Top 10 Glucometers for 2023 | Updated List

Reviewed By: Dr. Damanjit Duggal, MD, MBBS Date: April 20, 2022 Author: Dr. Surajeet Kumar Patra Language: English

Last updated: February 14th, 2023

Introduction: Regularly monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial for managing diabetes. Glucometers, small portable digital devices, are user-friendly tools that help people with diabetes track their blood sugar levels. In this article, we will explore the top 10 glucometers available in India.

Table of Contents:

1. What is a Glucometer?
2. Glucometer Kit
3. Why Use a Glucometer?
4. How to Use a Glucometer?
5. Tips for Using a Glucometer
6. Tips for Buying a Glucometer
7. Advantages and Disadvantages of Glucometers
8. Factors Affecting Glucometer Accuracy
9. List of Best Glucometers in India

Effective management of diabetes requires regular monitoring of blood glucose levels. Monitoring glucose levels after meals or exercises helps assess the impact of diet and workouts on blood sugar levels, enabling better diet and workout planning. Here is a list of the top 10 glucometers available in India, leveraging technology for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and care, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Glucometers are user-friendly devices designed specifically for individuals with diabetes.

What is Glucometer?

The word “Glucometer” comes from two words: glucose and meter. It is a small portable digital device that measures blood glucose levels. A glucometer is also known as a blood sugar check machine and is a handy device that is easy to operate. It assists diabetic patients in knowing their current blood sugar levels. You will read about the best glucometers in India in the upcoming sections.

Also Read: Normal Sugar Level

Glucometer Kit

Let’s look at the parts of a glucometer and how they work as a blood glucose monitoring system.

The entire unit of the glucometer comes with a glucometer machine, glucometer lancets (needles), and strips.

1. Glucometer Reading Device: This is the digital interface that displays values of measured blood sugar in mg/dL.
2. Glucometer Lancets: For measuring blood glucose levels, a blood sample is drawn by pricking fingers with the help of lancets. These lancets are comprised of 2 parts. The pricking needle is a lancet. While the other part is used to hold the needle into it. It is known as a lancet holder. Dispose of the lancet safely after its use and do not use it again.
3. Glucometer Test Strips: For measuring blood glucose levels the test strips are coated with enzymes on it. For testing the blood drop is placed on one side of the strip. The blood glucose starts to react with the enzyme on the strip. This reaction causes the release of gluconic acid. The other end of the strip is inserted into the glucometer. The reaction of glucose with blood causes an oxidation reaction that results in the transfer of electrons, resulting in the generation of an electrical current. This value is the blood glucose level present in the blood and the glucometer reading device displays it digitally.

Why Use a Glucometer?

Using a glucometer offers several benefits for managing diabetes effectively:

• Confirmation of Blood Glucose Levels: Testing blood glucose levels is the only way to accurately determine the level of blood sugar or glucose at any given time.
• Detection of High and Low Levels: Regular testing enables the detection of high and low blood glucose levels, helping identify potential causes and take appropriate action.
• Monitoring Diabetes Management: Regular testing assists in assessing how well an individual is managing their diabetes symptoms through insulin therapy, meal preparation, and exercise.
• Reducing Complications: Regular testing helps reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes by facilitating efficient diabetes management.
• Treatment Modifications: Test results provide valuable information for doctors to adjust the overall treatment strategy, ensuring optimal care.

How to Use a Glucometer? Step-by-Step Guide for Using the Best Glucometer in India

1. Turn on the glucometer device.
2. Insert the test strip into the designated port to establish a connection.
3. Blood Sampling: Use a fresh glucometer lancet to prick your finger carefully.
4. Apply the blood sample to one end of the test strip.
5. Record your readings.

Glucometers provide results within approximately 10 minutes of blood collection. Modern glucose testing monitors may include additional features like wireless connectivity, memory, and advanced data processing tools, allowing for longer-term glucose monitoring and accurate representation of sugar levels in digital form.

It is crucial to receive training from a qualified nurse or practitioner to learn the proper techniques and tips for using glucose monitoring devices. This ensures a better understanding of device readings and their appropriate usage.

