Blood Glucose Meters and Strips

Blood glucose meters (BGMs) measure a person’s blood sugar level at the specific moment of checking. To use a meter, people insert a test strip, prick their fingers with a lancing device to draw blood, and then put a small drop of their blood onto the test strip. The meter gives a blood glucose reading in mg/dl (US standard) or mmol/l (European standard). 

A blood sugar level under 70 mg/dl (3.9 mmol/l) is typically considered hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). A level over 180 mg/dl (10 mmol/l) is considered hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are potentially dangerous situations where blood sugars are out of normal range and can be addressed using fast-acting carbohydrates (in the case of a low value) or insulin (in the case of a high value). 

What Supplies Do I Need?

To monitor your blood sugar, these supplies are required:

• Test strips

• Lancing instrument (used to prick the finger for blood)

• Blood glucose meter

• Most meters are coupled with smartphone apps to monitor data

Last updated: August 14, 2020

Useful Links on Blood Glucose Meters:

One Drop Chrome  –The One Drop Chrome is a Bluetooth-enabled BGM that can send data to the One Drop app available on iPhone or Android. 

Choice, an Amazon Brand BGM – Meters, test strips, and lancets by Amazon can be less expensive and streamline ordering.

Blood Glucose Meter Accuracy – in 2017, 18 BGMs were put to the test to compare their accuracy.

Accu-Check Guide – This BGM comes with less expensive test strips, uploads to smartphones, and is compatible with the mySugr app.

LifeScan OneTouch Verio Flex Meter – Low-cost option; OneTouch Reveal app works with Apple and Android phones.

All-in-One Dario BGM System – A compact, all-in-one smartphone blood glucose monitoring system.

FreeStyle Precision Neo Meter – This BGM focuses on low costs, plus it flaunts a thin design and comes with individually-packaged test strips.

LifeScan OneTouch Verio Meter – An older OneTouch BGM, this meter has a color-coded range indicator plus motivational messaging.

Accu-Chek Aviva Expert BGM with Built-in Bolus Calculator – The first-ever BGM with a built-in bolus calculator.

Contour Next Link – The Contour Next Link is a BGM from Medtronic and Bayer.

Useful Links on BGM and Test Strip Subscription Plans:

How to Get Unlimited Test Strips and Personal Diabetes Coaching – Low-cost monthly subscription services from mySugr, One Drop, DarioHealth, and Livongo.

Livongo’s Family Care Plan – The monthly subscription service includes a cellular-enabled BGM, unlimited test strips, and access to a remote care team.

One Drop: Unlimited Test Strips and Coaching for $39.95 Per Month or Less – One Drop Premium and Bluetooth-enabled Chrome meter available in US and EU, as well as 24/7 in-app support.

How to Get More Strips on a Budget – A 2017 compilation of cash-pay strips with good accuracy and co-pay programs to save money.

Accu-Chek Guide BGM Includes Cheaper Strips – Learn about the BGM and several options for paying for test strips.