If you’re one of the almost 10 percent of Americans with diabetes, keeping track of blood sugar levels can help keep you out of the hospital. A home glucose meter is essential.
Consumer Reports tested 29 blood glucose meters for accuracy by comparing their results to those from a glucose analyzer used in medical labs.
Another important consideration is the cost of the test strips. Those little strips are a big, ongoing expense. And the cost can vary wildly.
For example, Consumer Reports’ top-rated glucose meter, the FreeStyle is easy to use, very accurate and costs just $20. But the strips are very expensive, $2,400 per year if you test four times a day.
Compare that with the Up & Up glucose meter from Target. The same number of strips costs far less, $525. That’s an annual savings of about $2,000. And Consumer Reports found the Up & Up meter easy to use and very accurate. It costs $15.
Another good choice is the $15 ReliOn Micro from Walmart. It takes a few seconds longer to get a reading, but it’s also very accurate, and the annual cost of the strips is also $525.
Consumer Reports health experts say that anyone taking insulin should monitor their glucose levels frequently at home, as should pregnant diabetics. How often you test is a decision you should discuss with your doctor.
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