Tips for Using a Glucometer

To ensure accurate and effective use of glucometers at home, follow these guidelines:

1. Proper Handwashing: Always wash your hands thoroughly before using a glucometer to remove any residue that could affect the readings. Even seemingly clean hands may have food or other substances on the fingertips. Washing and drying your hands properly is essential.
2. Allow Alcohol Swab to Dry: If you use an alcohol swab to clean the first blood drop, allow it to dry completely before using the device for the second drop. This ensures accurate results and helps prevent infections.
3. Personal Use Only: Glucometers that require fingersticks should not be shared among multiple individuals. Keep your device strictly private and avoid sharing it with others.
4. Disposable Lancets: Always use disposable or single-use lancets to prevent any reuse or sharing practices. This ensures hygiene and accurate readings.
5. Use New and Reliable Supplies: Use new and high-quality lancets and test strips to obtain accurate results. Using old or expired supplies can affect the reliability of your tests.
6. Test at the Right Time: Avoid rushing the blood sugar test after a meal. The recommended time to test blood sugar levels is 2 hours after a meal for accurate readings.
7. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and healthy fluids as dehydration can lead to increased sugar levels. Keeping yourself hydrated is crucial for maintaining accurate readings.
8. Proper Hand Preparation: Rub your hands together before taking the test, but avoid squeezing your fingertips. Squeezing can alter blood flow and provide inaccurate readings.

Tips for Buying a Glucometer

When purchasing a glucometer, consider the following factors to ensure you choose the right device:

1. Opt for a Reputable Brand: Choose a glucometer from a trusted brand since it plays a vital role in monitoring your sugar levels.
2. Consider Budget-Friendly Options: Compare prices and select a glucometer that offers good value for your budget.
3. Insurance Coverage: Check if the device is covered by insurance, as standard glucometers are typically included in diabetic insurance coverage.
4. Quick Results: Look for a glucometer that provides results within 5 seconds for convenience and efficiency.
5. Automatic Coding: Choose a device with automatic coding to minimize errors and ensure accurate readings.
6. Data Storage: Select a device that can store and retrieve your sugar reading data for better monitoring and analysis.
7. User-Friendly Design: Ensure the glucometer is easy to use and provides reliable results consistently.
8. Illuminated Screen: Consider a device with an illuminated screen for better visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
9. Audio Facility: If you have vision problems, opt for a glucometer that offers an audio facility for reading results.
10. Small Sample Requirement: Choose a device that requires small samples of blood for testing, minimizing discomfort.
11. Automatic Coding: Look for a device with automatic coding to avoid manual setting errors that can affect readings.

Remember, buying a glucometer is just the first step; you will need to purchase strips and lancets regularly, so ensure they are affordable and accessible.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Glucometers

Like any modern technology, glucometers have their advantages and disadvantages. They offer convenience and valuable insights into blood glucose levels, but there are also drawbacks to consider. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using a glucometer:

Advantages of Glucometers

1. Time-saving: Glucometers provide quick and immediate results, saving time compared to traditional laboratory tests.
2. Real-time readings: You can obtain real-time information about your blood glucose levels, allowing you to make timely decisions regarding your diet and medication adjustments.
3. Hypoglycemia detection: Glucometers can help detect low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) promptly, enabling you to take appropriate actions and prevent emergencies.
4. Convenient for elderly individuals: Glucometers are a practical option for elderly people who may have difficulty traveling for frequent blood tests.
5. Home use: Glucometers are user-friendly and can be easily used at home, providing greater convenience and accessibility.
6. Cost-effective: Using a glucometer can save money compared to frequent laboratory tests, making it a cost-effective device for long-term use.
7. Early detection of health conditions: Abnormally high blood sugar readings may indicate potential infections, inflammation, or illnesses, allowing for early detection and timely medical intervention.
8. Diet management: Accurate test readings provided by glucometers help in effectively managing and planning your diet to maintain optimal blood sugar levels.
9. Medication adjustments: Regular blood glucose readings provide valuable information for modifying medication dosages and treatment plans.

Disadvantages of Glucometers

1. Accuracy limitations: Glucometers may not always provide perfectly accurate blood glucose readings, and there can be slight variations compared to laboratory tests.
2. Cost: Glucometers and the associated supplies can be expensive, especially when considering long-term use and the need for frequent testing.
3. Painful pricking: Regular glucose testing requires repeated finger pricking, which can be uncomfortable and painful for some individuals.
4. Blood sample size: Ensuring the correct amount of blood is used for testing is crucial, as very small or large samples can affect the accuracy of readings.
5. Infection risk: Improper use or inadequate hygiene practices when using glucometers can potentially lead to infections. It is important to follow proper procedures and maintain cleanliness.
6. Psychological impact: Frequent reliance on glucometers and continuous monitoring of blood sugar levels can have psychological effects and cause stress and anxiety.

