Blood Glucose Meters: Uses, Types, and More

If you have diabetes or prediabetes, you will need a blood glucose meter (BGM), a portable medical device that measures and displays the amount of glucose, or sugar, in the blood. 

Blood glucose meters and test strips are important to have on hand, even if you wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), in case your CGM fails unexpectedly or needs to be calibrated, or if you are participating in activities that could interfere with CGM readings, such as swimming.

To use a blood glucose meter, insert a test strip, prick your finger with a lancing device to draw blood, and then put a small drop of blood onto the test strip. The meter will give a blood glucose reading in mg/dL (U.S. standard) or mmol/L (European standard). 

A blood sugar level under 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) is considered hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). A level over 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L) is considered hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). 

Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia may be potentially dangerous situations where blood sugars are out of the normal range. Fast-acting carbohydrates may be needed in the case of low blood sugar or insulin in the case of high blood sugar. 

What supplies do you need?

Today, most meters are coupled with smartphone apps to monitor data. To monitor your blood sugar, these supplies are required:

• Blood glucose meter
• Unexpired test strips that are specified for the blood glucose meter
• A lancing device and single-use lancets (used to prick fingers for blood)

How to choose a blood glucose meter

There are many types of blood glucose meters available. What option you choose depends on your needs and other factors like cost and insurance coverage. Bear in mind that each blood glucose meter will only work properly if used together with its corresponding test strips.

Blood glucose meters are easy to use and offer a range of features including:

• Variability in screen size and backlit screens to make reading results easier
• Compatibility with Bluetooth to transmit glucose readings to a smartphone app
• Large buttons and audio playback for people with reduced vision
• Some measure other health parameters like blood ketones

There are many different types of glucose meters. Common brands include:

• Accu-Check
• Advocate 
• Ascensia Contour
• CareSens
• Abbott FreeStyle
• One Drop
• Trividia True

Other things to keep in mind

Blood glucose meters and test strips are medical devices regulated by the FDA. Make sure to get one from a reputable source. Always use new test strips; never buy secondhand or pre-owned strips. Do not use expired test strips as they could yield inaccurate results. Always store test strips in a dry, cool place.

Learn more about diabetes devices here:

• Use Your Blood Glucose Meter to Help You Improve Your Health
• So You Got a CGM – Now What?
• All About Automated Insulin Delivery