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Overview and comparison of glucometers
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Typically, an overview of glucometers is the characteristics of certain models. So, the best devices can be called those that have an electromechanical method of measurement. To date, almost all of them are such. Especially worth noting Accu Chek, Van Touch and Bionime.
These apparatuses show the exact result, they calibrate along the whole roof. In addition, they allow you to save the latest values of the tests and calculate the average value of glucose for 2 weeks. In this regard, it is worth choosing Accu Chek Active, Accu Chek Mobile and BIONIME Rightest GM 550.
If you need to get a whole multifunctional system that will monitor not only the level of sugar, but also cholesterol, and hemoglobin. In this case, pay attention to the EasyTouch model.
In general, modern devices meet all the necessary requirements. The fastest, best and best are all the models of Accu Chek and Van Tach. Any glucometer of this series can show itself in the best possible way.
Comparison of glucometers
Compare the glucometers by their main characteristics and functionality. The first thing to look at is the accuracy of the device under study. So, excellent characteristics in this area can boast BIONIME Rightest GM 550. After all, it is based on the latest technological solutions.
The principle of measurement also plays a minor role. If you take the photometric basis, then pay attention to the company Accu Chek. The best devices were Akka Chek Active, Mobile and Compact Plus. If we talk about the electromechanical method of measurement, then all the devices are good.
On the measured parameters, namely glucose and ketone, the best Optium Xceed. If we take as a basis the calibration (whole capillary blood or plasma), then the most promising in this area are practically all the devices of VanTach.
By the volume of a drop of blood it is worth giving preference to FreeStyle Papillon Mini. This device is the smallest and requires only 0.3 μl for testing. By the time of measurement, one of the best steel ITest »- 4 seconds,« Accu-Chek Performa Nano »,« Bionime Rightest GM 550 »,« OneTouch Select »,« SensoLite Nova Plus »- 5 sec.
The amount of memory is quite good in the models Accu Chek and Bionime. Based on customer feedback, in general, Clever Chek has many advantages.
Portable glucometer
This device, which allows you to know the level of glucose literally on the go. In fact, it is very convenient. If a person constantly travels and rarely is at home, then without this device he clearly can not do.
The device allows you to quickly learn the level of glucose, anywhere. The principle of its operation is no different from the usual apparatus. The same test strip, a drop of blood, a few seconds and the result.
The only distinguishing feature is the ability to take the device with you wherever you go. It is very convenient, practical and modern. This device is chosen according to the same principles. You need to check its accuracy, look at its main characteristics and familiarize yourself with the performance of the components.
There should not be any additional research. Naturally, such a device is notable for its compactness and ease of use. Under this criterion falls the device Trueresult Twist. It is the smallest of its kind. But it is far from the last. Such a glucometer brings only joy from its use.
Home blood glucose meter
Typically, a home blood glucose meter is a device that is always at hand. Such models are slightly larger than portable devices. After all, they do not need to be taken anywhere, they serve to measure the level of glucose in the home.
When choosing such a device, first of all it is necessary to pay attention to its accuracy. This is the most important criterion on which to base the choice. The obtained value should in no case exceed 20% error. Otherwise, the device can be considered incompetent. After all, there will be no sense from him at all.
Among the best include Accu-Chek Performa Nano. It has good characteristics. Is able to provide a result in 5 seconds and as a whole is a very affordable device. Optium Xceed has similar qualities. It is these devices that should be paid attention. In general, when choosing a home device, it is necessary to take into account personal preferences.
Blood glucose meter without blood sampling
Progress does not stand still, therefore, more recently, the development of such devices, which do not require the use of a test strip, has begun.
To date, these devices are called third-generation glucometers. As is known, there are photometric and electromechanical devices. This device was named - Raman.
He has a completely different way of working. It is quite possible to say that these devices are the future. How does it work? Thanks to him, it is possible to measure the spectrum of skin dispersion. According to the received data, the level of glucose is determined. Glucose is gradually released from the general spectrum of the skin and thus the amount is counted.
To date, such devices are still in development and they are not yet available. Therefore, it remains only to observe the development of the new technology. But in the future it will become a real breakthrough in the field of determining the level of glucose.
