Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Most Accurate Blood Glucose Meter

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Why Dexcom Diabetes Cgm Technology Is So Hot

Time to Replace Glucose Meter? Is it ACCURATE ? How to know? Doctor explains SugarMD

Weve come a long way in continuous glucose monitoring technology since it first hit the market over two decades ago, and San Diego-based Dexcom has been leading the way on innovation for most of that time.

Since the launch of its initial 3-day sensor in 2006, Dexcom has helped shape how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration views this tech and forged new paths in providing more options for people to keep tabs on their blood sugars with a quick glance at a receiver, mobile app, or smartwatch.

Dexcom is not the only CGM maker, and it wasnt the first Medtronic launched the first-ever CGM way back in 1999. But from its earliest model to the latest mobile connected device, Dexcom has cemented its spot as the most popular full-featured CGM available.

Everything changes quickly in the diabetes device universe, so its important to keep tabs on what the company is up to. Heres a deep dive into what Dexcom is offering in 2020 and beyond, along with a bit of its rich history.

Best For Home: Auvon Ds

Courtesy of Amazon

  • Does not include control solution

When youre testing from the comfort of your own home, its easier to get a little bit more high tech with your monitoring system. This glucometer from AUVON utilizes cutting-edge test trips that consistently surpass international accuracy standards. The strips are produced using an automatic carbon printing technique, which ensures that they remain both stable and precise.

The lancet device used to retrieve your blood sample is also said to be less painful than others, which may help you better stick to your testing regimen. The monitor itself fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, is easy to read, and stores continuous 7-, 14-, and 30-day average results.

This kit comes with the AUVON DS-W blood glucose monitor, one battery, 150 blood test strips, 25 lancets, one lancing device, a meter use guide, and a test strip user guide. It does not include a control solution.

Result Speed: N/A | Included in Kit: Monitor, 150 test strips, lancing device, lancets, batteries, carrying bag

Top 10 Blood Glucose Meters

Product Name
1. Contour Net EZ 4.8 out of 5 5 seconds test results, bluetooth, quick and easy to setup $29.50
Bluetooth, high contrast display and easy to use $29.99
Alternate places testing, no coding required, results in 4 seconds $13.49
no scrolling, can spot check patterns and alerts you $17.99
Portable, results in 5 seconds and stores 400 test results $22.95
No coding required, 4-second results, up to 500 results stored $9.99
Stores up to 500 test results and affordable test strips $22.61
8. Livongo Health In Touch Meter 3.2 out of 5 5 seconds result period, and unlimited test strips offer $75.00
5 seconds glucose results and 10 seconds ketone results $19.99
10. Accu-Chek Smartview from Roche 4.2 out of 5

Discounted and moved from top 10

  • CVS Advanced From Agamatrix
  • Sanofi iBGStar

Overview:

  • Accuracy DTS passed accuracy
  • Features Quick to set up and start using, personal hi/low range setting, rapid test results of five seconds or less, does not have Bluetooth technology, offers meal planning tips
  • Price – $9.50
  • to read reviews.

The Contour Next EZ is great for people with diabetes or anyone new to blood glucose testing or for those who dont need all the fancy bells and whistles on a monitor. The display screen is not backlit, therefore, it may be hard to read in poor lighting. The entire meter fits well in a hand coming in at just over 3 inches tall and about 2 inches wide.

It’s available on Amazon. Learn more here.

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What Does This Mean For You

In meters, readings greater than 4.2 mmol/l, must have an accuracy of +-15 per cent for 99 per cent of readings.

However, lets translate this to real life with a couple of examples:

  • Your blood glucose meter reading of 10.0mmol/l really may range from 11.5 to 8.5mmol/l for 99 per cent of readings
  • Your blood glucose meter reading of 4.2mmol/l really may range from 4.8 to 3.6 mmol/l for 99 per cent of readings.
  • This also suggests that in the same blood drop if you used two different meters, readings may differ by up to 30 per cent. Many blood glucose meters have much better accuracy than this minimum standard, and therefore are accurate enough for you to base your decisions.

    How Accurate Are The Best Glucose Meters

    The Most Accurate Blood Glucose Meters On The Market

    Youd be forgiven for thinking that all glucometers have FDA clearance because they are medical devices, but that isnt always so. The 2018 FDA draft guidance for personal use glucose meters will require:

    • 95% within +/- 15% across the measuring range
    • 99% within +/- 20% across the measuring range

    Research conducted by The Diabetes Technology Society Blood Glucose System Surveillance Program found that accuracy varied widely between the major home blood glucose meters. At present, they are considered clinically accurate if the reading is within 20% of what a lab test would indicate. The quality of the glucometer and compatible testing strips can impact the overall accuracy of your blood sugar monitoring test.

    How accurate your glucometer is depends on the quality of the device itself and the quality of compatible test strips. Wed also recommend checking the instructions for the meter to see what substances might interfere with blood sugar reading accuracy.

    Finally, store the glucose meter and test strips according to the manufacturers instructions, as incorrect storage may also impact accuracy of readings. Test strip vials, for example, should be closed when stored. This is backed by research , published by the National Library of Medicine, that showed how test strip stability lasted longer for closed vials than open vials.