While glucometers offer many benefits, it is important to be aware of their limitations and use them in conjunction with professional medical guidance for effective diabetes management.

Factors Influencing Glucometer Accuracy

Glucometers typically provide accurate results when used correctly. However, there are certain factors that can affect their accuracy. Here are the factors that can impact glucometer accuracy and their corresponding solutions:

1. Test strip issues: Dispose of damaged or expired test strips and store them in a sealed container, protected from heat, moisture, and light.
2. Extreme temperatures: Keep both the meter and test strips at room temperature to ensure accurate readings.
3. Improper coding: Some meters require coding for each container of test strips. Verify that the code number on the device matches the one on the strip container.
4. Contaminants on the skin: Thoroughly wash and dry your hands and the testing site before pricking the skin to remove any alcohol, dirt, or other substances.
5. Choice of testing site: If using a site other than the fingertip and suspect an inaccurate reading, retest using blood from a fingertip. Alternative site samples may be less accurate during rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
6. Monitor-related issues: Ensure that the test strip is fully inserted into the monitor and replace the monitor batteries when necessary.
7. Red blood cell (RBC) count: Dehydration or low RBC count (anemia) can affect test results. If these conditions are present, it may lead to discrepancies in the readings.

List of Best Glucometers in India

There are several glucometer devices available in the Indian market. To help you choose the best one, here are some highly recommended options known for their ease of use and accuracy in measuring blood sugar levels.

One-Touch Select Plus Simple Glucometer:

The OneTouch Select Plus Simple glucometer is a user-friendly device that delivers fast and accurate results. Simply turn on the device, and you’ll get your readings. It is also known as the ColourSure One Touch Select Plus Simple Blood Glucose Monitoring System.

Features of One-Touch Select Plus Simple Glucometer:

• Comes with 10 lancets and 10 test strips
• Requires only 0.5 microliters of blood sample
• Provides results within 5 seconds
• Can store up to 10 previous test records in its memory
• Equipped with an LED display and audio alert system
• No coding or setup required before use
• Operates on battery power
• Compact and portable design
• Easy to use
• Fixed minimum and maximum measuring limits

Key point: This glucometer is highly accurate, providing results that are comparable to laboratory tests.

Please note that it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable glucometer for your specific needs.

Disadvantages:

One disadvantage is that the test strips can be expensive, which can be a financial burden for users.

Accu-Chek Glucometer:

The Accu-Chek Glucometer is a user-friendly sugar testing machine in India that provides readings for the previous 3 months. It also allows you to mark readings for the past 7, 14, 30, and 90 days.

Features of Accu-Chek Glucometer:

• Compact and portable design
• Can store up to 500 previous test results
• Equipped with an LCD display
• Easy operation with 2 buttons
• Includes a Micro USB port for data transfer to a laptop or personal computer
• Stores data for 90 days, providing a comprehensive glucose profile for 3 months
• Comes with 10 strips and 10 lancets, including a Softclix lancing device for the first test
• Requires 1-2 microliters of blood sample, with an alert beep if the sample is insufficient
• Provides an alert beep for expired test strips

Additional features:

• Wireless connectivity with the mySugr diabetes management application
• Bright strip port light and backlit display for easy reading
• Verified precision that meets the latest ISO standards
• Hygienic removal of strips after testing
• Spill-resistant vial to securely hold the strips in place
• Wide dosing area on the test strips, requiring only a small drop of blood

Please note that it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable glucometer for your specific needs.

Challenge:

One challenge is that the glucometers mentioned in the text can be expensive and lack rechargeable options.

Accu-Chek Active Glucometer:

Features and Benefits:

• Provides precise measurement of blood sugar levels
• No coding required for blood glucose monitoring, making it simple to use with only two buttons
• Smart feature that stores test results for approximately 90 days
• Easy-to-read display
• Safety features include warnings for expired strips or underdosing
• Convenient testing, allowing the use of strips in or out of the meter

Dr. Morepen BG-03 Gluco One Glucometer:

Dr. Morepen’s glucometer utilizes biosensor technology for measuring sugar levels. It is an economical option and comes with 25 Dr. Morepen glucometer test strips and 10 lancets.