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Glucometer without puncture
There are several types of such devices. But only one of them allows you to measure the level of glucose without piercing the skin.
This method has received the name - Raman. To know the level of sugar enough to bring the device to the skin. During this process, the spectrum of the skin is dispersed and glucose begins to be released under this influence. Priory fixes all this and gives the result in a few seconds.
This is very interesting, but at the moment is not yet available. Most likely, such devices will become the most popular. After all, they will not require the purchase of additional components. Now in the lancet and test strips is not necessary. These are devices of a new generation.
Most likely, devices in a matter of days manage to gain incredible popularity. True, the price category will be much higher than conventional devices. But in this case everyone decides for himself.
Contactless Glucose Meter
Due to the fact that it was created quite recently, it was not possible to obtain wide circulation. The fact is that the contactless glucometer has many more shortcomings and is still constantly in the process of finalization.
It is likely that many people have heard about the Raman type of apparatus. So, this is it. His main job is to determine the level of glucose without puncturing the skin. The device is simply brought to the finger, the skin spectrum begins to dissipate and sugar is extracted from it. It's amazing and incomprehensible at the same time. But, nevertheless, it allows for a few seconds to understand what the level of glucose in a person at the moment.
Of course, it is not yet possible to buy such an instrument. But after a while he will certainly be able to take the lead. Although, most likely such an apparatus will, cost much higher than its predecessors. But after all, convenience comes first, so the third generation device will be able to find its admirers.
Talking glucometer
For people with limited or poor eyesight, a special talking glucometer was developed. By its characteristics, it is no different from other devices. It just has a voice control function. In addition, the device tells the person what to do and announces the test results.
One such model is the Clover Chek TD-4227A. This is a specially designed device for people with poor eyesight. It is accurate, the result is reported in seconds. But its main feature is precisely in voice control.
The device tells you what to do to a person, how to proceed and how to know the result. It is very convenient, and simple for the elderly. Because, no matter how minimal the set of functions was, not everyone can quickly master them. A talking device is, perhaps, a breakthrough. After all, thanks to such devices, they can be used by everyone, without special restrictions. The exact result, ease of use and no problems, all this combines a talking glucometer.
Clock glucometer
An interesting invention is a clock glucometer. It is very convenient and stylish. You can carry the device with you in the form of an ordinary accessory. The principle of operation is the same as that of other models. The only difference is an interesting design and the ability to use it as a clock.
This device is unique in that it is not necessary to pierce the skin. It fixes the meaning through the skin. To date, one such device is Glucowatch. True, it is a bit problematic to acquire it.
Many people say that it can cause irritation of the skin. In addition, wearing it constantly is not recommended. The plus is the lack of the need to pierce the skin. Yes, and in itself an accessory is nice to wear, because it is a copy of the Swiss watch. Find a device is not so simple, and it is much higher than its predecessors. To date, it can only be purchased abroad.
Laboratory glucometer
There is no such thing as a laboratory glucometer in principle. To date, there are still no devices that could give such an accurate result. Each device has its own error, usually it does not exceed 20%.
The exact result gives only a laboratory study. Acquire such an instrument and do all the manipulation at home does not happen.
Therefore, before you go to buy the next device, you need to undergo a laboratory test. Take the obtained data and go to test them. You can choose the most accurate device, but none of them will give the same results. This should be taken into account when choosing a quality instrument.
There are no laboratory glucometers. So you have to choose from what is. After all, in principle, there are no devices without an acceptable error. This must be understood and not require the device of something incredible. The device measures the glucose level with an error of up to 20%.
Bracelet glucometers
Absolutely new in its kind are bracelet glucometers. These are devices that you can constantly carry with you. They look like an ordinary accessory. Simply put, the clock, from the first time it's even hard to understand that this is a device for measuring glucose levels.
There are such models that are made for a Swiss watch. To buy them at the moment may not be many. First, the price is much higher than that of conventional devices for measuring glucose. Secondly, finding a device is not so easy. Not everywhere it is on sale. Most likely, it is necessary to go for him to another country.
