How do you use a glucometer?

Follow these steps, according to the American Diabetes Association: First, set out your glucometer, a test strip, and a lancet (the tool for drawing your blood). Wash your hands to prevent infection. If you are not near a sink, you can use an antibacterial hand gel. Then insert the test strip into the meter. Prick the side of your fingertip with the lancet to draw a drop of blood. Touch the edge of the test strip to the blood and hold it there. Your blood glucose measurement will show up on the meter's display.

What are the different types of glucometers?

To test blood glucose, there are two main types of devices used: Basic blood glucose meters: These require a blood sample (usually a fingerprick) each time you test. A typical meter is a handheld device with a test strip that reacts with the blood sample and reads the glucose level. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs): These can check your blood sugar automatically every few minutes and transmit the reading wirelessly to a monitor, smartphone, or tablet. Rather than repeated blood draws, a CGM uses a tiny sensor inserted under the skin.

What is a normal glucometer reading?

The specific level of blood glucose that's considered ideal for you depends on many factors, including your age, how long you have had diabetes, medications you take, and any other medical conditions you may have. That said, the American Diabetes Association suggests the following targets for non-pregnant adults: Before a meal (preprandial plasma glucose): 80–130 mg/dL 1-2 hours after the beginning of the meal (postprandial plasma glucose): Less than 180 mg/dL

How do I know if my glucometer is accurate?

To measure the accuracy of your meter, take it with you when you have a lab glucose test and check your blood immediately after. For best results, ask the lab to process your blood sample within 30 minutes.

The 7 Best Glucometers of 2023

Daily blood sugar testing is a vital component of any successful diabetes management plan. Luckily, a wide variety of glucometers exist on the market today to help you keep your blood sugar levels in range.

Before purchasing a glucose meter, check with your insurance company about what they will cover. According to Matt Petersen, Vice President of Medical Information and Professional Engagement at the American Diabetes Association, "There are a lot of choices, but fundamentally they all work. The choices come down to cost, your personal desire for the features."

Some glucometers require testing strips that are compatible with the device, which come at an extra cost. Understanding what your insurance might cover can help you budget. In addition to price, we researched dozens of glucometers and evaluated them for the result delivery time, size, additional features, and display size.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Active Forward Contour NEXT EZ Diabetes Testing Kit at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Accu-Chek Aviva Plus Blood Glucose Monitoring System at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Travel:

FreeStyle Lite Blood Glucose Monitoring System at Walmart

Jump to Review

Best for Home:

AUVON DS-W Blood Glucose Monitoring System at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best User-Friendly:

One Touch Ultra2 Blood Glucose Monitoring System at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Talking:

PRODIGY Blood Glucose Test Strips at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Data Management:

Dario Blood Glucose Monitor Kit at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Health

4.9

Amazon

Pros

No calibration required on test strips
Allows you to set reminder alarms
Saves pre- and post-meal glucose levels

Cons

More expensive than other devices

This device is an all-in-one kit that includes a Contour NEXT EZ diabetes monitor, 100 Contour NEXT test strips, 100 Active Forward lancets, a Microlet lancing device, a monitor manual, a data logbook, and a carrying case, making it the best overall.

The glucometer itself is both fast and accurate, providing test results within five seconds. There is no coding (or calibration) required with new boxes of test strips. If you tend to forget to check your blood sugar, you can set several reminder alarms on the device. And if you’re focused on using your data trends to better manage your diabetes, this glucometer saves pre- and post-meal glucose level test results in 7-, 14-, and 30-day averages.

Price at time of publication: $75

Result Speed: 5 seconds | Included in Kit: Meter, 100 test strips, lancets, lancing device, carry case

Amazon

Pros

Quick-fill test strips
Requires minimal blood sample for less pain
Tracks up-to 90-day glucose averages

Cons

Expensive test strips sold separately

This glucometer model from AccuChek is well-known as one of the most accurate blood sugar-monitoring devices on the market. It uses AccuChek Aviva Plus test strips, which fill quicker with less blood (0.6 microliters), making it a more comfortable device to use. It has more than 150 system integrity checks that help detect and prevent unreliable results.

The device itself is simple in design and easy to handle. Similar to the Contour NEXT EZ diabetes monitor, it doesn’t require any coding and it comes with several customizable test reminders. The AccuChek Softclix lancing device is proven to be less painful than other brands, and you can use it on multiple test sites on the body. The monitor’s test results are ready within five seconds, and it has a downloadable 500-value memory, offering 7-, 14-, 30-, and 90-day averages.

Price at time of publication: $15

Result Speed: 5 seconds | Included in Kit: Meter, lancing device, lancets

Walgreens

Pros

Works on multiple testing sites
Large, backlit display
Small enough to fit pockets

Cons

Less accurate than non-travel meters

When you’re on the move, a compact and minimally invasive glucometer can be the key to successful diabetes management. This pick from FreeStyle is designed with travel in mind. It’s small enough to fit easily in your pocket or purse, and it has a large enough LED display to be easy to read. It requires a smaller blood sample size than most monitors to provide an accurate reading in just five seconds, and it works on several testing sites, so you can give your fingertips a rest whenever necessary.

