Which meter to choose – which manufacturer should you choose?

Each person pays attention to health, regardless of age and occupation. This is especially true for patients with diabetes mellitus. Blood glucose meters measure blood glucose levels without complex tests. This procedure is vital. Today, manufacturers offer a variety of home appliances for everyday use at home.

Which blood glucose meter is better to buy for yourself?

Today many companies specialize in the production of medical equipment. Glucometers are considered to be of increased importance because they make life easier for people suffering from diabetes. Trust is aroused by the products of proven brands.

Bayer

The German chemical and pharmaceutical company was founded in 1863, today its headquarters are located in Leverkusen. She invented the drug Aspirin, polymers polyurethane and polycarbonate. Today Bayer AG is the largest manufacturer of medical devices, including blood glucose meters.

Abdott diabets care

The English company Abdott Diabets Care, as the name implies, takes care of people suffering from diabetes. It offers devices that monitor blood glucose levels using advanced and accurate test methods. The blood glucose meters of this brand are fast and require less blood to be checked.

Diamedical

Diamedical is developing and constantly expanding the range of products it offers. The British manufacturer of medical products has a strong position in the Russian market. The blood glucose meters of this brand are distinguished by attractive prices and a wide range of test strips and lancets.

Bionime

The Swiss company Bionime, founded in 2003, offers blood glucose meters, test strips and lancets for them. They are designed to make blood glucose testing safer and easier for the average person, so the analysis is done without special training.

TaiDoc

TaiDoc, an Asian medical device manufacturer, offers low-cost blood glucose meters for home use. Since 2005 the company has been operating on the Russian market, distributing through official manufacturers. Glucometers of this brand allow you to take blood from your finger, thigh, and forearm.

Types of glucometers

A regular blood test is required for people suffering from endocrine diseases. Manufacturers offer different types of blood glucose meters for accurate and fast analysis. They are designed to detect deviations from the norm. Thanks to this, a person can quickly take the necessary measures.

Blood glucose meters are divided into categories:

1. electrochemical;

2. photometric;

3. non-invasive.

Each category is distinguished by its inherent characteristics and principles of work. Manufacturers use the latest advances to improve analytical accuracy.

Electrochemical glucometers

This type of blood glucose meter is considered convenient and popular. They use the amperometric or coulometric blood test method. To determine the level of glucose in the blood, an electric current is passed through the sample on the test strip, after which the meter analyzes the indicators. The higher the amperage, the more sugar in the blood.

Advantages

• high functionality and measurement accuracy;

• ease of use even for children and the elderly;

• high measurement speed – 5-10 seconds;

• the minimum amount of blood for analysis.

disadvantages

• strips must be analyzed quickly, otherwise they cease to be active;

• electronic encodings are difficult for some people.

Such devices simplify the analysis procedure because the patient does not need to independently compare the colors on the test strip. Some models additionally analyze the level of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood.

Photometric glucometers

Such devices demonstrate the results of the analysis using special test zones. They are considered reliable, which is why many people prefer these analyzers. The peculiarity of the work is that the device independently determines the color of the analysis and compares it with the scale. It is able to translate color values ​​into a specific number format for convenience.

Advantages

• simplicity and reliability in use;

• the ability to save analysis indicators or transfer to a computer;

• replacement of needles, lancets and strips from the kit.

disadvantages

• short-lived and easily fail;

• temperature drops give an error in measurements

These mini analyzers for home use were the first to hit the market. They eliminated the need to independently analyze the color scale. But photometric glucometers are gradually disappearing from the market.

Non-invasive blood glucose meters

Such blood glucose meters are sometimes called Romanov or optical. They are able to determine the level of sugar without taking blood for analysis. For this, muscle tone and pressure are checked. Some models also use ultrasonic, electromagnetic and heat waves to obtain the necessary information, or perform a spectral analysis of the skin for sugar release.

Advantages

• no need to pierce the skin and take blood for analysis;

• the possibility of constant monitoring;

• good measurement accuracy.

disadvantages

• high price.

Non-invasive blood glucose meters are a new word in the industry, but these devices are not yet widely available. In addition, the methods of analysis are not yet fully honed, so errors arise. But we can say with confidence that in the near future they will occupy a part of the market.

