The main tool for controlling blood sugar for a diabetic is a glucometer. The device allows you to find out the current sugar level without going to the laboratory and idle long lines. The development of modern technologies and the development of innovative solutions in this area have made glucometers generally available.
Today's medical gadget market can offer consumers devices of a different price segment. Any average Russian can afford to buy a glucometer, fortunately, there are enough models in both the budget and premium sectors.
Market situation
But not all gadgets are equally effective, as the ad screams. From blue screens a stream of unverified and thoroughly selling (usually) information pours on us. Purchased reviews of home blood glucose meters confuse ordinary consumers and make them overpay or purchase mediocre devices.
Of course, you can analyze the segment yourself and choose the most worthy device, but it will take a lot of time and nerves, because it will take a really long time to understand this issue, delving into every little thing. It is much easier to turn to independent expert groups specially created to solve such problems.
That's just their opinion about which meter is better to buy and the reviews of specialists, it is worth listening to. Here we are talking primarily about Roszdravnadzor and its many branches, which can be found in every Russian region. They have competent experts, the ability to conduct inspections, as well as their own extensive base of "good" and "bad" sellers and their products, including.
In the regions you can find private independent organizations of a similar plan. They work, as a rule, under the auspices of private clinics, which sponsor these studies. So their point of view about which meter is better, and reviews on specific models can and should be listened to. Studies of such groups were taken in the compilation of the list below.
So, let's try to identify the most popular, high-quality and effective devices. This will allow you to navigate at least a little in all the diversity presented on the market and competently choose a glucometer. Instrument reviews will also be covered in this article.
Accu-Chek Active
One of the notable features of this German budget model is the impressive amount of internal memory. Users mostly leave good reviews about the Accu-Chek Active meter: they liked it because of its simplicity, efficiency and low cost.
The device operates on the principle of coding. You can take blood from almost anywhere: finger, palm, leg or forearm. Due to its simplicity, the device is suitable for all generations of users.
Owners in their reviews about the meter also note the attractive appearance and ergonomics of the gadget. A well-assembled case made of good plastic fits comfortably in your palm, and a large display with excellent visualization helps you to see all the information. This moment was especially appreciated by users of the older generation.
Model Features
As dynamic results, the device can display average measurements, presenting them in the form of graphs, which the attending physician will subsequently rely on. By the way, the doctors themselves in their reviews about the glucometer leave mostly flattering comments.
Advantages of the model:
- test results will be ready within 5 seconds;
- impressive memory of the device for 350 samples;
- sound alarm about the need to replace strips;
- automatic shutdown of the device after a minute of inactivity;
- The package includes 10 test strips.
Estimated cost - about 950 rubles.
Diacont OK
Another budget model, distinguished by its efficiency and more than a democratic price tag. The device is manufactured in Russia and, judging by the reviews, the meter is not inferior to its Western counterparts in its technical equipment and efficiency.
The device detects blood sugar without coding, so the risk of erroneous results is minimal. In addition, the accuracy of the device is increased due to the function of electrochemical analysis: the blood is mixed with protein and the current measurements are displayed. After the test, the device not only displays the result, but also compares it with the norm in the permissible deviations.
Distinctive features of the device
Doctors also call the device a good glucometer. The reviews on it are mostly positive, and neither experts nor users have identified any critical flaws. Diacont Ok is a very good option for a modest budget.
Pluses of model:
- test results in 6 seconds;
- good memory for 250 measurements;
- plasma check;
- once a week you can get detailed statistics;
- automatic sleep withdrawal after three minutes of inactivity;
- inexpensive consumables (50 strips - 400 rubles);
- more than a democratic price tag for the device.
Estimated price - about 750 rubles.
One Touch Select Simple
This unit features intuitive controls and ease of use. Reviews for the One Touch meter are mostly positive, both from doctors and from ordinary owners. The device from a reputable Swiss brand is suitable for any category of users. Large prints will be easily discerned by people with poor eyesight and will deal with simple functionality.
The device works without encoding, so the error of the readings is minimized. Judging by the reviews about the Select meter, many users appreciated not only its convenience and effectiveness, but also the competent pricing policy of the brand, where buying a device doesn’t hit the wallet as much as with the more noble Western counterparts.
Instrument Features
As for the build quality and design of the gadget, there are also no questions: good and pleasant to the touch plastic, the absence of backlashes and gaps, as well as excellent ergonomics make the device a practical purchase.
The front of the meter is free of unnecessary elements, so you simply can’t get confused in the control. Here we have a large screen with a clear font and two indicator lights warning the user about high or low sugar levels. A bright and visible arrow indicates the strip hole.
