How to Use a Diabetes Tracker for Better Health

Using a diabetes tracker lets you better manage your diabetes by monitoring any fluctuations in your blood glucose and blood pressure levels.

Many varieties of blood glucose meters are available, from basic models to more advanced meters with multiple functions and options. The cost of blood glucose meters, blood pressure trackers, and test strips varies, as does insurance coverage. Study your options before deciding which model to buy.

How to Choose the Right Diabetes Tracker

 

 

With a unique needle, you poke a clean fingertip to get a drop of blood. You carefully touch the test strip to the blood and wait for a blood glucose reading to appear on the screen.

 

When used and stored properly, blood glucose meters are generally accurate in measuring glucose. They vary in the type and number of features they offer. Here are several factors to consider when choosing a diabetes tracker:

 

1. Insurance coverage: Check with your insurance provider for coverage details. Some providers limit coverage to specific models or restrict the number of test strips allowed.
2. Cost: Meters vary in price. Be sure to consider the cost of the test strips, as these will make up the bulk of the long-term cost.
3. Ease of use: Some meters are easier to use than others. Are both the meter and test strips comfortable to handle? Can you easily read the numbers on the screen? How easy is it to get blood onto the strips? How much blood is required?
4. Special functions: Ask about features to see what meets your specific needs. Special functions may include large, easy-to-handle buttons and test strips, illuminated screens, and audio, which may be useful for people with impaired vision.
5. Information storage and retrieval: Consider how the meter stores and retrieves data. Some can track the time and date of a test, the result, and trends over time. Some meters allow you to share your readings in real-time with your healthcare provider via a smartphone app, or you may be able to download your readings to a computer and email the results to your doctor.
6. Support: Most meter manufacturers provide a toll-free number you can call for help. Look for a meter that includes clear instructions demonstrating the correct way to use it. Some manufacturers offer user manuals on their websites.

 

Advances in Tracking Equipment

 

 

 

Although finger pokes remain the gold standard for blood sugar monitoring, researchers have developed products designed to make the process less painful and continue to create new options. Ask your healthcare provider about these options, which may include both blood glucose and blood pressure trackers.

 

Device
How it really works
Considerations
Alternative site monitor
Allows blood samples to be taken from less painful areas, such as your arm, palm, or thigh
Not as accurate as fingertip samples when blood sugar levels are rising or falling rapidly
Continuous glucose monitor
Uses a sensor placed under the skin to measure blood sugar; transmits each reading to a smartphone, smartwatch, or small device on your body; gives alerts
Expensive; requires sensor replacement every 7-14 days, depending on the brand; may need to verify readings with a conventional monitor

 

If you’ve reviewed the prices, features, and other considerations and are still unsure which diabetes or blood pressure tracker to buy, ask your doctor or certified diabetes care and education specialist for a recommendation.