Types of glucometers and principles of their operation.

Range of measuring devices

Manufacturers of blood sugar measuring devices produce a huge range of products. The devices function differently, there are advantages and disadvantages.

The device can be:

  1. Laser
    . A laser puncture is made on the skin. The price is above 10 thousand rubles.

  2. Electrochemical
    . Test strips are used in this work.

  3. Photometric
    . Glucose levels are determined by coloring the test area.

  4. Romanovsky
    . Glucose is released after skin spectroscopy.

  5. Contactless
    . It is done quickly and does not require skin puncture.

When choosing a meter for home use, you must take into account that most of the devices are suitable for type 1 diabetes. With the second type, it is necessary to take measurements more often.

Patients with type 2 diabetes have the right to receive a free glucometer, and test strips are issued free of charge for a month upon prescription from a pharmacy (3 pieces per day).

When choosing a glucometer, you should calculate the required amount of consumables and its cost.

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Device Analysis

Analyzing various models of devices and reviews of them, attention was paid to the functionality of the device:

  • accurate measurement;
  • speed of obtaining information;
  • obtaining results on blood pressure, ketone bodies, cholesterol and other indicators;
  • output and transfer of data to a laptop;
  • sound notification;
  • memory size and number of measurements;
  • display backlight.

Also important for the evaluation criterion:

  • ease of use, especially for patients with impaired motor skills or poor vision;
  • cost of a glucometer and price of consumables;
  • availability of test strips for sale;
  • shelf life of consumables;
  • number of complaints about marriage;
  • the presence of a bag-cover for the safety of the device;
  • appearance.

To make it easier to choose a glucometer for your home, we have compiled a rating of the best devices from well-known manufacturers.

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How to choose a glucometer

Every patient is interested not only in the accuracy of measuring blood sugar levels, but also in the convenience of this procedure. Therefore, when choosing a glucometer, you need to take into account the maximum number of features and parameters of the device.

  1. Accuracy of measurements. Ideally, the manufacturer clearly indicates at what time intervals the device must be verified in a special laboratory.
  2. Balance of functionality and cost. Here, the average user puts electrochemical class devices in first place. However, if the patient is interested in maximum mobility, it is better to buy a non-contact type device.
  3. Measurement speed. Types of glucose meters such as non-contact and laser meters offer almost instant results. When purchasing an electrochemical or photometric device, you should choose a model with the shortest possible result preparation time.
  4. Maintaining statistics. Recording measurements throughout the day is very useful. This will be especially interesting for people who are trying to stick to a strict diet. In the same functional section, it is worth mentioning the ability to set a food mark. This allows you to form a clearer picture of what is happening, adjust your diet or change the time of lunch, breakfast, dinner.

The last thing that must be taken into account is the popularity of the model. The more devices are sold, the more consumables and components are offered for them. Having chosen a glucometer from a popular manufacturer, you can count on ease of warranty and post-warranty service and availability of laboratories for verification.

Photometric glucometers

The best photometric glucose meters include Accu-Chek devices. The manufacturer Roche Diagnostics achieved excellent results. Thanks to innovative technologies, the Accu Chek glucometer provides an error of up to 15%. According to the standards, an inaccuracy of 20% is allowed.

Accu Chek Active

The practical meter takes measurements in 5 seconds. The information is easy to read on the large screen. Advantages of the popular Accu-Chek Active model:

  • image clarity;
  • ease of use;
  • 350 measurements;
  • displaying average glucose values;
  • results before and after eating;
  • auto-on when strip enters;
  • transfer of results to storage media.

The equipment comes with a puncture machine, 10 strips and the same number of lancets, a battery, a carrying bag and instructions. The disadvantages include:

  • high cost of consumables;
  • lack of automatic blood sampling;
  • lack of sound and lighting;
  • low battery charge;
  • may give an error if a drop of blood does not hit the center.

According to reviews, this model is practical, comfortable, suitable for elderly people with impaired vision, but consumables will cost more than the device itself. The cost of the meter is 600 rubles, and the test strips will cost 900 rubles.

Accu Chek Mobile

Refers to the best photometric glucometers. Roche guarantees the high-tech device for 50 years. The device combines the most necessary things. This model uses test cassettes, which eliminates damage to consumables.

Pros:

  • painless blood sampling;
  • excellent measurement accuracy;
  • speed 5 sec;

  • The set also includes a puncture device and a test cassette;
  • repeated use of the lancet (if it is used by one person);
  • great memory;
  • no software installation required to transfer information to a computer;
  • menu in Russian.

So, users note accuracy, ease of use, high speed and painless puncture, after which a minimum of blood appears.

Minuses:

  • price 3500 rubles;
  • buzzing sound.

According to consumer opinions, Accu-Chek Mobile would be purchased more often if the price of the measuring device was lower.