The principle of operation and the device of the glucometer

Design features and principles of operation depend on the specific model of the meter. But they serve the same purpose and use the same blood test method. For a long time, devices were used that pierced the skin on the finger and analyzed the blood using special test strips. These strips are a key element because their surface is coated with a special reagent. Thanks to him, the sample is painted in a certain color.

The glucose level is determined by the color spectrum. Previously, you had to use a special scale for this, but modern blood glucose meters are able to independently evaluate the results and give out specific numbers. To obtain information, the test strip is inserted into a special slot on the device body.

Photometric and electrochemical blood glucose meters use different methods of testing blood. The former determine the amount of sugar by the color scale of the reagent, while the latter pass an electric current and determine the resistance. This allows obtaining accurate results, on the basis of which the necessary decisions are made in the future.

Meter selection options

Household blood glucose meters are important for people with diabetes, high cholesterol, or other similar problems. The choice of a specific model is approached with all responsibility. Doctors distinguish several parameters of glucometers:

1. method for calibrating the analysis result;

2. the amount of blood required for the analysis;

3. the accuracy of the results obtained;

4. check speed;

5. the amount of built-in memory;

6. additional parameters for measurement.

Based on this, an assumption is made about how effective and convenient the device will be in home use.

1. Calibration method

2. Each meter uses a specific blood test method. There are two options:

3. for plasma – venous blood is required for testing;

4. by capillary blood – blood from a finger, thigh, and forearm is used for testing.

The first method is accurate, but it is used on specialized glucometers when errors cannot be allowed. The second method is simple for everyday analysis, but it gives errors. In the capillaries, the sugar content is 10-12% lower, therefore the corresponding coefficient 1.11 is used.

Amount of blood required

Each model requires a specific volume of blood to be analyzed. It is calculated in a few milliliters. Accurate and modern blood glucose meters do not require deep punctures, so the procedure is less discomforting. Remember that with age, capillary blood circulation is impaired, so older people need 2-3 μL for analysis. The rest of the people need no more than 1.5 μl.

Accuracy of the results obtained

The most important parameter on which the meaning of the procedure depends. Even modern household blood glucose meters cannot be compared in accuracy with laboratory tests. In some cases, the error reaches 15-20%, and this is acceptable. The measurement accuracy is reduced by various factors. To reduce errors to a minimum, testers and analysis methods are used, as well as special encodings for duplicating results.

Checking speed

This parameter shows how long it takes for the meter to get results. Modern models do it in 5-6 seconds, but even simple devices rarely need more than 10-12 seconds. This is not such a critical indicator.

Built-in memory

Modern devices are used to check and maintain a 'medical history'. Many models save the results of the analysis, which allows you to track changes and dynamics. The memory stores up to 500-600 checks, but some blood glucose meters have a volume designed for several thousand records. This is useful for those who keep a diary or track changes over a long period of time. In addition, information is transferred to a computer via a USB port.

Additional parameters for measurements

Selected models show blood sugar and blood pressure, muscle tone, cholesterol. This allows a comprehensive approach to health monitoring issues.

Which blood glucose meter should you choose?

If there are no serious health problems, and a glucometer is required only for prevention, then a simple photometric model without an abundance of additional functions will do. The memory capacity for 500 records is enough to track changes over the Nth time period.

For constant monitoring of glucose levels for people with the first stage of diabetes mellitus, electrochemical glucometers are suitable. It is best to choose a meter with test strips to improve accuracy.

People with stage II diabetes and obesity require functional devices. It is better to choose models that can analyze blood parameters and blood pressure.

Elderly people should take into account the characteristics of the body and existing health problems. But in any case, devices with a large screen and simple controls are suitable for them. The sampled blood volume should be at least 2-3 μL to ensure accuracy.

How much does the meter cost?

1. Plasma-calibrated electrochemical glucometers cost from 600 rubles.

2. Blood-calibrated electrochemical glucometers cost from 900 to 1600 rubles.

3. Plasma-calibrated photometric glucometers cost from 600 to 4000 rubles.

!

In the next article, our experts will tell you how to choose the right meter and which manufacturer to give preference to.

---

Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.