The main feature of the device is not its perfect appearance, but the possibility of carrying out the test without piercing the skin. True, some people complain that they have skin irritation. Therefore, you need to select such a device carefully. It is advisable to consult a doctor. This device can be called a breakthrough in the field of medical technology. While it is not so common and has its shortcomings. But over time it will become an important component of life for every person in need of this.
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Electronic glucometer
For an accurate result of checking the glucose level, an electronic glucometer is needed. In fact, all of the presented models refer to this species. The devices are powered by batteries. There are built-in batteries, there are, and options where you need to change the battery. But this is not so important.
All glucometers are electronic devices. The display shows the digits, indicating the time, date of the last test. In addition, the result is displayed on the same screen.
A variety of models allows you to choose something individual. In fact, the devices are not incredible to each other. Yes, they are even in the same price category, regardless of what functions they have.
When choosing it is necessary to take into account personal preferences. The device should be accurate and show the result quickly. It is advisable that the test strips come with it or even be integrated into it.
There are functions for setting the sound signal at low or high glucose level. This is also important. There are devices with voice control for people with disabilities. In general, there are many varieties. The main thing to choose your model, which will be easy to use.
Photometric Blood Meter
The first was developed photometric glucometer. It shows the result on the basis of special test zones. So, the blood is applied to the strip and, depending on the sugar content in it, it changes color.
The resulting color is the result of the interaction of glucose with the special components that are on the test strip. True, this type of instrument is considered obsolete. The fact is that he was invented the very first, and he has a lot of shortcomings. So, the main disadvantage is a high error, which is simply unacceptable in many cases. This can lead to the fact that a person without need will take insulin and thereby harm his health.
In addition, these devices are calibrated exclusively by capillary blood. No other will do, it needs to be taken into account. And in general, is it worth to pay attention to this device at all, if there are more accurate and modern devices. Photometric refers to Accu-Check Go and Accu-Check Active.
Before buying this device, consult a doctor. He will look at the patient's condition and most likely, will advise you to choose another model.
Glucometers without coding
It is recommended to choose glucometers without code, they are the most simple and safe. The fact is that earlier many devices required the input of a special code. So, during the use of the test strip it was necessary to compare the encoding. It is important that it fully coincides. Otherwise, there was a chance of an inaccurate result.
Therefore, many doctors recommend paying attention to these devices. To use them is very simple, just insert the test strip, bring a drop of blood and learn in a few seconds the result.
To date, almost all devices are not encoded. This is simply not necessary. Progress does not stand still, so it's best to give preference to improved models. The most easy to use is Van Touch Select. It does not have the encoding and allows you to get accurate results in a matter of minutes. It is these devices have received special distribution. Naturally, many people in the old manner use devices with encoding. But in this case, each decides which model is better.
Glucometer for iphone
The latest developments are simply incredible, so just recently appeared a glucometer for the iphone. So, the device iBGStar, was released by Apple with the pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis. Intended for the device for rapid analysis of glucose.
This model is a special adapter that is attached to the phone. The determination of the sugar level is carried out by a complex algorithm. Reception is carried out by means of a special replaceable strip in the bottom part of the device. The skin is also punctured and a drop of blood is applied to the test strip. Then the device begins to analyze the received "material" and gives the result.
The adapter has its own battery, so it does not sit on the phone. The memory of the device is designed for 300 results. A characteristic feature of the device is that it can send the result to the mail to a close or treating doctor immediately after the test. It is suitable for people with the first and second type of diabetes.
Glucometer without test strips
To date, a glucometer without test stripes has been developed. Henceforth, the use of blood to determine the level of sugar in it is not necessary. Everything is done much easier. The device is brought to the skin, its spectrum is dissipated and sugar begins to be released. The device captures the received data and starts the test.
Nothing complicated, even very interesting. True, many believe that they are simply expensive and useless appliances. They just appeared on sale, and then, finding them is not so easy. The cost of such a model is several times higher than that of an ordinary apparatus. Yes, and these devices require more than one testing.
Therefore, nothing positive or negative can be said so far. Yes, the technology is new, you should expect something interesting from it. But how the device emits blood from the skin is not entirely clear. Does it really happen? They say that the future is for them. Well, it remains to wait for their full appearance in stores and testing. For sure, this model will be much better and better than all available today.