Accu Chek Compact Plus

The Accu-Chek Compact Plus model received good reviews. Taking into account user criticism, the developers reduced the analysis time and reduced it to 5 seconds. Automatic control brings convenience to the user, who practically does not need to press buttons.

Advantages:

  • wide screen;
  • measurement indicator;
  • ease of needle replacement;

  • the piercing handle is adjustable;
  • memory stores 100 measurements;
  • transferring information to a personal computer;
  • bag-case;
  • 3 year warranty.

Flaws:

  • difficulties in purchasing a drum with ribbons;
  • buzzing sound when rewinding;
  • high price (3,500 rubles).

Despite the high cost and difficulty in finding ribbons, the model is popular among buyers.

Accu-Chek Performa Nano

The model features a modern design and portable sizes. Ease of use is ensured by a wide backlit screen.

Advantages:

  • accuracy of results;
  • speed 5 seconds;
  • compactness;
  • great memory;
  • The time, date and alarm are displayed, notifying the time of analysis.

The only disadvantages include expensive consumables. The price of the glucometer itself from Roche is 1,500 rubles, which is much lower than the cost of photometric devices from this manufacturer.

The best blood glucose meters with more memory

Accu-Chek Mobile Glucose Meter

A high-tech glucometer for the “lazy” with blood data calibration. The most accurate and comfortable to use among photometric models - the premium class affects the price (from 3900 to 4900).

The scarifier pen for piercing is equipped with a scrolling drum with 6 lancets. The puncture depth is set very precisely (11 options in total).

You can get the result from a small pea of ​​blood (0.3 µl), the puncture of the skin is very delicate, almost imperceptible.

There is a calculation of the average result. Graphs, charts and tables with indicators are immediately displayed on the monitor. You can mark your food intake on the meter screen.

prosMinuses
  • replaceable cassettes for 50 measurements;
  • large memory for 2000 measurements and connection to a computer without additional programs.
  • scrolling the tape takes seconds, displaying the result on the screen takes 5 seconds;
  • the piercing handle is attached to the body of the device;
  • The device itself recognizes its code and expiration date using the RFID radio tag applied to the cassette.
  • Sometimes there are defective tests in the cassette (there can be 2-8 of them per 50 measurements), the tests must be used within 90 days, otherwise they will not be read;
  • the cost of a cassette for 50 measurements is about 1300-1400 rubles;
  • There is no case included.

Price: RUB 4,155

2. Accu-Chek Performa blood glucose meter

A compact and affordable glucometer from a well-known and trustworthy manufacturer. The device is easy to use; even a child can understand the controls. One of the main advantages of the gadget is a small and completely painless puncture that instantly heals. The device produces measurement results in just 5 seconds, while the accuracy remains at a consistently high level. Large symbols on the contrast display can be easily seen even by an elderly person with poor vision.

The asking price is a rather modest 650 rubles.

prosMinuses
  • compactness;
  • convenience;
  • availability;
  • accuracy;
  • automatic operation.
  • short shelf life of indicator strips;
  • high cost of consumables;
  • modest equipment;

Price: ₽ 618

Non-invasive devices

The production of high-tech devices using innovative scientific developments has allowed us to reach a new level. New generation devices do not require blood sampling. Their cost is high, production is carried out in small batches. A few reviews speak of the perfection of the equipment produced.

Omelon B-2

The Russian company Omelon, together with Moscow University, has developed a unique glucometer that has no analogues. The principle of its operation is based on the connection between sugar levels and cardiac and muscle tone. An innovative glucometer from the best specialists calculates glucose levels based on measurements of pulse, pressure and blood vessels.

Advantages:

  • painless measurements without taking blood or skin punctures;
  • the patient can also keep blood pressure and pulse under control;
  • more convenient than invasive meters;
  • warranty period 2 years.

Minuses:

  • its large dimensions do not allow it to be carried in a pocket;
  • the correct data depends on the patient's condition and movements during measurement.

The cost of the Omelon B-2 glucometer is 6,900 rubles on the manufacturer’s website, but the high price is offset by the fact that there is no need to purchase consumables.

Pros and cons of non-invasive glucose meters

The non-invasive glucometer allows you to determine your current sugar level using the optical measurement method without pricking your finger. This approach eliminates the main disadvantages inherent in invasive devices. The devices are small in size and can be connected to a mobile phone. Here are the advantages of non-invasive glucose meters:

  • compactness;
  • ease of use;
  • no punctures;
  • high accuracy;
  • the possibility of using the device by a group of people;
  • no need to buy test strips.

There is only one downside to a non-invasive glucometer - it is expensive. Good models have a high price, but you shouldn’t buy cheap ones from unknown manufacturers, since they often give incorrect indicators.


