Glucometer Types, Features, Guidelines, Results
Glucometer Types, Features, Guidelines, Results
Store more readings. If you're not getting a meter that syncs data, you might want one with a lot of memory to store readings. Most meters save 100 to 450 readings, but some keep up to 3,000.
These devices can use all that data to show you charts and graphs of long-term trends right on the meter's display. A few meters with big memories include the Contour USB, OneTouch UltraSmart, Up & Up Meter, and the WaveSense Jazz.
Even if you don't want to spend the extra cash on a fancy syncing glucometer, you can get a lot of the same benefits with low-cost or free phone apps or web sites.
You do have to remember to enter your glucose readings into the app or web site yourself. But besides that, you'll get a lot of the other benefits of high-end devices -- the ability to share information, enter carbs or exercise, and track trends over time.
Some examples of diabetes-specific apps include:
DiabetesPal syncs with the BodyMedia Fit and Withings Pulse fitness trackers. So you have a record of your physical activity side-by-side with your glucose readings and other data.
dLife Diabetes Companion not only lets you track your glucose and food, but it offers recipes, videos, and expert Q&As.
My Glucose Buddy is a popular and easy-to-use tracker that records glucose levels and other info.
MyNetDiary's Diabetes Tracker has a FoodCheck feature that lets you compare foods when dining out or shopping. It also syncs with the FitBit exercise tracker.
TactioHealth syncs with the Bodymedia Fit, Fitbit, and Withings Pulse fitness trackers. It also stores your glucose, A1c, and other data and lets you print out detailed reports for your doctor.
A lot of these apps and web sites have online communities that you can join. Using them is a great way to get support and stay inspired.
Whether you're going for a high-tech glucometer or a more basic model, there are some key factors you need to consider.
The eyes have it. Make sure your device has an easy-to-read display. Some glucometers have a backlight so you can check readings in the dark, like the Contour Next Link, EasyMax Light, Freestyle Lite, OneTouch Ping, and WaveSense Presto. Others have a bigger readout or a sharper contrast to make them easier to see.
Trend Report: High-Tech Glucose Monitoring
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Store more readings. If you're not getting a meter that syncs data, you might want one with a lot of memory to store readings. Most meters save 100 to 450 readings, but some keep up to 3,000.
These devices can use all that data to show you charts and graphs of long-term trends right on the meter's display. A few meters with big memories include the Contour USB, OneTouch UltraSmart, Up & Up Meter, and the WaveSense Jazz.
Apps for Diabetes
Even if you don't want to spend the extra cash on a fancy syncing glucometer, you can get a lot of the same benefits with low-cost or free phone apps or web sites.
You do have to remember to enter your glucose readings into the app or web site yourself. But besides that, you'll get a lot of the other benefits of high-end devices -- the ability to share information, enter carbs or exercise, and track trends over time.
Some examples of diabetes-specific apps include:
DiabetesPal syncs with the BodyMedia Fit and Withings Pulse fitness trackers. So you have a record of your physical activity side-by-side with your glucose readings and other data.
dLife Diabetes Companion not only lets you track your glucose and food, but it offers recipes, videos, and expert Q&As.
My Glucose Buddy is a popular and easy-to-use tracker that records glucose levels and other info.
MyNetDiary's Diabetes Tracker has a FoodCheck feature that lets you compare foods when dining out or shopping. It also syncs with the FitBit exercise tracker.
TactioHealth syncs with the Bodymedia Fit, Fitbit, and Withings Pulse fitness trackers. It also stores your glucose, A1c, and other data and lets you print out detailed reports for your doctor.
A lot of these apps and web sites have online communities that you can join. Using them is a great way to get support and stay inspired.
Your Glucometer Shopping Checklist
Whether you're going for a high-tech glucometer or a more basic model, there are some key factors you need to consider.
The eyes have it. Make sure your device has an easy-to-read display. Some glucometers have a backlight so you can check readings in the dark, like the Contour Next Link, EasyMax Light, Freestyle Lite, OneTouch Ping, and WaveSense Presto. Others have a bigger readout or a sharper contrast to make them easier to see.
