Standard Glucose Meters: Feature Comparison, Part 2 of 2
Conventional glucose meters are generally considered reliable, and they offer similar basic features at prices ranging from $8 to $40.
Beyond the basics, each model tends to focus on either ease of use or on offering more advanced features. Let your technology sophistication level, visual, and manual dexterity guide you.
Click here for Part 1 of this article.
TRUEbalance by Nipro
The simple, inexpensive TRUE Balance requires no coding, uses one CR2032 battery, and has a 365 test memory. The blood sample size is 1.0 microliter, test time is 10 seconds, and alternative site testing is allowed. The meter uses TRUE Balance test strips. Free data management software is available, but the computer cable connection is extra.
Advantages
- Testing is an easy two-step procedure with minimalistic settings and buttons.
- The test strips are larger than most others so are easy to handle, and are manufactured using the latest technology developments for accuracy.
- This no frills meter has had extensive accuracy testing, returning favorable results 99.6 percent of the time. However, all home testing meters have the potential for accuracy problems.
Disadvantages: The simplicity of this meter also means it lacks advanced data tracking options. The testing time is slower than most other meters—although 10 seconds is hardly a lifetime. The display is not backlit.
TRUEtrack by Nipro
The economical TRUE Track requires coding, uses one CR2032 battery, and has a 365 test memory. The blood sample size is 1.0 microliter, test time is 10 seconds, and alternative site testing is allowed. The meter uses TRUE Track test strips only. Free data management software is available, but the computer cable connection is extra.
Advantages
- This is an affordable, solid performance, middle of the road meter.
- It comes with a lifetime warranty.
- Nipro’s website lists several studies demonstrating their meters’ accuracy. One study shows that seventy percent of first time TRUEtrack users reported it was easier to operate than their former meter.
Disadvantages: There are some user complaints of poor accuracy, but others users praise the meter’s accuracy. Coding, though not difficult, is required, and test time is a whopping 10 seconds. Display is not backlit.
Nipro’s glucose meters are also sold under different brand names.
Aviva Plus by Roche
The Accu Chek Aviva Plus requires coding, uses one CR2032 battery, and has a 500 test memory. The blood sample size is 0.6 microliter, and test time is five seconds. The meter uses Accu Chek Aviva Plus test strips (gives accurate results even when maltose levels are elevated). Data management software is available for a fee that includes the computer cable. A wireless data download device is also available.
Advantages
- For superior accuracy, the meter uses wider test strips making it easier to get the right amount of blood on the strip, and it performs nearly 200 separate accuracy checks. User reports validate accuracy claims.
- The lancing device uses a six-lancet preloaded drum called Multiclix, so the lancet is not changed for each test. Multiclix is advertised as the least painful lancet device available and user reports confirm this.
- Alternative site testing is excellent: finger, palm, upper arm, forearm, calf, and thigh.
- The Aviva Plus is the only meter, lancet, and test strip combo to receive an Ease of Use Commendation by the Arthritis Foundation.
Disadvantages: The meter is a bit larger than others so transport and testing are less discreet. Display not backlit. Coding, though simple, is required.
GM100 by Bionime
The GM100 requires no coding, uses one CR2032 battery, and has a 150 test memory. The blood sample size is 1.4 microliter, and test time is eight seconds. The meter uses GS100 test strips.
Advantages
- Has some interesting features not found in other small meters such as 7, 14, and 30 day test averages.
- Small size and simple to operate.
Disadvantages: The sample size is larger than most meters (1.4 mL). No data management software is available. The display is not backlit. No alternative site testing is allowed.
GM300 by Bionime
The basic GM300 requires no coding, uses two AAA batteries, and has a 300 test memory. The blood sample size is 1.4 microliter, test time is eight seconds, and alternative site testing is allowed. The meter uses GS300 test strips. Data management software is available.
Advantages
- This is a solid, inexpensive basic meter with auto coding, good memory capacity, and data management software.
Disadvantages: The sample size is larger than most meters (1.4 mL). Display is not backlit.
GM550 by Bionime
The GM550 requires no coding, uses two CR2032 batteries, and has a 500 test memory. The blood sample size is 1.0 microliter, test time is five seconds, and alternative site testing is allowed. The meter uses GS550 test strips. Data management software is available.
Advantages
- Has a backlit display.
- Excellent 500 test memory.
- Smaller blood sample and shorter test time than the other Bionime models.
Disadvantage: Other than having a backlit screen it is ordinary as meters go. There are no significant complaints.
G30a by Fora Care
The G30a requires no coding, uses one CR2032 battery, and has a 450 test memory. The blood sample size is 0.5 microliter, test time is five seconds, and alternative site testing is allowed. The meter uses G30 test strips. Data management software is available for Microsoft, online or downloadable.
Advantages
- A basic, affordable meter that uses a small sample size.
- It allows pre-post meal sampling.
Disadvantage: The display is not backlit.
Fora Care offers several standard glucose meters similar to the G30a. The unique meter of the bunch is the G90 which boasts a GUI, or Graphical User Interface that is intuitive and easy to use, plus the G90 has a rechargeable battery.
Source: Diabetes Well Being
Photo credit: Nick Page / flickr