Modern glucometers are packed with smart features that make blood sugar monitoring at home a stress-free affair. Jisha Krishnan looks for the best of the lot.

By Jisha Krishnan

As the global medical community steps up the fight against diabetes, the medical devices sector has recorded an upsurge in the demand for glucometers. A hand-held portable medical device that facilitates timely blood glucose checks, glucometers play a vital role in helping people with diabetes to successfully manage the chronic condition.

Today, diabetes presents a daunting public health challenge. However, thanks to ever-evolving technology, it’s easier to stay on top of one’s blood sugar levels. All one has to do is prick the finger with a lancing device, place the blood droplet on a disposable test strip, and insert it into the glucometer. It’s possible to get accurate readings of glucose levels, within the comforts of one’s home.

From smartphone connectivity to high memory storage capacity, modern glucometers are packed with remarkable features that make blood sugar monitoring stress-free. Here’s our pick of the top five glucometers, based on accuracy, compatible strips and lancets, built-in memory, data transfer capability and ease of use:

Dr. Morepen BG-03 Glucometer

If you are looking for an economic glucometer that does its basic job well, this is your best bet. Equipped with 50 test strips, lancets, and LCD display, Dr. Morepen Glucometer is known for its smooth functioning and accurate blood sugar readings.

There are no fancy, hi-tech features with this one. The ergonomically-designed device comes with inbuilt memory that can store up to 300 readings. The beeper alert mechanism is a handy feature that lets users know when there is a drop or gain in sugar levels. It is, unarguably, one of the easiest to use glucometers in the market.

Dr Trust (USA) Fully Automatic Blood Sugar Testing Glucometer

This glucometer comes with a bright LCD screen (with backlight), temperature warnings, auto alerts and other remarkable features that make it a compact, yet comprehensive choice. Thanks to the latest technology, the device helps avoid interference from blood oxygen variations as well as prevents galactose and maltose interference in blood samples. What’s more, it also gives early warning if one’s ketones (chemicals made in the liver) are rising, thereby reducing the incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis.

The biggest USP is, perhaps, that the process of drawing blood is less painful. Besides, its alternative site testing feature allows one to use a blood sample not just from the fingertips, but also from the forearm, upper arm, calf and thigh. The kit comes with 60 strips, lancet needles and carry case, and can store up to 1000 test results.

Beato Smartphone Glucose Meter

This one is for the tech-savvy folks, who believe in the superpower of their smartphones. As the name suggests, Beato turns the phone into a glucometer by plugging into the audio port of the smartphone with the help of a 3.5mm jack. The app works with Android and iOS, making it easier than ever before to share blood glucose readings with doctors and family members.

Apart from smartphone integration and amazing battery life, Beato glucometer offers 20 test strips, lancets, lancing device, carrying pouch and access to doctors. Users can count on instant medical feedback as the readings are continuously monitored by certified medical experts at Beato, who recommend lifestyle changes based on one’s blood glucose levels.

Bayer Contour Next One

When it comes to consistency and convenience, this one is, by far, the best glucometer in the market. The Bayer Contour Next One glucometer works with a smartphone app, syncing all readings to the phone, making it easier to share the results with the doctor for a more in-depth analysis.

The smart, user-friendly design is packed with patented features, such as Second-Chance® sampling technology, which asks users to reapply blood as necessary to avoid wastage of strips or time redoing a test. The multi-pulse accuracy technology ensures that the readings are accurate even when the blood glucose levels are low. The device also sends out alerts, if and when the blood glucose reaches critical levels.

Accu-Check Instant Blood Glucose Monitor

If you are looking for a fuss-free device to help you monitor blood sugar levels at regular intervals, Accu-Check has the most popular options in a competitive price range. The glucometer promises accurate results in less than four seconds!

Designed for self-testing, the device comes with a lancet, 10 test strips, built-in memory and ability to easily transfer the data to tablets, PCs, mobiles etc, as well as a range of nifty safety features. In case something does go wrong, the company is known to be prompt with support services.