Past Feature Article

Blood Glucose Monitoring
Keys to Choosing a Monitor

By: Michele Seifert, Rite Aid Drug Information Specialist

Everyone agrees that blood glucose monitoring is an important aspect of controlling diabetes and preventing or delaying long term complications such as kidney, eye, blood vessel, and nerve damage. Additionally, monitoring your blood glucose level can help you determine how your level varies in response to factors such as food, exercise, medications, emotions, sickness, or weight gain or loss. Knowing your blood glucose level at a particular time can also help you determine if you have hyperglycemia (high blood glucose level) or hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level) even if you are not experiencing symptoms of these conditions.

But how do you choose a monitor that is right for you? There are numerous blood glucose monitors available over-the-counter and choosing the one that is right for you can be hard. Your Rite Aid pharmacist can assist you in comparing the different monitor features and selecting an appropriate monitor for you. Here are some key points to consider when comparing monitors:

Ease of Use

First, you must consider how easy the monitor is to use. This would include things such as the number of steps (or buttons to press) to display a reading, the amount of blood required for a sample, how fast the results are displayed, and whether separate test strips are required or if they are contained within the monitor.

Size & Portability

Next, you should consider the size of the monitor and how easy it is to carry with you. Most monitors currently on the market are quite small and very portable.

Cost

The cost of the monitor is always an important factor. Many insurance companies cover both a monitor and the supplies (test strips and lancets) associated with them, while others only cover supplies. Even though the items are available over-the-counter, in order for your insurance to pay for these items, you will need a prescription from your doctor. Most insurance companies will have a preferred monitor that they will cover, meaning they will only cover a specific monitor and its supplies. Check with your insurance company to determine what their preferred monitor is so that your doctor can write the appropriate prescription. Additionally, some insurance companies may have specific requirements for diabetes supply prescriptions, such as the exact diagnosis code and specific directions for use. Medicare is an example of an insurance company with these specific requirements. Speak with your insurance company or your local Rite Aid Pharmacist to determine what is required on these types of pres criptions.

If you do not have insurance coverage, consider available rebates when evaluating the cost of the monitor you want to use. Many monitor companies will provide rebates on their monitors, significantly reducing the cost. Rebates are often noted in the circular, in-store, or directly on the package.

Accuracy

All monitors available today are very accurate if used correctly. Factors that can affect the accuracy of a monitor include improper coding (some newer monitors do not require this), dirty monitors, improper storage, using expired test strips, or simply the age of the monitor. It is important to review and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning the monitor. You should also check the accuracy of your monitor at least once a month or if you suspect a problem, either by using control solution or verifying your result against results from your doctor’s office.

Special Features

Some monitors offer special features like a large display or the ability to speak the results for visually impaired individuals, while others are multilingual.

Testing Sites

Testing sites also vary based on the monitor. All monitors offer the standard fingerstick option. However, some offer alternate site testing options, such as arms, thighs, hands, calves, or the abdomen. It is important to note that results may vary based on what site is used to test the level and when the level is taken. For example, after a meal, readings are usually higher from a fingerstick reading than a forearm reading. It is important to discuss these alternate site testing locations with your doctor or diabetes educator to determine if they are appropriate for you and if there are specific times that you should only test using your finger.

Technology

In this day of computer technology, some monitors offer the ability to download results to computers or personal digital assistants. Additionally, many can store hundreds of results, including the time and date of the reading, insulin types, dosage, and daily meals and exercise. Some can even chart your results in graph formats. Sometimes this technology, called a data management system, is part of the monitor, while other times it must be connected to the monitor. Therefore, it is important to consider the compatibility of these systems with your blood glucose monitor, home computer, and/or your doctor’s computer.

The latest development in blood glucose monitoring is the continuous glucose monitors. These devices use blood glucose sensors inserted under the skin to take glucose readings every few minutes around the clock. Usually three to four days worth of results can be stored in the device. These devices are beneficial for determining trends in levels, charting highs and lows, and finding problems with meal, insulin, or exercise regimens. This technology is fairly new and therefore it is recommended to verify results, particularly highs or lows, with a regular fingerstick monitor before treating.

Resources & Next Steps

Now that you know some of the basics, you can do more research on blood glucose monitors to evaluate which may be appropriate for you. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) offers a monitor comparison chart that looks at most of the factors discussed above on their website at http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-
forecast/RG07/RG07BGMonitors.pdf. You can also access general blood glucose monitoring information on the ADA’s website at http://www.diabetes.org/type-2-diabetes/
blood-glucose-checks.jsp.

Utilize your healthcare professionals, including your doctor, diabetes educator, and Rite Aid pharmacist for assistance comparing and choosing a monitor. Once you have selected a monitor, your Rite Aid pharmacist can demonstrate how to use the monitor and answer any questions that you may have. Remember, regularly testing your blood glucose level is a core component of your diabetes care plan, and having the right monitor will assist you in meeting your goals.