How to Choose a Glucose Meter

Glucose meters are not all about cost, size, and weight. That's what most diabetics would reasonably expect based on all the hype from glucose meter manufacturers. But there is one other significant factor to consider as well.
Let's strip away the veneer. When a diabetic chooses a glucose meter, he or she is looking at cost. Now you're thinking, "She just said not to think about cost." Yes, but we're not talking about the cost of the glucose meter. We're referring to the cost of the test strips.
Originally, glucose meters used test strips. Then the test strips evolved into test drums and test discs. Are these improvements necessarily better? I would have to say yes. The sealed nature of the discs, especially, is very attractive. Sterility is one major factor in bad glucose meter results.
But the cost of these improved "test strips" is disturbing. Look not to the cost of the glucose meter but more at the cost of the test strips. Glucose meter manufacturers such as Bayer HealthCare and Roche are well aware that they are in the business of selling test strips. The cost of test strips over time will far outstrip (sorry for the pun) the cost of the glucose meter.
To choose a glucose meter, first forget about the cost of the meter. Many glucose meter websites will give away meters for free. In fact, my site is no exception. We refer diabetics to companies that pay us for these referrals; and these referrals connect diabetics with free glucose meters that the manufacturers give away--with qualified insurance--in the hope of garnering another test strip customer.
Disclosure over. With that said and done, do your research for glucose meters thoroughly and well. Find unbiased reviews if possible (our site has a comparison chart). Compare manufacturer against manufacturer. But before you purchase or accept a free glucose meter, go to your local or online pharmacy and get prices for test strips. Let this be one of the factors you use when determining if a glucose meter is right for you.
References: Glucose Meter Comparison Chart from HealthFreedom's Site

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