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    Buying Guide For The Best Blood Glucose Meter

    So those were some of the suggestions for the best accurate glucose meters. Now the question is how to pick the right one for yourself? Well, to make it easy for you, here are some of the things that you need to take in consideration:

    One of the most important parts is the result delivery time. There are quite a lot of meters that offer you results in just a few seconds. But some of the best glucometer too take some time. However, waiting for a few minutes to get your test done does not seem like a big deal, though. But a meter with a short delivery time will surely make your job easy.

    Some Facts To Consider

    Results of blood glucose will differ from each finger, body site and from minute to minute. Blood flows constantly through our skin and turnover is fast. Blood gets to different sites in your body at different times and as blood travels glucose leaves. This may be important if you are not always using the sides of your fingers to check blood glucose. Blood glucose can rise and fall quickly according to meal, insulin, exercise, etc.

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    Issues With The Meter

    Just like your test strips can go bad, so can your meter. Just like any other technology, glucose meters can get outdated and even break. Pay attention to the consistency of your readings and if you have any issues with battery life or other things with your meter. Getting a new meter could mean life or death for you.

    Test Strip Replacement Expenses

    Top 5 Best Glucose Meters Review in 2022

    In the end, you need to take the test strip replacement expenses as a consideration. You have to check how much the test strip is costing you. There are lots of meters that have inexpensive testing strip pricing and vice versa. So you need to ask yourself how much you are willing to spend on test strips.

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    Looking For The Best Glucometer In India Find Plenty Of Options Now

    Glucometer is the need of the hour as our lifestyles continue to become more stressful, and we dwell in habits that are not necessarily too good for our health. While we cannot keep in check all the things essential for our body, blood glucose levels can easily be tracked and maintained using a glucometer.

    Keeping the needs in mind and to make the comparison easier for you, we have prepared a list through researching, exploring, and browsing the internet about the best Glucometers that are available in the market. You can choose the one that fits your budget and fulfils your requirements. Please note that through this list, we do not intend to shade on other brands or models.

    Dont Squeeze The Testing Site

    When obtaining a sample, you may be tempted to squeeze the test site to get more blood. However, not only is this painful, but it can potentially contaminate the sample with interstitial fluid, which rests just under your skin. What you really want is blood from your capillaries, which is further under the surface.

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    What Is Continuous Glucose Monitoring

    A CGM is a compact medical system that continuously monitors your glucose levels in more or less real time .

    To use a CGM, you insert a small sensor onto your abdomen with a tiny plastic tube known as a cannula penetrating the top layer of skin. An adhesive patch holds the sensor in place, allowing it to take glucose readings in interstitial fluid throughout the day and night. Generally, the sensors have to be replaced every 7 to 14 days.

    A small, reusable transmitter connected to the sensor allows the system to send real-time readings wirelessly to a monitor device that displays your blood glucose data. Some systems come with a dedicated monitor, and some now display the information via a smartphone app, so you dont even need to carry an extra device around with you.

    Aside from the constant stream of data, most CGMs can send alerts telling you when your blood sugar levels are rising too high or dropping too low. You can also set the alert parameters and customize how youre notified.

    Its not an understatement to say that CGMs have revolutionized diabetes care. Unlike a traditional fingerstick , which provide just a single glucose reading, CGMs provide continuous, dynamic glucose information every 5 minutes. That equates to roughly 288 readings in a day.

    My Own Experience With Self

    Accurate Blood Glucose Meters (Top 5 Updated For 2020) Healthy Paths

    My CGM averages have always been correct when it comes to predicting A1C. Last summer and fall, I was using the Omnipod PDM FreeStyle meter to measure my blood glucose values and calibrate my Dexcom CGM.

    For September, my Dexcom showed a 30-day average of 132 mg/dl, which correlates to an A1C of 6.2%. That’s exactly what my lab-measured A1C was in September.

    For the past 3 months, I’ve been on MDI and using a Freestyle Lite to calibrate my CGM. Right before my latest A1C , Dexcom’s 30-day average showed 117 mg/dl, which correlates to an A1C of 5.7%. My lab-measured A1C was 5.8%.

    This is pretty much how it’s always been for me. Not the A1Cs I wish!but the match between estimates and actual results. I’ve never had any reason not to trust my blood glucose meter readings because the results always lined up.

    I do want to take some time to explain that even if the numbers don’t line up, it doesn’t necessarily mean your meter is to blame.

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    Storage Size And Retrieval

    Most glucometers store about 50 to 100 readings, but there are others on the market that can store up to 500 readings. The difference can matter for some because more readings allow you to discover patterns in when your blood glucose levels dip and rise. Dr. Goyal recommends purchasing a device with more memory storage, but only if your insurance company covers the glucometer.

    Accu Chek Aviva Plus Meter

    Easy to handle and extremely accurate, the Accu Chek Aviva Plus is an exceptional glucose meter. In fact, the Accu Chek Aviva Plus Meter is so spot-on with its levels, it has won awards because of its accuracy. The meter also allows you to download test results to your computer. This feature is great for those who want to keep track of their blood sugar levels over a long period of time and identify trends. While this meter is a little pricey, it is a great option for those who need a new meter that produces consistent results day in and day out.

