Glucose monitoring devices are a cost-effective and simple way to test blood sugar levels. Picking the best blood glucose monitor can be a challenging task. You should consider your budget, lifestyle, and needs before buying one.
These devices have been invaluable for people with diabetes, but some people with other blood sugar-related conditions can benefit from one. Some of these monitors use infrared technology that is accurate, quick, and easy to use. They come in various shapes, sizes, and designs so.
Today in this blog, we will discuss the 7 best glucose monitors for 2022. But before jumping to the main topic, let us learn some basics of blood glucose monitors.
What Are Blood Glucose Monitors
Blood glucose monitors are medical devices that measure blood glucose levels. They are used to diagnose and monitor diabetes, as well as for other purposes.
The first blood glucose monitor was invented in 1906 by Sir Frederick Banting and James Collip, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1923 for their work. The first commercially available blood glucose monitor was released in 1978 by Roche Diagnostics.
Blood glucose monitors have changed over time as technology has advanced. The earliest form of a blood glucose monitor was a glass tube filled with sugar inserted into the body. The sugar level in fluid changed depending on how much blood flowed through it. These devices had their issues, including the fear that they could cause serious injuries by introducing bacteria or potentially lethal amounts of sugar into patients’ systems. As a result of these concerns, other methods were invented.
The blood glucose monitor measures blood sugar concentration using a small sample of whole capillary blood. It typically uses an enzymatic reaction to measure the sample’s sugar (glucose) concentration and provide an output that shows either a numerical value or a graph on an LCD screen.
This output can help manage diabetes, identify patterns indicating pre-diabetes or diabetes, or test patients for diabetes. These meters are cheaper than most continuous monitoring systems but require frequent re-testing (every 5 minutes).
What Are The Types Of Blood Glucose Monitors
There are various types of blood glucose monitors available on the market. They vary in terms of their features and accuracy.
1) One-Point Monitor
This type of monitor is a strip that you place on your skin, and it detects your blood glucose level. It can check your blood glucose levels in just one point.
2) Two-Point Monitor
This type of monitor has two sensors placed on two different points in the body, and it can detect the blood glucose level from both these points.
3) Three-Point Monitor
This type of sensor has three sensors placed at three different locations on the body, and it can detect the blood glucose levels from all these locations.
4) Continuous Glucose Monitor
This type of monitor can continuously give a reading, and it is used to measure blood glucose levels in the body at one point in time.
What Are The Pros And Cons of Each Type Of Blood Glucose Monitors?
There are many types of blood glucose monitors on the market. It is important to know the advantages and disadvantages of each type before you decide to purchase one.
Advantages Of One-Point Glucose Monitor
The advantages of a one-point glucose monitor are:
- It is portable,
- It has an easy to use interface,
- It can be used as an early warning system for diabetes and other illness,
- It saves time and effort by reducing the need for finger pricks
- It reduces the risk of infection by reducing the need for multiple blood tests.
The disadvantages of a one-point glucose monitor are:
- It is difficult to get an accurate reading if a person has poor visual acuity or is wearing glasses,
- Its accuracy can be compromised when used with a device that does not share the same technology
- It can be inconvenient to have a person with diabetes who needs frequent blood glucose monitoring in one location.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Two-Point Glucose Monitor
The advantages of a two-point monitor are:
- It has the accuracy of a one-point monitor,
- There is the technology that allows for accurate readings on devices that do not share the same technology
- It is easy to get an accurate reading if the monitor is on a flat surface, as the readings are more than accurate.
The disadvantages of a two-point monitor are:
- It lacks the accuracy of a one-point monitor,
- No technology allows for accurate readings on devices that do not share the same technology,
- It isn’t easy to get an accurate reading if the monitor is on a flat surface, as the readings are less than accurate.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Three-Point Glucose Monitor
The advantages of a three-point monitor are:
- It is easy to get an accurate reading if the monitor is on a flat surface, as the readings are more than accurate,
- There are fewer sources of inaccuracy since the readings come from three points on the screen instead of just two,
- It has a wider field of vision.
