Blood glucose meter : best brand comparison by Musklor
Everyone should monitor their glycemic index. Fortunately, the best blood glucose meters make it easier.
Anyone who has diabetes or knows someone with diabetes knows that they always measure their glucose – or blood sugar – levels.
Best Blood Glucose Meters 2024
Strange as it may seem, this measure is essential for maintaining good health and preventing the complications of diabetes.
But why is it so important? Is it only for diabetics?
Here is a list of the best blood glucose meters on the market.
Why is it important to measure blood glucose levels?
Blood glucose, also known as glucose, is directly related to the production of a hormone called insulin.
This hormone – produced by the pancreas – is responsible for using glucose as a source of energy, which means it is extremely important for the proper functioning of the body.
When there is a malfunction in the body’s production of insulin, we have diabetes, and in this case, it is essential to monitor blood glucose levels.
But it is not only diabetics who need this control: healthy people should also know their blood glucose levels, precisely to prevent the development of the disease.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease characterized by a difficulty in producing insulin. There are two main types, type 1 diabetes, which is genetic in origin, and type 2 diabetes, which is acquired through bad habits.
Type 1 diabetes
This type accounts for about 10% of diabetes cases. In type 1 diabetes, a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells, preventing them from doing their job of turning glucose into energy. The most common indicator is high blood glucose levels, called hyperglycemia.
Because it is a genetic disease, this type of diabetes is usually diagnosed early in life. Treatment is carried out by injecting insulin, which replaces the insulin that should have been produced by the body.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is acquired through bad habits and accounts for about 90% of cases. It develops due to a combination of factors such as poor diet, weight gain and physical inactivity, which increase the level of glucose in the blood.
This excess glucose overloads the pancreas, which cannot produce enough insulin and becomes “weaker”. The result is a lower and lower insulin production, which makes it difficult for glucose to enter the cells and be used as energy.
In type 2 diabetes, it is possible to reduce – but not completely cure – the symptoms of the disease and normalize blood sugar levels. This can be achieved through dietary rehabilitation, new habits and, in some cases, the use of insulin.
The role of the glucometer
Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it is essential to constantly monitor your blood glucose levels.
By measuring, patients can better understand the effects of diet on their glycemic index and know when to take insulin (especially in type 1 diabetes).
In the case of type 2 diabetes, the patient can not only get the information already mentioned, but can also monitor the results of treatment.
The best blood glucose meters have a “memory”; that is, they store the results of previous tests and use them to understand how blood glucose levels change over time.
But I don’t have diabetes. Should I test my blood glucose as well?
Just because a person does not have diabetes does not mean that he or she should not monitor blood glucose levels from time to time. After all, the glycemic index does not only indicate diabetes, but also pre-diabetes, which is a prerequisite for the “actual” development of the disease.
As incredible as it may seem, about half of diabetic Brazilians do not know that they have the disease. This is extremely dangerous, because diabetes has consequences such as :
- hypertension;
- cardiovascular problems;
- weakening of the immune system;
- strokes;
- kidney failure;
- sexual impotence;
- and nervous system problems.
Prevention is therefore very important, and measuring the glycemic index is one way to do this.
How does glucose measurement work?
Nowadays, it is very simple to measure the level of glucose in the blood. The best glucose meters, also known as blood glucose meters, give results in seconds and with excellent accuracy.
To do the test, you must fast and pierce your finger with a lancet, which is a small needle. At the site of the puncture, a small drop of blood will appear, which must be taken from a test strip. The test strip is then inserted into the glucometer, which gives the result in a few seconds.
The value is measured in mg/dL (milligrams per decaliter), and the result is analyzed according to the following report :
- up to 99 mg/dL: normal blood glucose ;
- between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL: prediabetes ;
- above 125 mg/dL: diabetes.
If you have prediabetes or diabetes, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
What are the best blood glucose meters to maintain your health?
You already know why it is necessary to measure your glucose index and how glucose meters work. Now, how about taking a look at our list of products? We’ve selected the best glucose meters on the market in 2024, so you don’t have to waste time.
1. G Tech Free Lite
Best blood glucose meter
If you want the ultimate in blood glucose control, G Tech Free Lite is the first on our list of the best blood glucose meters. Easy to use and with advanced features, it is ideal for those who need consistent and accurate blood glucose control.
