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Discover the top home glucose meters of 2023 and make informed choices for effective diabetes management with our comprehensive guide.
Living with diabetes requires careful and consistent monitoring of your blood glucose levels. Home glucose meters have become indispensable tools for individuals with diabetes, allowing them to keep tabs on their condition and make informed decisions about their treatment. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the top home glucose meters of 2023, their features, and the factors to consider when choosing the right one for your needs.
Diabetes is a condition that requires constant vigilance. Uncontrolled blood glucose levels can lead to serious complications, such as heart disease, kidney problems, and nerve damage. That's why it's crucial to monitor your blood sugar regularly. Home glucose meters play a vital role in this process by providing quick and convenient readings, helping you make informed choices about your diet, medication, and overall health.
Let's jump right into the top home glucose meters for 2023:
The Contour Next One is an excellent choice for beginners. It's known for its accuracy, offering results within 5 seconds. One standout feature is the "second-chance sampling," which allows you to apply more blood to the test strip within 60 seconds if the initial sample wasn't sufficient. This helps you save money by preventing the wastage of test strips. The smartlight feature uses color coding (green, amber, or red) to indicate whether your glucose level is above, within, or below your target range. Additionally, the Contour Next One offers a user-friendly smartphone app for seamless diabetes self-management.
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Nutrisense CGM is designed for individuals who want to gain deeper insights into their blood glucose levels. The company takes care of the continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) prescription and offers one-on-one support from a nutritionist. Depending on the plan duration you choose, it includes CGMs, free shipping on monthly CGM deliveries, one month of free nutritionist support (followed by a $100 per month cost), and access to the app's features and a community of users.
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Signos offers a subscription plan that provides access to a CGM along with numerous health tracking features. The CGM delivers real-time glucose data and, after a calibration period, the Signos app offers personalized nutrition recommendations, including advice on what to eat to manage fluctuating glucose levels. Moreover, the Signos system seamlessly integrates with the Apple Watch, allowing users to track their nutrition, sleep, and activity in a single app. It's important to note that Signos has a strong focus on weight loss promotion, so it may not be suitable for those who have concerns about their weight or have a history of eating disorders.
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Levels Health is an app-based system that uses CGM data to provide users with valuable insights into how their diet impacts their health. The initial cost of membership covers your first month's supply of CGMs and the annual membership fee of $199, along with tax. The app offers real-time blood glucose level data and syncs with the Apple Health Kit. As you track your glucose levels, the app provides daily recommendations for sleep, exercise, and stress management. Membership also grants access to the Levels community groups, Q&A sessions, and a monthly newsletter. Devices compatible with the Levels ecosystem include Dexcom G6 and Freestyle Libre.
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The FreeStyle Libre, introduced in 2017, is a revolutionary CGM that measures blood glucose without the need for fingersticks. It uses interstitial fluids instead of blood for its readings. The system involves wearing a sensor on your upper arm, and you scan it with a monitor to obtain your glucose readings. You can repeat this process as often as needed. The sensor needs to be replaced every 14 days to keep the system working effectively. It's worth noting that there are multiple versions of the FreeStyle Libre, so it's essential to understand the differences.
While many users find the FreeStyle Libre convenient, some report occasional inaccuracies and skin irritation due to sensor application. Nevertheless, its non-invasive nature makes it a popular choice for those who need frequent glucose checks.
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If you're seeking a CGM with exceptional accuracy, the Dexcom G6 is a solid choice. It comprises a sensor that you wear on your abdomen, which transmits data to a corresponding app on your phone, tablet, or smartwatch. One of its strengths is the automatic transmission of data every 5 minutes. An outstanding feature is its compatibility with insulin pumps. However, one downside is that you need to change the sensor every 10 days, which may be more frequent compared to some other CGMs.
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If you prefer a CGM that is applied in a healthcare setting rather than at home, consider the Eversense CGM. Manufactured by Senseonics, this publicly-traded company introduced a unique approach to CGM. Eversense measures interstitial fluids via a sensor implanted under the skin on your upper arm, offering an impressive 90-day wear time. Data is automatically transmitted to your smart device every 5 minutes, and you receive vibration alerts if your blood glucose levels go outside your ideal range. Users appreciate the less frequent sensor changes compared to other brands. However, there have been reports of sensitivity alerts when wearing the sensor in direct sunlight.
PROMISE study: This clinical study assessed the Eversense CGM and concluded that the monitor sustained accuracy and safety over an extended period of up to 180 days.
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For those seeking comprehensive glucose tracking data, the Guardian Connect System by Medtronic is a compelling option. Similar to the FreeStyle Libre and Eversense, it employs a sensor worn on your arm to measure glucose via interstitial fluids. What sets it apart is its ability to compile "time in range" data, indicating how long your glucose levels stay within your personal target range on any given day. However, the Guardian Connect System has limitations, including an age restriction, as it's not available for children under 14. Additionally, it comes with a higher price tag compared to other monitors, and you need to change the sensor every 7 days.
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If you're searching for an affordable and straightforward blood sample meter, consider the Rite Aid TrueMetrix. This user-friendly product allows you to set up to four reminder alarms and provides results in as little as 4 seconds. You can store up to 500 test results on the device, allowing you to track your progress over time. The TrueMetrix meter is available both in Rite Aid stores and online without the need for a prescription. It's worth noting that you'll need to purchase lancets and test strips separately, both of which Rite Aid offers for sale.
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Similar to the Rite Aid TrueMetrix glucose meter, this Walgreens version also uses blood samples via a traditional finger-sticking process. What sets it apart from the original TrueMetrix is its Bluetooth capabilities, allowing it to transmit results to your smartphone. It is compatible with both Android 4.4 and iPhone 4S models, as well as newer models. Moreover, this Bluetooth version offers the ability to store up to 1,000 test results at once and claims to provide results in about 4 seconds. As with the Rite Aid meter, you will need to purchase lancets and test strips separately, which are also available from Walgreens without a prescription.
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