The main blood sugar control tool for a diabetic is a glucometer. The device allows you to find out the current sugar level without going to the laboratory and standing in long queues. The development of modern technologies and the development of innovative solutions in this area have made it possible to make glucometers available to the public.
Today's market of medical gadgets can offer the consumer devices of different price segments. Any average Russian can afford to buy a glucometer, fortunately, there are enough models in both the budget and premium sectors.
Market situation
But not all gadgets are equally effective, as advertised. From the blue screens, a stream of unverified and through and through corrupt (as a rule) information is pouring on us. Purchased reviews of home glucometers confuse ordinary consumers and make them overpay or buy mediocre devices.
Of course, you can analyze the segment yourself and choose the most worthy device, but it will take a lot of time and nerves, because it will take a really long time to understand this issue, delving into every little thing. It is much easier to seek help from independentexpert groups specially created to solve such problems.
That's just to their opinion about which glucometer is better to buy and the reviews of experts, you should listen. Here we are talking primarily about Roszdravnadzor and its numerous branches, which can be found in every Russian region. They have competent experts, auditing capabilities, and their own extensive database of "good" and "bad" sellers and their products as well.
In the regions you can find private independent organizations of this kind. They work, as a rule, under the auspices of private clinics, which sponsor these studies. So you can and should listen to their point of view about which glucometer is better, and reviews on specific models. Studies of similar groups were taken into account when compiling the list below.
So, let's try to identify the most popular, high-quality and efficient devices. This will allow at least a little orientation in all the variety presented on the market and competently choose a glucometer. Appliance reviews will also be covered in this article.
Accu-Chek Active
One of the notable features of this German budget model is an impressive amount of internal memory. The Accu-Chek Active meter is generally well-received by users for its simplicity, efficiency and low cost.
The device operates according to the principle of coding. You can take bloodfrom almost anywhere: finger, palm, leg or forearm. Due to its simplicity, the device is suitable for all generations of users.
Owners in their reviews of the glucometer also note the attractive appearance and ergonomics of the gadget. A well-assembled case made of good plastic fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, and a large display with excellent visualization helps to see all the information. This moment was especially appreciated by older users.
Features of the model
As dynamic results, the device can display average measurements, presenting them in the form of graphs, which the attending physician will subsequently rely on. By the way, the doctors themselves leave mostly flattering comments in their reviews of the glucometer.
Model benefits:
- check results will be ready within 5 seconds;
- impressive instrument memory for 350 samples;
- audible signaling of the need to replace the strip;
- automatically turn off the device after a minute of inactivity;
- package includes 10 test strips.
Estimated cost is about 950 rubles.
Diacont Ok
Another budget model, distinguished by its efficiency and more than affordable price tag. The device is manufactured in Russia and, judging by the reviews, the glucometer is in no way inferior to Western counterparts in terms of its technical equipment and efficiency.
The device detects blood sugar levels without coding, so the risk of gettingerroneous results is minimal. In addition, the accuracy of the device is increased due to the function of electrochemical analysis: blood is mixed with protein and the current measurements are displayed on the screen. After the test, the device will not only display the result, but also compare it with the norm in tolerances.
Distinctive features of the device
Doctors also call the device a good glucometer. Reviews on it are mostly positive, and neither experts nor users have identified any critical shortcomings. Diacont OK is a very good option for a modest budget.
Pros of the model:
- test results in 6 seconds;
- good memory for 250 measurements;
- plasma test;
- once a week you can get detailed statistics;
- auto sleep after 3 minutes of inactivity;
- inexpensive consumables (50 strips - 400 rubles);
- more than affordable price tag for the device.
Estimated price is about 750 rubles.
One Touch Select Simple
This machine is intuitive and easy to use. Reviews on the One Touch glucometer are mostly positive, both from doctors and from ordinary owners. The device from the venerable Swiss brand is suitable for any category of users. A large font will be easily seen by people with problem vision and will deal with simple functionality.
The device works without coding, so the error of readings is minimized. Judging by the reviews of the Select glucometer, manyusers appreciated not only its convenience and efficiency, but also the brand's competent pricing policy, where the purchase of a device will not hit the wallet as hard as in the case of more noble Western counterparts.
Device features
As for the build quality and design of the gadget, there are no questions either: good and pleasant to the touch plastic, no backlashes and gaps, as well as excellent ergonomics make the device a practical purchase.
The front part of the glucometer is free from unnecessary elements, so you simply cannot get confused in the controls. Here we have a large screen with a clear font and two indicator lights that warn the user about high or low sugar levels. A bright and visible arrow points to the strip hole.