The FreeStyle Lite doesn’t require coding, keeping your testing process simple no matter where you are. The monitor can store up to 400 results, noting both the date and time, and it provides 7-, 14-, and 30-day averages, too. It also comes with four alarm reminders to help keep you on track when your daily routine fluctuates.

Price at time of publication: $28

Result Speed: 5 seconds | Included in Kit: Test light, reminder alarms, test strips sold separately

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

All-in-one kit for home
High-precision test strips
Less painful lancet

Cons

Does not include control solution

When you’re testing from the comfort of your own home, it’s easier to get a little bit more high tech with your monitoring system. This glucometer from AUVON utilizes cutting-edge test trips that consistently surpass international accuracy standards. The strips are produced using an automatic carbon printing technique, which ensures that they remain both stable and precise.

The lancet device used to retrieve your blood sample is also said to be less painful than others, which may help you better stick to your testing regimen. The monitor itself fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, is easy to read, and stores continuous 7-, 14-, and 30-day average results.

This kit comes with the AUVON DS-W blood glucose monitor, one battery, 150 blood test strips, 25 lancets, one lancing device, a meter use guide, and a test strip user guide. It does not include a control solution.

Price at time of publication: $38

Result Speed: N/A | Included in Kit: Monitor, 150 test strips, lancing device, lancets, batteries, carrying bag

Amazon

Pros

Test strips compatible with other OneTouch glucometers
Large, easy-read display
Single battery lasts 6 to 12 months

Cons

Test strips sold separately

This glucometer is one of the most commonly used monitors—and with good reason. The device has larger display numbers for easier readouts, and it’s very simple to operate. It only takes five seconds to deliver your results, and it provides before-and-after meal averages so you can better understand how the foods you eat impact your blood glucose.

The monitor can store up to 500 test results in its internal memory, and a single battery can power the device for six to 12 months, depending on how frequently you test your blood sugar.

One of its best features is that it uses test strips that are compatible with at least a half-dozen other glucometers from One Touch and are available at almost every store that stocks diabetic supplies. Users say that the lancing device it uses is gentler than others, making for a more comfortable testing experience.

Price at time of publication: $40

Result Speed: 5 seconds | Included in Kit: Batteries, lancing device, lancets, carrying case

Amazon

Pros

Reads test results aloud
Communicates in multiple languages
Download test results to your computer

Cons

No control solution included

If you're visually impaired, trying to read a glucometer several times a day can feel really frustrating. Fortunately, this monitor can guide you through the testing process and read your results aloud for you. It communicates in four different languages—English, Spanish, French, and Arabic.

It’s one of the best glucose monitors in terms of accuracy, so you feel confident in your reading. It doesn’t require you to code new test strips each time, either.

This kit includes the Prodigy Autocode blood glucose monitoring system, 100 test strips, an adjustable depth lancing device, 10 twist-top lancets, two batteries, a carrying case, a data logbook, and a user manual. The device itself can store up to 450 readings in its internal memory, and it has a standard USB port that enables you to download your test data to your computer for easier management.

Price at time of publication: $23

Result Speed: 7 seconds | Included in Kit: 100 test strips, meter, lancing device, lancets, batteries, carrying case

Amazon

Pros

Device connects to phone, no batteries required
Free app for data tracking
Emergency hypoglycemia alert pairs with GPS location

Cons

Not compatible with all Android phones

For those who are hyperfocused on analyzing trends in their blood sugar reading data, our experts recommend this iPhone-compatible device from Dario. The smart, pocket-sized meter connects directly to the phone via its charging port so you don’t have to deal with any cables or batteries.

All results are automatically recorded in the accompanying app on your phone, which also analyzes your results and makes it easier for you to track diabetes-specific metrics, such as carbohydrate consumption, physical activity, and medication adherence. You can even opt to share this data with your caregivers or family members.

The meter itself is fast and accurate, providing readings in less than six seconds. It also features a built-in emergency hypoglycemia alert paired with your GPS location so you can feel as safe as possible as you self-manage your blood sugar. The kit comes with the glucometer, 25 test strips, 10 lancets, and 10 disposable covers.

Price at time of publication: $50 for Android USB-C Edition

Result Speed: 6 seconds | Included in Kit: 25 test strips, lancets, disposable covers

How We Rated Glucometers

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best glucometers we reviewed. We recommend them without reservation.

4.5 to 4.7 stars: These glucometers are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.

4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great glucometers, but others are better.

3.5 to 3.9 stars: These glucometers are just average.

3.4 and below: We don't recommend glucometers with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

How We Selected the Best Glucometers

To determine which glucometers to feature in our roundup, we consulted with endocrinologist Akankasha Goyal, MD, at NYU Langone Health and Matt Petersen, Vice President of Medical Information and Professional Engagement at the American Diabetes Association about the most important factors to consider when choosing a glucometer. Then, we researched dozens of glucometers from the most popular and trusted retailers. We ultimately chose the best braces based on accuracy, ease of use, blood sample size, and display and monitoring features.

