How to choose a blood test meter (Glucose Meter)

At least 30 different meters are commercially available in the UK. Please see individual meter listings in our Directory (see sidebar to the right).

They differ in several ways including:

* Amount of blood needed for each test
* Testing speed
* Overall size
* Ability to store test results in memory
* Cost of the meter
* Cost of the test strips used

Newer meters often have features that make them easier to use than older models. Some meters allow you to get blood from places other than your fingertip (Alternative Site Testing). Some new models have automatic timing, error codes and signals, or barcode readers to help with calibration. Some meters have a large display screen or spoken instructions for people with visual impairments.

Desang Diabetes Magazine is our free-to-receive digital journal (see below). We cover diabetes news, diabetes management equipment (diabetes ‘kit’ such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring equipment) and news about food suitable for a diabetic diet including a regular Making Carbs Count column. We just need your email address to subscribe you (it really is free, and you can easily unsubscribe should you wish to).

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