Model benefits:
- intuitive controls;
- sound alert users when sugar level is critical;
- includes control solution and 10 test strips;
- low battery alert;
- large print and overall ergonomic design;
- quality build.
Estimated cost is about 1,000 rubles.
Satellite Express
This domestic development appealed to many consumers. One of the remarkable differences between the device (as users note in reviews of the Satellite Express glucometer) from competing analogues is a fully automatic blood sampling, that is, without the involvement of the user (there is no needsmear samples on the receiver yourself).
Another significant plus of the device is the low cost of consumables. A set of test strips of 50 pieces will cost only 450 rubles. The device itself also cannot be attributed to the premium price segment, so the purchase will not hit your pocket hard.
It should also be noted that the manufacturer positions the device not only as an individual, but also as a clinical one. The doctors themselves leave quite flattering reviews about the glucometer. The device does its job very well, and is especially helpful when there is no or limited access to laboratory tests. A very small memory of the device acts as a fly in the ointment - the last 60 measurements.
Pros of the model:
- fast result in 7 seconds;
- electrochemical method for determining the level of sugar;
- working with whole (capillary) blood;
- long battery life (about 5 thousand samples);
- package includes 26 strips including control test.
Estimated price is about 1,200 rubles.
Onetouch Ultra Easy
This model is considered one of the best in its segment. Users in their reviews note the excellent ergonomics of the device along with its compactness and efficiency. With a weight of 32 grams and dimensions of 108 x 32 x 17 mm, the glucometer will not burden your pocket or purse at all.
Despite the modest size of the gadget, the designers tried to make the screeninstrument as large and clear as possible. It occupies the entire frontal part, and the contrasting font is easy to read. This also includes high accuracy of results and long battery life.
It is also worth noting that the device can be connected to a personal computer. This makes it much easier to perceive the statistics obtained and track the dynamics of changes. The device perfectly synchronizes with the Windows and Mac platforms, and, judging by user reviews, there are no problems with the drivers.
Model benefits:
- almost instant results (no more than 5 seconds);
- electrochemical blood test;
- detailed statistics indicate the exact time and date of sampling;
- lightweight and ergonomic design;
- large print on the display and clear controls.
Estimated cost is about 2,100 rubles.
Easytouch GCHB (Bioptik Technology)
This is a real monster in its field, equipped with chic functionality that other analogues will envy. In addition to the usual blood sampling for sugar levels, the device can measure cholesterol and hemoglobin, which makes the device a versatile and really effective solution.
It should also be noted that many municipal and private clinics have adopted this glucometer, and such trust speaks volumes. The device works on the principle of coding, and fences are taken only from the finger.
Distinctive features of the glucometer
The device is equipped with a large and clear LCD screen with large print, so even people with visual impairments can easily read the data. As for the assembly, then, judging by the user reviews, there are no complaints about them either. The body of the gadget is durable and made of high-quality plastic, which is not afraid of physical damage. There are also no extra controls in the interface of the device, so you can’t get confused in it. Of course, the device is noticeably more expensive than the analogues described above, but it fully pays off the money invested.
Pros of the model:
- one-stop solution for users with diabetes comorbidities;
- quick test results (sugar and hemoglobin - 6 seconds, cholesterol - 2 minutes);
- large internal memory for 200 samples;
- clear and user-friendly interface;
- very high quality build;
- dimensions are small for the existing functionality;
- the device is used by many doctors;
- rich package.
Estimated price is about 5,000 rubles.
Summing up
When choosing a device of this kind, you must first look at the manufacturer and his reputation in this area. In addition, it is clearly useful to consult with your doctor about purchasing a glucometer. Of course, doctors are not given any specific “settings” (except for advertising purposes), but the abundance of patients, as well as their reviews of certain devices, can show a more or less complete picture.
All of the above devicesshowed themselves on the positive side and earned the respect of both the users themselves and the attending physicians. Therefore, any device from the list will be useful, practical and effective. The difference, in fact, is only in the budget, the delivery set and the method of blood testing. The error of the result, for example, the same Easytouch GCHB and Accu-Chek Active do not differ much.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the reviews of non-invasive glucometers. The fact is that without blood sampling, it is impossible to determine the exact level of sugar in the blood. That is, such devices are not yet on sale. Yes, there are serious developments in this area and clinical trials are being carried out, but there are simply no experimental and affordable samples not only for ordinary consumers, but also for specialized institutions.
Don't risk your he alth and buy into the persuasion of cunning marketers about such possibilities of glucometers. The only source that will accurately and without deceit tell you about the appearance of a non-invasive (without blood sampling) device on the market is Roszdravnadzor. And he gives an unambiguous answer about this - there is no such equipment yet.