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    Factors That Can Affect Accuracy In A Glucose Meter

    Even the most accurate glucose meter in the world needs to follow specific rules and protocols to ensure near 100% accuracy. Many things can affect how well your glucose test comes out. The key is to follow the blood glucose meter instructions, but also consider the following:

    Testing Technique

    The way you test can severely affect the results. This means you should always follow the instructions and avoid using alternate sites on the body unless otherwise directed, and always make sure you have enough blood on the test strip to get a reading. Using the wrong technique consistently could mean months of inaccurate blood glucose levels, and thus poor diabetes management, which could be very dangerous.

    Clean Testing Site

    It can be really easy to want to get lazy because you constantly have to check your blood sugar levels, but taking the time to clean and sterilize the testing site and to wash your hands can be the difference between a correct and incorrect test result. Any amount of dirt or grease on your hands or near the testing site can affect the outcome.

    Temperature and Environment

    Your meter needs to be stored in proper conditionssuper high or super low temperatures as well as higher altitudes can diminish the glucose meter accuracy.

    Glucose Meter Quality

    Yes, the quality of the meter matters! When it comes to managing your diabetes, dont go cheap. Your glucose meter should also meet all of the standards we mentioned above.

    Testing Strips Quality

    Calibrating the Meter

    What About Health Insurance Coverage

    Which glucose meter is the best on the market?

    Its helpful to know that the Dexcom G6, Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2, and Eversense implantable CGM are all covered by most private and public health insurance plans, including Medicare . Medtronics Guardian Connect, however, was not covered by Medicare as of December 2021.

    Historically, people with type 1 diabetes have had a much easier time qualifying for a CGM through insurance than those with type 2 diabetes because it was easier to establish medical necessity.

    Still, if you have T2D and your doctor can make a case for medical necessity, you may qualify. But your insurance company may still want to confirm whether you actually need a CGM.

    If you can prove youre experiencing both high blood sugars and low blood sugars regularly, you will likely qualify. This can be proven by providing blood glucose logs uploaded from your fingerstick meter. Generally, hyperglycemia is defined as a blood glucose level of 250 mg/dL or over, while hypoglycemia is a blood sugar 70 mg/dL or below.

    If your insurance company denies your coverage for a CGM, talk with your doctors office about peer-to-peer reviews and appeals. Pushing your doctor to fight for you matters.

    Manufacturers can have your back here, too. Dexcom, for instance, has an easy-to-complete patient information form you can submit along with your insurance information. The company will then contact your insurer to work on getting your device authorized and covered. Medtronic offers a similar service.

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    Test On Your Fingertips

    The fingertips are the recommended testing site, though many meters allow you to test on alternate sites such as the arms or palms. If you get consistent readings, this is fine. However, if youre worried about a rapid change in your blood sugar, make sure to test on your fingertips the fingertips are the most accurate site because blood circulation is faster there than other areas.

    Of course, repeatedly testing on your fingers can be painful and lead to callouses. One way to minimize pain is to choose a different finger every time you test. Additionally, avoid pricking the pad of your finger, which has sensitive nerve endings. Instead, try testing on the very tips of your fingers, close to your nails.

    Be Generous With Your Sample

    To minimize pain and inconvenience, most meters can produce a reliable reading with a portion of a microliter of blood. However, a more generous sample raises the likelihood of an accurate test.

    What if you didnt apply enough blood the first time? A handful of test strips and meters can accept a second drop, but the majority cant produce correct results with reapplication. Instead, youll need to get a new test strip and apply a generous sample.

    You have to consider many factors when testing your glucose levels, but the one thing you should be able to trust is your meters programming. Thats why MedEnvios Healthcare offers the most reliable devices. For more information, give us a call at or visit us online.

    Featured Image: Shutterstock / Syda Productions

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    Best Glucose Meter For Travel

    Compact, lightweight, and offering some travel-friendly features, the iHealth Smart Wireless Gluco-Monitoring Systemis a great option for those on the go.

    Pros: Perfect for travel use, accurate glucose meter, can pair with iPhone or Android devices and share data to health apps

    Cons: No LCD screen, minimal amount of readable information

    Frequent travelers searching for a small, easy to carry solution for testing their blood sugar levels while on the road should look no further than the iHealth Smart Wireless model. Its small size makes it easy to carry with you wherever you go, even when traveling light. Despite its diminutive stature, this model still manages to provide some outstanding features, including a few not found on bulkier devices.

    The glucose meter included in this kit is fast, very easy to use, and offers a solid level of accuracy. It also features a compact form factor that’s small, slim, and lightweight. iHealth was able to achieve this svelte design in part because this glucometer lacks the large LCD screen found on most other models. Instead, this device offers only a minimal amount of information using a series of small lights, but pairs with a smartphone for more insightful information.

    iHealth Smart Wireless Gluco-Monitoring System includes 50 test strips, 50 lancets, a lancing device, USB charging cable, and a travel case to go along with the glucometer itself. Just pair it with your mobile device to get started.

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