing pen with interchangeable lancets and everything you need for your first 25 home blood sugar measurements. The 'Control' strip will help you independently determine how accurate the device is in measurements.

The average price is 1,080 rubles, n25 test strips cost about 230 rubles.

Advantages

  • Inexpensive and accurate apparatus;
  • A complete set of tools and accessories for 25 measurements;
  • Inexpensive strips;
  • Lifetime device warranty.

disadvantages

  • Small memory for 60 measurements.

Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

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