The disadvantages of a three-point monitor are:
- It is expensive,
- No technology allows for accurate readings on devices that do not share the same technology,
- It isn’t easy to get an accurate reading if the monitor is on a flat surface, as the readings are less than accurate.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Continuous Glucose Monitor
The advantages of a continuous glucose monitor are:
- Continuous glucose monitors are easy to use.
- They are safe, non-invasive, and convenient to use. – They also provide peace of mind for people with diabetes by giving them an idea about their blood sugar levels at any given time.
- It is a cost-effective way of tracking blood sugar levels and can potentially save patients with diabetes thousands of dollars throughout their lifetime.
The disadvantages of a continuous glucose monitor are:
- The initial cost of a continuous glucose monitor is high
- Continuous glucose monitors are not as accurate as fingerstick tests. Traditional fingerstick testing may still be needed in certain situations.
- They can be difficult to use if you have poor vision.
- Continuous glucose monitor readings can be affected by some factors such as dehydration or if you exercise too much or too little.
7 Best Affordable Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices To Purchase In 2022
Continuous blood glucose monitoring devices are necessary for those with diabetes and other health conditions. With the continuous monitoring of blood sugar levels, people can understand how their bodies react to different foods and exercise.
There are many options for buying a continuous blood glucose monitoring device. The best option depends on the person’s budget and needs. Some people may want to purchase a highly accurate device with fewer false readings, while others may want a device that is easy to use with minimal complications.
1. OneTouch® Ultra Mini
The most common continuous blood glucose monitoring device is the OneTouch® Ultra Mini with a G4™ Coding system, which costs around $140. It is battery operated with a 15-meter accuracy (US) or 10-meter accuracy (EU) and has a needle-less, pain-free sensor with quick sensor changing. This device has an expired shelf life of 3 years and is for use by adults and children age 13 or older.
2. T:slim X2
The t:slim X2 is an option with a price range of $392-$480, depending on the color. This device is battery-powered and has an accuracy of 15 meters (US) or 10 meters (EU). It has a 96-hour battery life and comes in either black or red.
3. Invite® Platinum Elite
The most common continuous blood glucose monitoring device for people with a higher budget is the Invite® Platinum Elite, which costs around $10,000 and has an expired shelf life of 3 years. This device is battery-powered and has an accuracy of 15 meters (US) or 10 meters (EU). It lasts for 96 hours and comes in either black or white.
4. Abbott FreeStyle®
The next most common device is the Abbott FreeStyle®, which costs around $950 and has an expired shelf life of 2 years. This device comes in either black or blue and uses a AAA battery. It lasts for 96 hours and is battery-powered with an accuracy of 15 meters (US) or 10 meters (EU).
5. Medtronic Guardian
The Medtronic Guardian is an option with a price range of $400-$600, depending on the color. It is battery-powered with an accuracy of 15 meters (US) or 10 meters (EU) and lasts for 96 hours. This device has a 1-year expired shelf life and comes in either black or white.
6. One Touch® Ultra
The One Touch® Ultra is an option with a price range of $400-$600, depending on the color. This device comes in either black or white and uses AAA batteries. It has a 2-year expired shelf life and uses Bluetooth technology to transmit results wirelessly from your wrist to the app.
7. Mind Ray Continuous Glucose Meter
Another option is the Mind ray Continuous Glucose Meter, available at $400-$600 depending on the color. It is battery-powered with an accuracy of 15 meters (US) or 10 meters (EU). This device has an expired shelf life of 2 years and comes in either black or white.
The Most Affordable Glucose Monitor
The least expensive option is the Accu-Chek Active glucometer, which has a price range of around $60-$75.
Best Continuous Blood Glucose Monitors With Bluetooth Technology In 2022
The best continuous blood glucose monitors with Bluetooth technology in 2022 are the ones that can be connected to smart devices and software. These devices can also be used as a remote monitoring system for patients in the hospital or at home. They automatically log patient data, such as blood glucose levels, activity levels, and food consumption, to provide patients with a personalized long-term care plan.
