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Blood glucose is a critical indicator of human health, especially for those with diabetes. To control blood sugar, you need a blood glucose monitor. In this article, Mytour Blog will introduce you to 5 common types of monitors available today.
What is a blood glucose monitor?
A blood glucose monitor is a medical device used to measure the glucose level in the blood. This device helps diabetic patients to self-monitor and track blood sugar levels at home quickly and accurately. The device operates based on the electrochemical reaction between the reagent in the test strip and the amount of sugar in the blood, then displays the results on the LCD screen.
Blood glucose monitors are used to measure the amount of sugar in the blood (Source: Internet)Benefits of Blood Glucose Monitors
Below are some key benefits of using blood glucose monitors:
- Control blood sugar levels, helping adjust diet, lifestyle, and medication appropriately.
- Maintain blood sugar at normal levels, delaying the onset of complications.
- Detect promptly when experiencing acute high or low blood sugar to address immediately.
- Provide information for doctors to develop the best treatment plan.
- Enhance awareness and responsibility for personal health.
Key benefits of blood glucose monitors (Source: Internet)Criteria for Choosing a Blood Glucose Monitor
To purchase a good quality monitor, you need to consider the following criteria:
Reputable Brand
Choosing a reputable brand is one of the crucial criteria when buying a blood glucose monitor. You should opt for brands with a reputation and experience in manufacturing such devices, such as Accu-Chek, OneTouch, Omron, Bayer… These brands have been tested and certified for the quality and safety of their products, ensuring accurate and reliable measurement results for you.
Prefer reputable brands in the blood glucose monitor manufacturing field (Source: Internet)Time-saving
You should choose monitors with quick measuring time, typically between 5-10 seconds, to save time and minimize discomfort during blood extraction. Additionally, opt for devices with high battery capacity, allowing multiple uses before needing to recharge or replace batteries.
Opt for machines with rapid measuring time (Source: Internet)Integrated with multiple features
Another criterion aiding in selecting a quality measuring machine is its features. Opt for machines integrated with various beneficial features such as:
- Data storage capability: Track fluctuations in blood sugar levels over time, compare with normal indices, and detect early relevant incidents.
- Average calculation: Calculate measurement results within a specific time frame, such as weekly, monthly, or quarterly, for an overall view of health status.
- Risk alert: Identify when blood sugar levels are too high or too low compared to normal levels, to promptly address and prevent dangerous complications.
- Connectivity with other devices: Connect the machine with smartphones, computers, or other medical devices to share measurement results with doctors or loved ones.
Opt for machines with multiple useful integrated features (Source: Internet)Clear and Sharp Display Screen
Another critical criterion to consider when purchasing a measuring device is its display screen. Choose machines with large, sharp, and easily readable screens to clearly view measurement results and other information. Additionally, opt for machines with backlighting to use the device in low-light or dark conditions.
A sharp display screen is one of the top priorities when choosing various measuring machines (Source: Internet)Discover the Top 5 Blood Glucose Monitors You Need to Know
A blood glucose monitor is a vital medical device for diabetes patients. However, not all monitors are created equal. Here are the top 5 highly rated monitors in today's market.
Omron Blood Glucose Monitor Without Blood Sampling
Omron is a renowned brand in the field of medical devices, particularly known for its blood glucose monitors that don't require blood sampling.
Advantages:
- Utilizes non-invasive methods based on analyzing blood vessel elasticity, heart rate variability, and blood pressure.
- Minimizes discomfort and risk of infection associated with blood sampling.
- High accuracy and quick measurement capability.
- Compact, convenient design, and easy storage.
- Features Bluetooth connectivity to phones or computers.
- Automatically turns off after measurement to save energy.
- Includes alarm function for measurement reminders.
Disadvantages:
- Higher cost compared to other devices on the market.
- Requires careful adherence to instructions for accurate results.
- Cannot be used on moist, dirty, or wounded skin.
Omron is a well-known brand in the field of medical devices (Source: Internet)On Call Plus Blood Glucose Monitor
On Call Plus is a trusted brand of blood glucose monitors. One of its standout products is the On-Call Extra.
Advantages:
- High accuracy, FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certified.
- Warns of high or low blood glucose levels.
- Quick measurement time (just 5 – 10 seconds).
- Requires minimal blood sample (only 1 microliter).
- Alerts for low battery or test strip depletion.
- Device equipped with auto-shutoff feature after use.
Disadvantages:
- No connectivity to phones or computers.
- No measurement reminder alarm function.
- No capability to measure hemoglobin or cholesterol.
On Call Plus blood glucose monitor is a trusted brand (Source: Internet)Accu-Chek Blood Glucose Monitor
Accu-Chek is a leading global brand of blood glucose monitors under the Roche group from Switzerland. One of the standout products of Accu-Chek is the Accu-Chek Guide.
Advantages:
- High accuracy, surpassing international quality standards.
- Quick measurement time (just 5 seconds).
- Alerts for low battery or test strip depletion.
- Stores up to 720 most recent measurements, with average calculation over 7, 14, or 30 days.
- Warns of high or low blood glucose levels.
- Can connect to smartphones via Bluetooth to share measurement results with doctors or family members.
Disadvantages:
- High cost.
- Test strips are difficult to find and more expensive compared to other types.
- Requires calibration with an accurate standard machine at least once a month.
Accu-Chek is a Swiss brand of blood glucose monitors (Source: Internet)One Touch Blood Glucose Monitor
One Touch is a blood glucose monitor brand by Johnson & Johnson, an American conglomerate. One of its standout products is the One Touch Select Plus.
Advantages:
- Quick measurement time, just 5 seconds.
- Requires minimal blood sample (only 0.4 microliters).
- Stores up to 500 most recent measurements, with average calculation over 7, 14, or 30 days.
- Includes measurement reminder alarm function.
- Alerts for low battery or test strip depletion.
- Connects to phones or computers via Bluetooth.
- Warns of high or low blood glucose levels through color-coded alerts.
Disadvantages:
- Relatively high cost.
- Requires regular replacement of batteries and reagents, incurring additional costs during usage.
- No capability to measure hemoglobin or cholesterol.
One Touch is a blood glucose monitor brand from the United States (Source: Internet)Through the article, you have gained an overview of the 5 commonly used blood glucose monitors today as well as the pros and cons of each type. Mytour hopes that with these criteria, you will be able to choose a suitable device for your needs and health condition.
