If you are looking for a high-quality blood glucose meter, but do not want to spend too much on a purchase, then pay attention to domestic models. When choosing, it is worth paying attention not only to the cost of the device itself and its consumables, but also to the diagnostic method.
Principle of operation
On sale you can find both Russian-made glucometers and imported models. The principle of operation for most of them is the same. For the diagnosis, a skin puncture is made and capillary blood is taken. For these purposes, a special “pen” is used, in which sterile lancets are installed. For analysis, only a small drop is needed, which is applied to the test strip. It indicates the place where it is necessary to drip blood. Each test strip can be used only once. It is saturated with a special substance that reacts with blood and allows for reliable diagnosis.
But modern developers have made a new non-invasive device that allows you to find out the level of glucose. He does not have test strips, and for the diagnosis, there is no need to make a puncture and take blood. Non-invasive glucometer of Russian production is produced under the name "Omelon A-1".
Types of devices
Specialists distinguish glucometers depending on the principles of their work. They can be photometric or electrochemical. The first of them is coated with a special reagent, which, when interacting with blood, turns blue. The glucose concentration is determined depending on the color intensity. The analysis is carried out using the optical system of the meter.
Russian-made electrochemical glucometers, like their western counterparts, record the electric currents that occur when the reagent reacts on a test strip and glucose in capillary blood. Most modern models carry out diagnostics on this principle.
Model "Elta Satellite"
As a rule, those who are interested in saving pay attention to domestic appliances. But this does not mean that they have to save on quality. The glucometer of the Russian production "Satellite" is more accessible than its western counterparts. However, he gives accurate results.
But he also has disadvantages. To obtain the result, a sufficiently large drop of blood with a volume of about 15 μl is needed. The disadvantages also include a long time to determine the result - it is about 45 seconds. Not everyone is comfortable with the fact that only the result is recorded in the memory, and the date and time of the measurement are not indicated.
The indicated glucose meter of Russian production "Elta-Satellite" determines the sugar level in the range from 1.8 to 35 mmol / l. In his memory, 40 results are stored, which allows you to monitor the dynamics. It is quite simple to control the device, it has a large screen and large symbols. The device is powered by 1 CR2032 battery. It should be enough for 2000 measurements. The advantages of the device include compact size and low weight.
Device “Satellite Express”
Among the inexpensive domestic models, you can find more advanced copies. For example, a Russian-made glucose meter produced by Satellite Express can diagnose in just 7 seconds. The price of the device is about 1300 rubles. The complex includes the device itself, 25 lancets, the same number of test strips, a piercing pen. You can store the device in a special case that comes with the kit.
This Russian-made glucometer operates at a temperature of 15 to 35 0 . It carries out diagnostics in a wider range: from 0.6 to 35 mmol / l. The device’s memory stores 60 measurements.
Glucometer "Satellite Plus"
This compact device is one of the most popular in the domestic market. You can buy it for 1090 rubles. In addition to the glucometer itself, the model kit includes a special pen with which punctures, lancets, test strips, and a cover are made.
Glucometers of the Russian production "Satellite Plus" determine the glucose level in 20 seconds. At the same time, only 4 μl of blood is enough for work and accurate diagnosis. The measurement range of this device is quite large: from 0.6 to 35 mmol / L.
The study is the same regardless of the selected device model. First you need to open the package and take the test strip. It is inserted into a special socket on the meter. The numbers should appear on its screen, they must match the code on the package. After that, you can begin to measure.
To do this, thoroughly wash and dry your hands. Then, using a pen with a lancet, a puncture is made in the finger. The emerging blood must be evenly applied to the indicated working area of the strip and wait 20 seconds. The result will be displayed on the screen.
Customer Opinions and Selection Tips
Many, seeing the low price of devices and consumables, are afraid to buy Russian-made glucometers "Satellite". The reviews of many people suffering from diabetes indicate that for a low price you can buy a good device. The advantages they include relatively inexpensive supplies. The device is also convenient in that large numbers on the display can be viewed even by
elderly people with
poor eyesight.But not everyone likes these blood glucose meters. Russian devices from the company "Elta" have a number of disadvantages. Most often, diabetics say that it is painful to puncture with the lancets that come with the device. They are more suitable for large men who have fairly thick skin. But given the significant savings, this drawback can be reconciled.
Despite the relatively low cost, some still believe that it is overpriced. After all, insulin-dependent people need to control sugar levels several times a day.
Non-invasive devices
For people who suffer from diabetes and are forced to constantly monitor the concentration of sugar in the blood, a special glucometer of Russian production "Omelon A-1" was developed. It is capable of simultaneously measuring pressure and glucose levels. The procedure is completely painless and safe.
To conduct a diagnosis using a glucometer, it is necessary to measure the pressure and vascular tone on the right and then on the left hand. The principle of operation is based on the fact that glucose is an energy material that affects the state of the vessels of the body. After taking measurements, the device calculates the concentration of glucose in the blood.
The Omelon A-1 device is equipped with a powerful pressure sensor, and it also has a special processor that allows it to work more accurately than other blood pressure monitors.
Disadvantages of a non-invasive domestic glucometer
Unfortunately, this device is not recommended for insulin-dependent patients. They are better off using conventional Russian-made invasive blood glucose meters to check their sugar levels. The reviews of people who have already changed several devices indicate that domestic devices are no worse than their western counterparts.
Glucometer "Omelon A-1" has its own characteristics of use. So, the diagnosis must be carried out either in the morning on an empty stomach or 2.5 hours after a meal. Before the first measurement, it is important to understand the instructions for the device and choose the right scale correctly. During diagnosis, it is important to take a relaxed posture and be at rest for at least 5 minutes.
So that you can safely use this glucometer of Russian production, you can compare its performance with data from other devices. But many prefer to compare them with the results of laboratory tests in the clinic.