There are various factors you can consider when choosing the right free glucose meter, although most meters are relatively the same in terms of accuracy. You may want a meter which has certain features, such as a back light for nighttime use or large display screen if you have poor eyesight. Some meters are also able to be connected to your computer so that your readings can be stored and emailed to your health care professional.
Many different companies offer patients a free glucose meter along with several starter test strips. This may seem like a good deal at first glance, but you should consider several price factors before choosing the meter you need. First of all, these companies offer meters for free because most of their profits come from the purchase of testing strips. Do research ahead of time to determine which strips offer the best value before you get a meter.
Some manufactures also offer savings plans along with the free glucose meter. This generally includes a card which can be shown to your pharmacist at the time of purchase for a discount on your testing strips and other supplies. Check each company’s plan thoroughly to get the best deal.
Aside from cost factors, you may wish to choose a free glucose meter with features that are useful to you. For instance, some meters are smaller than others to fit easily in a pocket or handbag, while others have larger displays so that they are easier to read. Others have digital displays with back lights for testing in the dark, or additional settings like time or date display.
Some meters also require more blood for testing than others. Less blood often means less pain when taking the sample, although small testing strips are often harder to use for those who have arthritis or other conditions which make handling small objects difficult. You may also be able to find a free glucose meter which allows blood to be taken on areas of the body aside from the fingertips where pain is less likely.
When in doubt on features or benefits of a particular meter, contact the manufacturer to discuss details. If you are still unsure, ask your doctor about the best options for your individual situation. He or she may be able to give you meter options with the most inexpensive accessories or those which have proven effective for other patients in terms of accuracy.