Features of Cheapest & Best Sugar Testing Machine in India:

• Based on biosensor technology
• Features a larger display with a date and time function for easy record-keeping
• Requires 0.5 microliters of blood for sample testing
• Provides results within 5 seconds
• Can store nearly 300 previous test results
• Uses audio beep sounds for alerts, such as low blood amount or used strips
• Comes with a lifetime warranty from the company
• Provides average results for 7, 14, and 31 days
• Affordable device

Dr. Trust Glucometer:

Dr. Trust’s glucometer uses advanced GDH and FAD technology to eliminate blood oxygen interference, which can lead to incorrect results. It is a fully automatic and effective device that also measures ketone levels along with blood sugar levels.

Features of Dr. Trust Glucometer:

• Offers 3 modes of operation: general mode for blood sugar checkups at any time, PC mode for post-meal blood glucose levels, and AC mode for fasting blood glucose levels
• Uses smiley symbols to depict results, with a happy face for good results and a sad face for poor results
• Automatically shuts down after 3 minutes of inactivity
• Allows blood sugar testing from other parts of the body
• Large memory that stores 1000 previous results with date and time
• Offers an alarm function as a reminder for sugar level tests
• Provides details on ketone levels, including high or low ketones
• Provides results within 5 seconds
• Features a larger display with backlit mode for easy reading

Dr. Trust kit includes 10 lancets and 10 strips, and it has a convenient ejector for safe disposal of used lancets. The device comes with a 1-year warranty.

Please note that it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable glucometer for your specific needs.

ntroducing Beato Smartphone Glucometer, a convenient and portable device that connects to your smartphone through the audio jack. It provides quick and accurate results, which can be easily shared with your doctor or friends. Features include 20 test strips and lancets, compact size, and a fast testing time of 10 seconds. Please note that the initial setup and installation may take some time.

For a comprehensive home care solution, consider the AccuSure Gold Blood Glucose Monitoring Device. It uses Gold electrode strips for testing and delivers results in just 8 seconds. The kit includes 50 testing strips and lancets, and the device can display up to 150 test results with date and time. It also calculates average values for different periods, providing a complete diabetes control profile. The only drawback is its higher price of 1900/-.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with excellent accuracy, the Contour Plus Blood Glucose Monitoring System by Bayer is a great choice. It offers a low error margin and utilizes biosensor technology for painless testing. The kit comes with 5 lancets and 25 testing strips, and the device provides results within 5 seconds. It also features a smart light that alerts you to high or low sugar levels. Additionally, it can store up to 800 previous results and offers average values for different periods.

The One Touch Select Verio Flex Glucometer uses Colorsure Technology to make blood glucose level readings easy to interpret. The device changes the color of the screen based on your sugar levels, with blue indicating low levels, green for normal levels, and red for high levels. It includes 10 lancets and strips, displays results with date and time, and provides quick results within 5 seconds. The device requires a small blood sample of 0.4 microliters and supports Bluetooth and USB connectivity for data transfer. It can store up to 500 previous results and is an economical choice.

For a compact and cloud-based option, consider the Truworth G-30 Glucometer. It accurately measures blood glucose levels and allows transfer of results to the cloud using the GlucoFone App. The kit includes 10 strips and lancets, and the device requires a small blood sample of 0.5 microliters. It provides results in 5 seconds, stores up to 450 previous results, and offers average values for different periods. It also supports data transfer via USB connectivity.

When choosing a glucometer, consider factors like warranty period, disposal of lancet needles after one use, cleaning the finger with swabs, avoiding the first blood sample, measuring time, and battery life. Additionally, check the expiry date of test strips before use.

Regular blood glucose testing is crucial for effective diabetes management, as it helps determine glucose control, detect patterns, and assess the impact of factors like stress and exercise. It also evaluates the effectiveness of diabetes drugs.

In conclusion, a glucometer plays a vital role in the life of a diabetic, allowing them to monitor their sugar levels, make informed decisions about food choices, and track their health condition. By choosing the right glucometer for your needs, you can save time and stay proactive in managing your diabetes. Consider seeking guidance from registered diabetes educators or enrolling in programs like Breathe Well-being’s Diabetes Reversal program for holistic care and support. Visit their website to learn more about their cost-effective package.