All glucose meters (cgm or fingerstick) are rated for the same accuracy as compared to a lab test - +/-15%, 95% of the time. This means a theoretical lab test of 125 would be considered accurate on a meter if it read between 107 and 143. Different readings do not mean they are inaccurate by the standards they were built to.
In the real world, commercially available meters ranged from 5.6% MARD to over 20% in a recent test. MARD (mean absolute relative difference) is a measurement of average accuracy against a lab result. It is useful, but not perfect. Of note, on this particular metric the Contour Next was rated highest with an MARD in the 5s. Dexcom G6 has been tested with an MARD of 9%, G7 at 8.2%, and Libre 3 at 9.2%. It should be noted here that this seems to say the Libre is worst, but the difference between 8.2 and 9.2 is minimal in the real world.
I don't think there is a "best" 1st choice might be what is covered by your insurance. If not covered by insurance, Walmart meters are good and test strips are more reasonable.
The cost of the strips is generally a deciding factor.
Currently I use Contour Next with a onetouch as a backup. But over the years I have probably used meters from most companies.
Gonna agree with everyone else here. Get the one you have to pay the least for the test strips.
I used a OneTouch Vario for years. Some are rechargable, mine is bluetooth. The bluetooth is better for keeping a log IMO but you can use an app or paper log if you want. (I don't use the meter for anything but checking against my CGM anymore.)
In use, the meter is only as good as your timing of using it. Follow your doc's recommendations for when to test. You can also see what certain foods do to your BGL by testing before and after eating them.
A CGM is great, and almost necessary if you are on insulin, but you can manage on just finger sticks from even the most thrifty of BGM.
My company provides a subscription to Livongo and you get a meter and unlimited test strips from them as well as coaching (I never used). It seems expensive to buy on your own but otherwise I have no complaints.
The meter keeps the data for 30 days but also uploads it to their portal which you can see up to a year I believe and it's exportable.
Not sure what the best is, but for convenience and so far (2years using) it has been accurate for me - Dario it is meter that works with my phone and it is very small. All the data is stored in the cloud and I can download and print out various amount, ie 1 month, 3 month etc…and the app also lets me track my meals, carbs, exercise and notes. It is a subscription but when I did the math it was much cheaper for unlimited test strips for me.
Just get a basic glucose meter to start keeping track of your sugars. Then look into the different models to see which one meets your needs & wishes best. It's like getting a car. There is no "best car." But there's the one that fits your needs and desires best.
If there was truly one "best glucose meter" then everyone would have it, no?
Find out what strips are covered by your insurance and have your doc write a prescription. They are all pretty much the same. Also most have Bluetooth and an app that you can use to track your numbers.
I've always been a fan of One Touch and Freestyle brands for meters.
But see if your insurance has a preferred brand. They may make the choice for you.
Whatever your insurance covers is the best one. Meters are sold at or below cost; the strips are where the companies make their money.
If you're not using insurance, either Contour Next or Walmart ReliOn is my own preference - both can be had in a bluetooth version, both have relatively affordable strips (35 and 70 ct for the Contour strips). And Contour's app is damned good; I think the current app for ReliOn bluetooth meters is MySugr, which is also very good. I personally keep my Contour Next ONE as a backup meter to my CGM. I've had some very bad experiences with True Metrix meters though (they're rebranded by CVS, Walgreens, etc).
All glucose meters (cgm or fingerstick) are rated for the same accuracy as compared to a lab test - +/-15%, 95% of the time. This means a theoretical lab test of 125 would be considered accurate on a meter if it read between 107 and 143. Different readings do not mean they are inaccurate by the standards they were built to. In the real world, commercially available meters ranged from 5.6% MARD to over 20% in a recent test. MARD (mean absolute relative difference) is a measurement of average accuracy against a lab result. It is useful, but not perfect. Of note, on this particular metric the Contour Next was rated highest with an MARD in the 5s. Dexcom G6 has been tested with an MARD of 9%, G7 at 8.2%, and Libre 3 at 9.2%. It should be noted here that this seems to say the Libre is worst, but the difference between 8.2 and 9.2 is minimal in the real world.
I don't think there is a "best" 1st choice might be what is covered by your insurance. If not covered by insurance, Walmart meters are good and test strips are more reasonable. The cost of the strips is generally a deciding factor. Currently I use Contour Next with a onetouch as a backup. But over the years I have probably used meters from most companies.
I find the contour next to be incredibly accurate. It's affordable and my insurance likes it.
This. They have an excellent app too.
It lets you apply more blood if you didn’t get enough instead of wasting the strip too.
I've been using the Accu-Chek Guide for a while now. It's working as expected. connects to the app mySugr via bluetooth. (and apple health).
Gonna agree with everyone else here. Get the one you have to pay the least for the test strips. I used a OneTouch Vario for years. Some are rechargable, mine is bluetooth. The bluetooth is better for keeping a log IMO but you can use an app or paper log if you want. (I don't use the meter for anything but checking against my CGM anymore.) In use, the meter is only as good as your timing of using it. Follow your doc's recommendations for when to test. You can also see what certain foods do to your BGL by testing before and after eating them. A CGM is great, and almost necessary if you are on insulin, but you can manage on just finger sticks from even the most thrifty of BGM.
My company provides a subscription to Livongo and you get a meter and unlimited test strips from them as well as coaching (I never used). It seems expensive to buy on your own but otherwise I have no complaints. The meter keeps the data for 30 days but also uploads it to their portal which you can see up to a year I believe and it's exportable.
ive been using dexcom g6 for a few years and it is amazing, 10/10 recommend
Glucose Meter is finger stick, glucose monitor is CGM. As far as word correlation on this sub goes.
Contour Next One.
Not sure what the best is, but for convenience and so far (2years using) it has been accurate for me - Dario it is meter that works with my phone and it is very small. All the data is stored in the cloud and I can download and print out various amount, ie 1 month, 3 month etc…and the app also lets me track my meals, carbs, exercise and notes. It is a subscription but when I did the math it was much cheaper for unlimited test strips for me.
Just get a basic glucose meter to start keeping track of your sugars. Then look into the different models to see which one meets your needs & wishes best. It's like getting a car. There is no "best car." But there's the one that fits your needs and desires best. If there was truly one "best glucose meter" then everyone would have it, no?
Find out what strips are covered by your insurance and have your doc write a prescription. They are all pretty much the same. Also most have Bluetooth and an app that you can use to track your numbers.
I've always been a fan of One Touch and Freestyle brands for meters. But see if your insurance has a preferred brand. They may make the choice for you.
Whatever your insurance covers is the best one. Meters are sold at or below cost; the strips are where the companies make their money. If you're not using insurance, either Contour Next or Walmart ReliOn is my own preference - both can be had in a bluetooth version, both have relatively affordable strips (35 and 70 ct for the Contour strips). And Contour's app is damned good; I think the current app for ReliOn bluetooth meters is MySugr, which is also very good. I personally keep my Contour Next ONE as a backup meter to my CGM. I've had some very bad experiences with True Metrix meters though (they're rebranded by CVS, Walgreens, etc).
Thanks for the heads up.
Accu chek instant