G Tech features Auto Code technology, which is able to identify each test strip separately for greater accuracy and statistical use. Only 0.5 microliter of blood is needed to perform the measurement, and you will get a correct result even with a single drop.
With memory for 365 results and various averaging options, you have plenty of resources to understand how your blood glucose level has changed over time. In addition, you can always connect the meter to your computer for an even wider range of tools.
With a lifetime warranty and an excellent price, the product is very popular with customers and brings further advances in hygiene, ease of use and energy savings. For all these reasons, we consider G Tech Free Lite to be the best blood glucose meter on the market.
2. On Call Plus 2
Best cost-benefit ratio
If you want advanced measurement features at a more affordable price, On Call Plus 2 is one of the best meters in terms of cost-effectiveness.
Accurate, easy to use and with extra features, this meter will be a great help in monitoring your blood glucose.
On Call Plus 2 needs only 0.5 microliters of blood to perform its test, which comes out in just 5 seconds. The display is designed for older users and is very large, which makes it quick and easy to read the result.
It has a memory capacity of up to 300 tests, including the date and time. The averaging function can be used for periods of 7, 14 or 30 days, allowing you to accurately track the variation of your blood glucose level over time.
The product is highly rated by customers, but they caution that the strips are not included. Still, given the product’s ease of use and excellent cost-benefit ratio, it certainly deserves its place on the list of the best blood glucose meters.
3. Lifescan BR OneTouch
An easy to use glucometer
Seniors are precisely those who are most affected by diabetes, and precisely those who have the most vision problems and difficulties with technology.
The best blood glucose meters for these people should be designed with this in mind, as is the case with the Lifescan BR OneTouch.
Extremely easy to use, the One Touch has a large number display for easy viewing. It has an ingenious system that immediately shows whether the glucose level is within the normal range by means of colors, without even looking at the numbers.
Thanks to its large buttons and easy access to its functions, it is extremely easy to use, making it an excellent tool for the elderly. The kit comes with lancets, lancets and test strips, providing everything you need to perform tests immediately.
Highly rated by buyers worldwide, the product is praised for its practicality. Thus, we conclude that among the best blood glucose meters, the Lifescan BR Onetouch is the best in terms of practicality.
4. Descarpack Plus
Good and cheap meter
If you can’t invest much at the moment, Descarpack Plus is one of the best glucose meters below R$ 50. It is also very simple to use.
Descarpack Plus does not require coding, which speeds up testing. In only 5 seconds and with just a small drop of blood you will have an accurate result displayed on a large, easy-to-read screen.
Although small, the device has a memory for up to 500 tests, which is excellent for those who need to perform a lot of tests or track their results over a long period of time.
The meter comes with test strips, but not with lancets or a lancet dispenser.
The product is well evaluated and is praised for its optimal performance. Thus, Descarpack Plus is one of the best blood glucose meters on the market – which is surprising, given its extremely low price.
5. Bayer Contour Plus
The best precision
If you need a more accurate result, Bayer Contour Plus stands out even among the best blood glucose meters. With all of Bayer’s quality and state-of-the-art technology, this meter will be a great ally in monitoring your glucose levels.
The unique Multipulse technology of Contour Plus analyzes the same blood sample 7 times for the most accurate result.
The Sip-in Sampling feature ensures that the blood sample is the right size and avoids soiling the equipment or its environment.
This meter has a memory for up to 400 tests and can be measured for 7, 14 or 30 days. No coding is required, i.e. the strips are ready to use.
In addition, if the first sample is not sufficient, the strip can be reused to replenish the required amount of blood.
The kit includes a meter, lancing device, lancets and strips. As Bayer is a leading brand, it is easy to find lancets and strips. Considering everything we’ve said, this is certainly the best meter in terms of accuracy.
Let’s take care of our health!
You already know that monitoring blood sugar levels is essential for people with diabetes. Healthy people should also do this check from time to time.
That way, you can prevent the onset of the disease and avoid dozens of health complications in the future.
When choosing your blood glucose meter, don’t forget to consult our list of the best blood glucose meters on the market. Don’t forget to visit each product page to make comparisons, collect data, and read buyer reviews.