The need to constantly give injections is the main reason people refuse to use a standard tester; a non-invasive glucometer solves this problem

Which meter is better

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If you choose a device based on pricing policy, then it is better to focus on the price of test strips. Here it will definitely be profitable to buy a Russian glucometer from Elta.

Glucose meter comparison table

ModelMeasurement time (sec.)MemoryDevice price (RUB)Cost of test strips
Accu-Chek Active5 sec.350 measurements600 rub.900-1200 rub.
Accu-Chek Mobile52503500500
Accu-Chek Compact Plus101003500500
Accu-Chek Performa Nano550015001000
Bioptik Technoloqy Easy Touch63003000500
Bayer Contour TS5350500-700500
One touch select simple53001000600
One Touch Select Plus5500750-9001200 (50 pcs.), 1900 (100 pcs.)
Elta Satellite Express76010001350

Many consumers choose products from One Touch and Bayer. If you are a supporter of the latest technologies, want to get more accurate information and are willing to pay for convenience, then choose Accu-Chek and Omelon devices.

Comparison table of the best glucose meters

Name Main characteristics Price
Accu-Chek Mobile There are replaceable cassettes designed for 50 measurements, a scarifier pen for piercing, and a large memory for 2000 measurements. ₽ 4 155
Accu-Chek Performa Lightweight body, comfortable to hold, can be connected to a personal computer. ₽ 618
iHealth Smart Minimal error when measuring, quick display of results within 5 seconds, the battery is fully charged in 1 hour. ₽ 2 150
Satellite Express (PKG-03) Each strip is individually packaged, can withstand low temperatures (up to -20), can be used for up to 1.5 years, a very small drop of blood for measurement (0.1 µl). ₽ 1 233
OneTouch Select® Plus Flex Adjustable puncture depth in 7 options, painless injection, color indicator, convenient hard case with a removable mount inside for a glucometer, scarifier and a jar of test strips. ₽ 1 128
Glucometer Diacont A small drop of blood for the test (0.7 µl), determines the average value, warns of high/low sugar levels with a sound. ₽ 585
Satellite Plus (PKG-02.4) Small volume of blood for measuring sugar (4 μl), automatic shutdown. ₽ 889
Accu-Chek Active Small volume of blood for measurement (2 μl), minimal error of the result, “eternal” battery (lasts for several years), the result is determined in 5 seconds. ₽ 712

Rating of the best glucometers without piercing

For diabetic patients, accuracy and speed of measurement are very important. Devices for household use use different technologies and have their own disadvantages and advantages. The following is a rating of the leading non-invasive glucose meters for measuring blood sugar without needling.

Glucose plus pressure: Omelon B-2

The innovative technology was developed by Russian scientists. The operation of the device is based on the principle of dependence of vascular and muscle tone on glucose levels. Omelon B-2 (the name of the non-invasive glucometer) measures the pulse wave several times, then it switches to pressure, vascular tone and analyzes the blood sugar level. The high percentage of agreement between the indicators and laboratory test data made it possible to launch the innovative tonometer-glucometer into production. There are reviews, albeit few. Pros of a glucometer:

  • no need to buy consumables (compensation for the high cost of the device itself);
  • painless examinations, no contact with blood;
  • insignificant difference with the results of laboratory tests;
  • the ability to check not only sugar, but also blood pressure and pulse;
  • automatic shutdown a couple of minutes after the last measurements are displayed on the display.

The power source of the non-invasive glucometer is standard AA batteries. The dimensions are above average - the device will not fit into your pocket. The warranty is only 2 years.

Important! The correctness of the readings obtained depends on compliance with the requirements for the procedure for measuring pressure. If the cuff does not fit the circumference of the arm, the patient becomes nervous and twitches during the test, and the result may be incorrect.


With the non-invasive glucometer Omelon V-2, you can immediately measure your blood pressure.
The price of the device is about 9,000 rubles. It is advisable to make purchases from authorized dealers.

Innovations from Israel: GlucoTrack DF-F

The problem of quickly measuring blood glucose without punctures was solved by Integrity Applications. The basic principle of measurements is the combination of electromagnetic, thermal, and ultrasonic technologies. There are no official sales in Russia yet; you can place an order in the EU for a price starting from $2,000.

Important! Israel or Russia – each buyer decides for himself. Often the choice is determined by the financial issue.

GlucoTrack DF-F non-invasive glucose meters are an alternative to conventional test strip devices that require pricking your finger every time you need to take a test. To perform testing, just hold the gadget to your finger and wait for the assessment results. GlucoTrack DF-F is an ideal non-invasive glucometer for young children and adults who really do not like punctures and avoid unnecessary procedures due to fear of such exposure.


GlucoTrack DF-F is the best non-invasive blood glucose meter, but it's expensive

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