Top 3 Test Strips for Monitoring Diabetes
As individuals managing diabetes are aware, glucose testing plays a crucial role in daily life, necessitating a steady supply of test strips. However, variations exist in how these strips function, spanning from sample size to result time and accuracy level. This diversity can make it challenging to determine the best option for you, such as choosing between One Touch test strips or Accu-Chek.
In this overview, we will showcase our top three preferred brands and assist you in navigating the key aspects to consider when selecting diabetes test strips.
The Best Three Diabetes Test Strips
One Touch Ultra
Leading our top three picks is One Touch Ultra for the following reasons:
- Quick Results: Delivers results in just five seconds, crucial for obtaining fast and accurate readings.
- User-Friendly: Features clear indicators to ensure an adequate blood sample is provided for accurate testing.
Accu-Chek
Next in line is Accu-Chek, earning its spot in the top three due to:
- Minimal Blood Sample: Requires only 0.6 microliters of blood, making testing easier with less discomfort.
- Touchable Wide-Mouth Test Strips: Offers wider strips for easier sample collection.
FreeStyle Precision Neo
Rounding up our top three is the FreeStyle Precision Neo, notable for the following:
- No Coding Required: Ensures convenient and quick strip usage.
- Individually Wrapped: Each strip is individually packaged for portability without contamination concerns.
- Top-Fill or End-Fill Blood Application: Offers versatile blood application options for ease of testing.
How Diabetes Test Strips Function
A diabetes test strip is a small plastic strip with an absorbent pad that collects a blood drop for testing glucose levels. The strip contains chemicals that change color in the presence of glucose, which can be read by a digital meter displaying results in mmol/L (millimoles per liter).
Selecting the Right Diabetes Test Strips
While personal preferences vary, several key considerations can guide you in choosing the best test strip:
Accuracy
The primary criterion is accuracy, ensuring readings align closely with actual blood sugar levels. Reviewing product accuracy via user feedback is essential to select strips meeting the 15% or 15 mg/dL deviation standard set by laboratory values.
Convenience
Consider the convenience of the strips. Some require finger pricking for blood application, while newer options measure glucose in saliva, offering a blood-free alternative.
Price
Balancing accuracy with price is vital, as test strip costs range from $0.50 to over $1.00 per strip. Verify insurance coverage for potential reimbursement.
Ease Of Use
Select strips that are user-friendly for hassle-free testing and ensure result interpretation is straightforward to avoid inaccuracies.
The Blood Glucose Monitor
In addition to test strips, a blood glucose monitor is necessary for result reading. Monitors range from $10 to over $100, with higher-priced models offering enhanced features and accuracy. Calibration might be required for some models to ensure precise readings. Choose a monitor based on simplicity and functionality suited to your needs.
