These Glucose Meters and Monitors Make Diabetes Management a Bit Simpler

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The best glucose meter can make a huge difference in your diabetes care. Whether you’re prediabetic, type 2, or type 1, or have another type of blood sugar issue, beyond accuracy, the best glucometers offer a variety of features that help make managing blood sugars a bit easier.

For many in the U.S., health insurance plays a large role in what blood sugar meter you can use. Though, people with any type of diabetes can tell you it’s the test strips that get really expensive. “The best glucometer really varies from one person to the next,” explains Deena Adimoolam, M.D., endocrinologist and obesity specialist. “For those people who are not tech-savvy, it’s best to avoid complicated glucometers as it’s easy to get lost with all the different functionalities—a simple glucometer that checks fingersticks and records values might be the best option in this case.”

We’re sharing both blood glucose meters (BGMs) and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). It’s important to note that these two use different technologies and are used in similar, but different, ways. Continuous glucose monitors offer continuous readings (and are worn 24 hours a day) and are used often in addition to glucose monitors as a way for diabetics to incur fewer finger sticks. This helps for a more real-time and holistic view of someone’s blood sugar. And most read glucose from interstitial fluid, not blood. Many CGMs still require some fingersticks, and in my experience as a type 1 diabetic who wears a CGM and uses a glucose meter, a glucometer is still needed as a backup (and to double-check the CGM’s accuracy).

Our top picks

So, to help you find the best glucometer available (or even help you choose the best option from the ones covered by your insurance provider), we’re sharing glucose meters and continuous glucose monitors worth considering.

Contour Next One Blood Glucose Monitoring System

This glucose monitor has just about everything you could want: a light where you insert the test strip (great for middle-of-the-night finger pricks!), a compact design, Bluetooth capability for easy data storage, a light-up screen for easier viewing, and arrows that indicate if you are within your target range. It even has something called second-chance sampling, which allows you to apply more blood to the test strip within 60 seconds, which may help prevent wasting test strips and ultimately save money.

Blood Glucose Monitor Kit

Ever wanted to ditch the clunky glucose monitor and just grab your phone, wallet, keys, and go? (I have!). This glucometer is truly futuristic and features plug-ins for your smartphone (Android and iOS users, rejoice), that turn your cell into a glucose monitor. Wild, I know. No batteries or coding is needed. With over 10,000 Amazon reviews and a nearly five-star rating, this glucose meter definitely brings the cool factor.

G6 (per box of three sensors)

As one of the most accurate CGMs on the market, the Dexcom G6 is a game-changer for those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes looking to do away with fingersticks. The company claims that you don’t need to prick your finger—it’s that accurate. But after two years of use, I prefer to confirm super high or very low blood glucose with a finger prick to make sure the device is running smoothly. It offers a 10-day wear and is quite pricey without insurance, so definitely check to see your durable medical equipment or pharmacy coverage options.

FreeStyle Lite, Blood Glucose Monitoring System

This small meter is great for on-the-go blood sugar checks. Not only is it tiny in size, but it also uses a small blood sample, making finger pricks a bit less, well, bloody. And with a five-second test time, you won’t have to wait long for the results—cutting down on that anxiety waiting for the number to pop up on the screen!

Glucose Monitor Kit

Dr. Fertig recommends the Prodigy meter for the visually impaired. Speaking in four languages (English, Spanish, French, and Arabic), this glucometer speaks your readings to you. Whether you’re visually impaired or simply want audio confirmation of your glucose readings, this is a great option—with a nearly five-star rating and 4,000 reviews.

EZ Diabetes Testing Kit

The brand touts this glucose monitor as a great option for senior patients, and we’re inclined to say it’s great for people of any age who are looking for a simple, no-frills glucometer. It features alarm reminders, saved pre- and post-meal testing, and it features large text so it’s easy to read.

FreeStyle Libre 3 system (2 sensors)

Abbott’s Freestyle Libre 3 continuous glucose monitor rivals Dexcom with its accuracy, in my experience. And its discreet profile (super small and thin), minute-by-minute readings, and basic, easy-to-read graph and data, this is a great CGM for any type of diabetic. Abbott also offers vouchers to qualifying participants to help with the cost burden of this CGM.

Ultra 2 System Kit

The One Touch Ultra 2 “has a large screen, easily readable with a big bright display and a backlight (that is easily seen in areas with limited lighting,” notes Dr. Fertig. “Small, but not too small, fits in palm of your hand.” Reviewers note that this glucometer is “easy to use and accurate,” and really what more could you want from a glucose monitor? With large font and before and after meal indicators, keeping track of your blood sugar trends just got easier. Plus, it features a simple one-touch operation, making the entire process a breeze.

ReliOn Premier CLASSIC Blood Glucose Monitoring System

Dr. Fertig recommends this glucometer for people looking for an inexpensive option. He notes that the strips are inexpensive, too—something that makes a big difference when it comes to medical expenses. At just $10 for the glucometer and $9 for 50 test strips, it’s a pretty great deal. Plus, Walmart shoppers give it a 4.1-star rating and rave reviews. “Very affordable, accurate. Love that it works using 2 AAA batteries. Easy to use and gives seven, 14, 30 and 90 day averages,” one happy customer writes.

How can I tell if my glucose meter is accurate?

If you’re wondering if one type of glucometer is more accurate than another, experts aren’t quick to point to one brand in particular. Most meters on the market should read accurately. But if you’re not sure if yours is accurate, Dr. Adimoolam says, “You will have an idea if they are accurate based on when you visit your doctor and have your hemoglobin A1C [a number reflecting your average blood glucose levels over three months] checked.”

But what can you do in the moment if readings are feeling particularly off? “The best way to ensure your glucometer stays accurate is to use the control solution that comes with your glucometer to check it for accuracy,” Dr. Adimoolam says. If the control solution reading does not match with the number on the solution bottle/directions, then that is an indicator something is wrong with your meter, she says. “It’s also important to make sure the testing strips you use are the appropriate ones for your glucometer, and to ensure testing strips are not damaged or expired.”

How we chose the best glucose meters

Emily Goldman, the author of this story and a type 1 diabetic of nearly a decade, has personally tested more than 20 glucometers. We also spoke with Dr. Adimooolam, Brian Fertig, M.D., F.A.C.E., founder and president of the Diabetes & Osteoporosis Center in Piscataway, N.J., chair of the Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology at Hackensack Meridian Health, JFK University Medical Center, and author of Metabolism & Medicine, and poured through countless online reviews to help you find the best glucose meter available.

Why trust us

Emily Goldman, the author of this story and a type 1 diabetic of nearly a decade, has personally tested more than 20 glucometers.

Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information for more than 70 years, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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