Diabetes Products.

Blood Glucose Meters

Blood glucose meters—also called glucometers—play an essential role in diabetes management. Because of that, Advanced Diabetes Supply provides a wide selection of glucometers and features to its valued customers.

At ADS, our glucose meter lineup includes devices from leading blood glucose meter brands like OneTouch, Prodigy, and Embrace.

This catalog isn’t the only benefit of shopping at ADS. Our members also enjoy incredibly fast turnaround times and personalized customer service.

If you want all these advantages and more, explore the blood glucose meters Advanced Diabetes Supply has in stock today!

How does a blood glucose meter work?

Blood glucose meters work with lancing devices and test strips to measure glucose levels in small blood samples. This process may be less comfortable and convenient than other glucose measurement methods, but it delivers extremely accurate readings.

Here’s how blood glucose meters work: when you apply a drop of blood to a test strip, the strip will change that glucose into electricity. Then, your glucometer will receive that electrical current and use it to determine your blood sugar level.

Once you know your current blood sugar measurements, you can compare them to your recommended target range. Most adults with diabetes should aim for blood sugar levels of 80-130 mg/dL (fasting, before a meal) or <180 mg/dL (1-2 hours after a meal).

Which Blood Glucose Meter Brand is Right For You

Any glucose meter can help you measure your blood sugar, but these devices are far from identical. You’ll need to think about a few factors before buying one of these products, such as a glucometer’s:

  • Cost. Some blood glucose meters are more expensive than others. More expensive meters may have better build quality, enhanced durability, or other perks.
  • Insurance coverage. Your insurance might not help you pay for every blood glucose meter brand.
  • Usability. You’ll also want to consider ease of use while shopping for glucose meters, especially if you have vision or mobility issues.
  • Information storage. A glucometer should make it easy for you to retrieve detailed information about your blood sugar history.
  • Special features. Features like audio feedback, large displays, and simple controls can help you use your glucose meter.
  • Support. Finally, your glucose meter’s manufacturer should be there for you if you have trouble using this device.

 

Once you’ve considered these traits, you’re ready to buy a glucometer. Since ADS offers products from so many trusted brands in this category, you’ll have no trouble finding a glucose meter that meets your needs!

When to Test Your Blood Sugar

To make smart decisions about diabetes management, most people living with diabetes should regularly check their blood glucose levels. Your ideal blood sugar testing schedule will depend on the type of diabetes you have and the testing recommendations by your healthcare team.

If you have a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, you may need to test your blood sugar four or more times each day. That could include tests:

  • Before bed
  • Before meals/snacks and after meals
  • Before, during, and after exercise
  • During the night
  • After dealing with low blood sugar

 

People living with Type 2 diabetes that manage with medications other than insulin may not need daily blood sugar checks. You may still need to perform multiple glucose tests per day.

Since glucose testing is a crucial part of diabetes management, you shouldn’t change your blood sugar testing schedule on your own. Instead, talk to your healthcare team before adjusting this schedule.

Why CGMs Don’t Replace Blood Glucose Meter Accuracy

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems constantly update users’ glucose levels. These systems have become popular thanks to benefits like glucose level alerts, detailed long-term information, and limited daily fingerstick tests.

But while a CGM system can reduce your reliance on a “standard” glucometer, it can’t replace this device. When your readings are unusually high or low or don’t match your symptoms, you’ll still need to confirm them with a glucose meter.

Even though CGM systems can’t eliminate your need for blood glucose meters, they can still make diabetes management easier. If you’re interested in using one of these systems, take a look at the CGMs ADS has in stock!

Find Blood Glucose Meters at Advanced Diabetes Supply

For more than 20 years, Americans with diabetes have ordered blood glucose meters and other types of Durable Medical Equipment from Advanced Diabetes Supply®. ADS customers enjoy fantastic customer service and speedy shipping. Since ADS began operating in 2002, it has received multiple prominent accreditations. If you’re ready to order a glucose meter, ADS can help you find the right glucometer for your needs. You can reach an ADS Customer Care Specialist by dialing 866-422-4866 or by emailing [email protected].

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Frequently Asked Questions

Blood Glucose Meters

Unfortunately, CGM systems don’t have audio features—but many “traditional” blood glucose meter brands available from ADS do offer verbal feedback for individuals living with diabetes. If you want a talking blood glucose meter, consider products such as:

  • EmbraceTALK Blood Glucose Meter
    Clever Choice Voice HD Glucose Meter
    Prodigy Autocode Meter
    Prodigy Voice

No—you can purchase glucometers over the counter. However, you will need a prescription to get insurance coverage for these devices and compatible test strips.

Glucose meters often last more than a decade without issues. But even if you haven’t had blood glucose meter accuracy problems, a new meter could come with helpful features. Read more about this in our blog on When to Replace Your Blood Glucose Meter.

When you need to calibrate your glucometer, follow the instructions provided by its manufacturer. You may have to go through this process when you start a new box of test strips or use your glucometer to check blood ketones.

The term “glucose meter” describes the traditional glucometers used to perform fingerstick tests. On the other hand, the phrase “glucose monitors” may refer to continuous glucose monitors.