Advantages of the model:
- intuitive controls;
- sound notification to users during a critical change in sugar level;
- the control solution and 10 strips for the test are included in the package of delivery;
- low battery alert;
- large print and generally ergonomic design;
- high-quality assembly.
Estimated cost - about 1,000 rubles.
Satellite Express
This domestic development appealed to many consumers. One of the notable differences between the device (as noted by users in reviews of the Satellite Express meter) from competing counterparts is a fully automatic blood sampling, that is, without user involvement (there is no need to smear the samples on the receiver itself).
Another significant advantage of the device is the low cost of consumables. A set of test strips of 50 pieces will cost only 450 rubles. The device itself can also not be attributed to the premium price segment, so the purchase will not hit your pocket much.
It should also be noted that the manufacturer positions the device not only as an individual, but also as a clinical one. Doctors themselves leave pretty flattering reviews about the meter. The device copes very well with its task, and especially helps when there is no or limited access to laboratory research. As a fly in the ointment here is a very small memory device - 60 of the last measurements.
Pluses of model:
- fast result in 7 seconds;
- electrochemical method for determining sugar levels;
- work with whole (capillary) blood;
- long battery life (about 5 thousand samples);
- 26 strips including a control test are included in the package of delivery.
Estimated price - about 1,200 rubles.
Onetouch ultra easy
This model is considered one of the best in its segment. Users in their reviews note the excellent ergonomics of the device along with its compactness and efficiency. The glucometer weighing 32 grams and dimensions 108 x 32 x 17 mm does not burden your pocket or purse.
Despite the modest size of the gadget, the designers tried to make the screen of the device as large and clear as possible. It occupies the entire front part, and the contrast font is easy to read. This also includes high accuracy of the results and a long battery life.
It is also worth noting that the device can be connected to a personal computer. This greatly facilitates the perception of the statistics obtained and track the dynamics of changes. The device synchronizes perfectly with the Windows and Mac platforms, and judging by user reviews, there are no problems with the drivers.
Advantages of the model:
- almost instant result (no more than 5 seconds);
- electrochemical blood test;
- detailed statistics indicate the exact time and date of the fence;
- lightweight and ergonomic design;
- large font on the display and intuitive controls.
Estimated cost - about 2 100 rubles.
Easytouch GCHB (Bioptik Technology)
This is a real monster in its field, equipped with chic functionality that other analogues will envy. In addition to the usual blood sampling for sugar levels, the device can measure cholesterol and hemoglobin, which makes the device a universal and truly effective solution.
It should also be noted that this meter was adopted by many both municipal and private clinics, and such trust says a lot. The device works on the principle of coding, and fences are taken only from the finger.
Distinctive features of the glucometer
The device is equipped with a large and understandable LCD screen with a large font, so even people with low vision can read the data without any problems. As for the assembly, judging by the feedback from users, there are also no complaints against them. The case of the gadget is durable and made of high-quality plastic, which is not afraid of physical damage. There are also no unnecessary controls in the device interface, so you can not get confused in it. Of course, the device is much more expensive than the analogs described above, but it fulfills the money invested in full.
Pluses of model:
- universal solution for users with diabetes-related diseases;
- quick test results (sugar and hemoglobin - 6 seconds, cholesterol - 2 minutes);
- large amount of internal memory for 200 samples;
- intuitive and convenient interface;
- extremely high-quality assembly;
- small dimensions for the available functionality;
- the device is used by many doctors;
- rich scope of supply.
Estimated price - about 5,000 rubles.
Summarizing
Choosing a device of this kind, you must first look at the manufacturer and his reputation in this area. In addition, it is clearly not out of place to consult with your doctor about the purchase of a glucometer. Naturally, doctors are not given any specific “attitudes” (except for advertising purposes), but the abundance of patients, as well as their feedback on certain devices, can show a more or less complete picture.
All of the above devices showed themselves on the positive side and earned the respect of both the users themselves and the treating doctors. Therefore, any device from the list will be useful, practical and effective. The difference, in fact, is only in the budget, scope of delivery, and blood test method. The error of the result, for example, of the same Easytouch GCHB and Accu-Chek Active do not differ much.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the reviews on non-invasive glucometers. The fact is that without blood sampling, it is impossible to determine the exact indicator of blood sugar levels. That is, such devices are not yet on sale. Yes, there are serious developments in this area and clinical trials are underway, but experimental and affordable samples are not only for ordinary consumers, but also for specialized institutions simply do not exist.
You should not risk your health and buy the conviction of cunning marketers about such capabilities of glucometers. The only source that will tell you accurately and without deception about the appearance of a non-invasive (without blood sampling) device on the market is Roszdravnadzor. And he gives an unequivocal answer on this subject - there is no such equipment yet.