What to Look for in a Glucometer

Insurance coverage

Akankasha Goyal, MD, says the most important consideration when researching glucometers is if it will be covered under your insurance company. “It has to be cost effective at the end of the day because people check their blood glucose at least once or twice per day,” she says.

You don’t just want to select a glucometer that is covered under your health insurance, but you also want the test strips, or a portion of the strips, to be covered as they are the item that really adds up when it comes to price. So when purchasing a meter, pay attention to what specific test strips it requires and how expensive they would be under your health insurance. That should help you narrow down the options available on the market.

Accuracy

The quality of your glucometer and the quality of the testing strips used in your glucometer can dramatically impact the overall accuracy of your blood glucose monitoring tests. Some meters are known for giving readings that show blood glucose levels up to 15% higher or lower than they actually are. That variance is accepted by the Food and Drug Administration, but the more accurate readings you can get from your glucometer, the better.

Ease of Use

Once you know what your insurance company will cover you can start to differentiate devices based on the additional features they offer. Considering most people need to use their glucometers multiple times per day, it’s important to pick one that you find easy and as comfortable as possible to use.

For some, that means a very simple interface that just reports and records the numbers you need. For others, that means features like Bluetooth connectivity so you can easily keep track of your data on your smartphone.

Looking for a larger screen? Then you can likely eliminate any monitors that make it more difficult to read the numbers. Looking for a device easy to carry around? Then you should definitely consider the size and where you would likely store the device when taking it on the go. Regardless, your glucometer should empower you to manage your health successfully on a daily basis.

Data Display

When using a glucometer, reading and understanding your blood glucose reports needs to be a quick and somewhat automatic process. Many people prefer LED screens with high contrast and large readouts so they don’t strain their eyes as they read off their numbers on the handheld device multiple times per day. It’s also important to pick a device with data review settings that feel intuitive to you so you can reduce the burden of frequent testing.

Storage Size and Retrieval

Most glucometers store about 50 to 100 readings, but there are others on the market that can store up to 500 readings. The difference can matter for some because more readings allow you to discover patterns in when your blood glucose levels dip and rise. Dr. Goyal recommends purchasing a device with more memory storage, but only if your insurance company covers the glucometer.

Blood-Sample Size

Glucometers require different sizes of blood droplets on the test strips in order to accurately determine your blood glucose levels. “Less expensive meters tend to require a larger amount of blood,” says Matt Petersen, vice president of medical information and professional engagement at the American Diabetes Association.

If pain is a key factor in your decision then you will want to consider a more expensive device that will allow for a smaller drop of blood. But if this consideration isn’t a deal breaker for you then you can likely get away with using a more inexpensive device that requires more blood.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you use a glucometer?
Follow these steps, according to the American Diabetes Association:
1. First, set out your glucometer, a test strip, and a lancet (the tool for drawing your blood).
2. Wash your hands to prevent infection. If you are not near a sink, you can use an antibacterial hand gel.
3. Then insert the test strip into the meter.
4. Prick the side of your fingertip with the lancet to draw a drop of blood.
5. Touch the edge of the test strip to the blood and hold it there.
6. Your blood glucose measurement will show up on the meter's display.
Learn More: How to Use a Glucometer
What are the different types of glucometers?
To test blood glucose, there are two main types of devices used:
- Basic blood glucose meters: These require a blood sample (usually a fingerprick) each time you test. A typical meter is a handheld device with a test strip that reacts with the blood sample and reads the glucose level.
- Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs): These can check your blood sugar automatically every few minutes and transmit the reading wirelessly to a monitor, smartphone, or tablet. Rather than repeated blood draws, a CGM uses a tiny sensor inserted under the skin.
What is a normal glucometer reading?
The specific level of blood glucose that's considered ideal for you depends on many factors, including your age, how long you have had diabetes, medications you take, and any other medical conditions you may have.
That said, the American Diabetes Association suggests the following targets for non-pregnant adults:
- Before a meal (preprandial plasma glucose): 80–130 mg/dL
- 1-2 hours after the beginning of the meal (postprandial plasma glucose): Less than 180 mg/dL
Learn More: What Is A Normal Blood Sugar Level?
How do I know if my glucometer is accurate?

To measure the accuracy of your meter, take it with you when you have a lab glucose test and check your blood immediately after. For best results, ask the lab to process your blood sample within 30 minutes.

Why Trust Verywell Health

As a seasoned health writer, Alena Hall understands how important it is to know exactly what you’re getting in a product intended for medical use. Over the years, she has reviewed dozens of products, from athletic recovery aids to condition-specific products to homeopathic essential oils, to help readers like you discover products that can help you live your best life.

Additional reporting for this story by Danielle Zoellner

As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life.

Crafting a Meal Plan for People With Type 2 Diabetes