Type 2 Diabetes - Common Questions Answered About Blood Glucose Meters, Part 4
Knowing what to expect when using a blood glucose meter can mean the difference in it helping you to control your Type 2 diabetes or allowing your condition to control you.
In this, the fourth installment of a five-part series, some of the most commonly asked questions and concerns of these meters are covered.
1.
How accurate are these meters? While there may be a slight variance between different makes and models of meters, most are designed to be extremely accurate...
within just a few points of one another.
The best way to determine which models are the most accurate is to research them.
You can also gather valuable information from feedback offered by previous customers who can tell you first-hand of their own experiences.
2.
Are the cost of these meters covered by insurance? Sometimes they are, but there is no guarantee your insurance will cover the meter or the ongoing cost of the test strips you require.
That's why it is vital you research the cost of these plus the disposable lancets you will need, before making a decision in the event your insurance does not cover it.
3.
What other features do I need to consider when purchasing a glucose meter? One of the most important considerations is the cost of the test strips.
These can be quite expensive based on the make and model of the meter.
This is why it is important to know the cost of test strips before purchasing the meter.
If the initial cost of the meter is low, it could be because the price of the comparable test strips are high! Other important factors to consider are:
4.
Can different test strips be interchanged between other makes and models of glucose meters? No.
Compatibility of the test strips to their specific glucose meter is crucial.
Specific brands of meters might allow you the convenience of using different test strips for each of the models, but that would need to be verified with the manufacturer before doing this.
Trying to substitute a different test strip for a glucose meter it was not intended to be used with, could potentially damage the device, not to mention the fact it will likely give you a false reading.
In this, the fourth installment of a five-part series, some of the most commonly asked questions and concerns of these meters are covered.
1.
How accurate are these meters? While there may be a slight variance between different makes and models of meters, most are designed to be extremely accurate...
within just a few points of one another.
The best way to determine which models are the most accurate is to research them.
You can also gather valuable information from feedback offered by previous customers who can tell you first-hand of their own experiences.
2.
Are the cost of these meters covered by insurance? Sometimes they are, but there is no guarantee your insurance will cover the meter or the ongoing cost of the test strips you require.
That's why it is vital you research the cost of these plus the disposable lancets you will need, before making a decision in the event your insurance does not cover it.
3.
What other features do I need to consider when purchasing a glucose meter? One of the most important considerations is the cost of the test strips.
These can be quite expensive based on the make and model of the meter.
This is why it is important to know the cost of test strips before purchasing the meter.
If the initial cost of the meter is low, it could be because the price of the comparable test strips are high! Other important factors to consider are:
- the reliability of the meter itself,
- how quickly they go through batteries,
- their storage capacity,
- ease of use,
- if they download onto a computer, etc.
4.
Can different test strips be interchanged between other makes and models of glucose meters? No.
Compatibility of the test strips to their specific glucose meter is crucial.
Specific brands of meters might allow you the convenience of using different test strips for each of the models, but that would need to be verified with the manufacturer before doing this.
Trying to substitute a different test strip for a glucose meter it was not intended to be used with, could potentially damage the device, not to mention the fact it will likely give you a false reading.