As an example, let’s take a look at the best continuous blood glucose monitors with Bluetooth technology in 2022:
i. One Drop® Glucose Meter Kit
This device is similar to the OMRON in that it has a large touchscreen interface that allows users to monitor blood sugar levels, ketones, and more. It also has an average blood glucose level of 83-109 mg/dL and average ketone levels of 2.2-2.9mmol/L with a high rate of only 3% errors per day over three days. The One Drop kit is also waterproof, and the device can last up to six days on a single charge.
ii. OMRON Gold Wireless Bluetooth®
This device has a large TFT color display with an easy-to-use touchscreen interface that allows users to monitor blood sugar levels, ketones, etc. There is also an average blood glucose level of 82.3-103.3 mg/dL and average ketone levels of 2.2-2.9mmol/L with a high rate of only 2% errors per day over three days. It is also waterproof, and the device can last up to six days on a single charge.
iii. Dexcom G4 Platinum
The Dexcom G4 Platinum is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that allows users to track their blood sugar levels without the risk of hypoglycemia. It is also highly accurate, with an average blood glucose level of 80-120 mg/dL and average ketone levels of 1.3-1.8 mmol/L. It can also be used with the Dexcom ShareTM app and the Dexcom G5 Mobile Application, allowing users to share their blood glucose levels with friends and family, knowing when they have high or low blood sugar levels.
Which Type Of Monitor Best Suits My Needs?
One of the most important aspects to consider when buying a blood glucose monitor is how you will use it. The following are some factors of glucose monitors that you must consider while making a purchase:
1. Accuracy:
This refers to how accurate the readings are. Different monitors have different accuracy levels, so it is important to consider this factor. When buying a monitor, ensure that your needs can be met by the monitor’s accuracy you are choosing.
2. Ease of Use:
This refers to how easy it is to use the monitor. Some monitors may be very easy to use, while others require more user input and interaction. It would help if you considered how difficult or easy it is to operate the monitor and use it without any difficulties.
3. Storage:
This refers to how the monitor will store your blood glucose data. Some monitors store data on a chip that can only be read using a specific type of reader. Other monitors will automatically upload the data to an online platform, and some will even send you an alert when they need to be refilled with blood.
4. Battery Life:
This refers to the amount of time it will take for the battery to deplete. Some monitors have a long battery life, while others might only last a few hours before they need to be recharged. You must consider how long the monitor will take to go dead for you to do your routine tasks without interruptions.
5. Price:
This refers to the price of the monitor. Some monitors may be very expensive while other monitors may be less expensive. It would help to consider how much money you are willing to spend before deciding which monitor is best for you.
6. Device Type:
This refers to the type of device that will read your blood glucose levels. Some monitors work on-demand, while others may work continuously. This can help you decide if the monitor will best suit your needs.
7. Device Size:
This refers to the size of the monitor. Some monitors are very small and can be placed in your pocket or slightly pouch, so others might not see them. Other monitors might be larger and can only sit in one place.
8. Device Resolution:
This refers to the resolution of the monitor. Some monitors may be of lower quality because they have a low resolution, while others may be of higher quality with a much higher resolution.
9. Antibacterial Device Materials:
This refers to how long you can expect your monitor to last without getting any bacteria. Some monitors might not be able to last as long as others, so you might want to consider this before purchasing.
10. Device Documentation:
This refers to whether the monitor comes with any instructions on how it works and what it can do. Some monitors will come with instructions, while others might not have anything.
Conclusion & Takeaway
Blood glucose monitors are used to measure the blood sugar levels of a person. There are two types of blood glucose monitors available: handheld and continuous. The first one is quite convenient and accurate but has a short battery life, whereas the second needs to be attached to the body for continuous monitoring.
In 2022, it is predicted that continuous monitors will grow faster than handheld ones. They are more accurate and have longer battery life.
To avail of the best continuous glucose monitoring services, contact us at Houston Endocrine Center. We will shortly get in touch with you once you fill out the form.
Leave A Comment