Professional glucometer
Naturally, such a device is used by medical personnel to determine the level of glucose. One such device is OneTouch VeriaPro +. This is the newest invention, which makes it possible to obtain the most accurate result.
It is safe, reliable and easy to use. In addition, they minimize the contact of the medical worker with the used test strips. The latter, give the most accurate result.
The machine has a button for automatically removing the test strip. Therefore, a medical worker does not even have to do anything. The design is designed in such a way that it does not become contaminated and does not require increased care of itself.
To analyze the level of glucose, you can take and venous blood. The device has a built-in monitoring system that allows you to tune it to operating parameters in any environment. The device does not have any drawbacks, the only thing that can be used by it is only medical personnel.
Multifunctional glucometer
This device, which not only tracks the level of glucose, but also warns about its decrease or increase.
So, similar devices have a function, the so-called alarm clock. This allows you to set the sound signal for the duration of the next test. In addition, the model warns of a decrease or increase in glucose levels. This allows a person to immediately take all necessary measures.
If you choose among such devices, it is better to give preference to the EasyTouch model. It is a multifunctional monitoring system for the state of glucose and cholesterol. The device monitors and hemoglobin. Therefore, people can use it not only with diabetes, but also hypercholesterolemia or anemia.
This is what multifunctional devices are. Naturally, they are much higher than conventional devices.
Japanese glucometers
It is worth noting that Japanese glucometers do not differ from others. They are also multifunctional and have different characteristics. But to say that they are the best of its kind can not. Because all existing models comply with the established standards and give accurate results.
If we consider this issue from the point of view of certain models, then the best, perhaps, will be the Super Glucocard II. This unit allows you to get the result in just 30 seconds after the start of testing. The data obtained are accurate and do not exceed the maximum error.
The device has the ability to save the latest results, in principle, like many others. True, the amount of memory is very small. But this is not so important, the main thing is that the device was really high-quality.
In general, to say that Japanese devices are the best of its kind is difficult. Because each model has its own pluses and minuses, regardless of the country of the manufacturer.
German glucometers
The most qualitative are German glucometers. And in general, the first devices were developed by German researchers. True, it is impossible to find something incredible to-day. Many devices are photometric, and this type is already outdated. Electromechanical devices have gained special popularity, but German developers also have such.
The most common are Accu Chek. They are famous for their ease of use and not high price. In addition, they can be both multifunctional and ordinary. Voice control, sound signals, automatic shutdown and power-on, all this is in the German model Accu Chek.
Convenient to use, high-quality and simple, all this characterizes these devices. But most importantly, they give an accurate result. Naturally, he is not like the laboratory, but very close to him. Has a minimum error of all possible.
American glucometers
Underestimate the American glucometers is not worth it, they are the best of its kind. US researchers conducted many tests, on the basis of which unique devices were created.
The most common and popular are Van Touch. They differ in their availability. In addition, they are very easy to use. The device can even be operated by a child, which simplifies the task. Some of them are the simplest and only deal with determining the level of glucose. Others are also able to calculate hemoglobin and cholesterol. These devices are multifunctional.
The accuracy of the results and the speed of the test, this is all that the American glucometers are famous for. There are also models with voice control, as well as the possibility of establishing an "alarm clock". These are very high-quality devices, which, if properly operated, can last several decades. American Van Touch is a good helper for people with diabetes.
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Domestic glucometers
For the title of the most accurate and the best can compete and domestic glucometers. A thriving company for the production of these devices is Elta. This is a stable enterprise that works in the field of innovation with a strong scientific and technical potential.
One of the best is the Satellite Plus. In a very short time he managed to become popular. The device is in high demand due to the fact that there is not much, and in many respects is not bad.
It helps people with diabetes at any moment to check their glucose levels. And the result is accurate. The main feature of this device is a low price and excellent quality.
Good characteristics are the Satellite Express. It has similar functions, but it is slightly better than its predecessor. In fact, there are quite a few options.
To date, the company does not stand still and is working on new devices. Therefore, it is likely that in the near future more advanced models will appear on the market. Maybe the first Raman glucometer will also be on sale.