While blood glucose monitors were originally designed for those with diabetes, they can be extremely useful for people who want to optimise their metabolic health. Learn about the different types and which might suit you.

An essential part of controlling diabetes is using a blood glucose metre to monitor blood sugar levels. The best blood sugar monitors provide accurate, consistent readings that can help you and your healthcare professional decide on the most appropriate course of action to keep your level of glucose within the normal range.

Key takeaways:

• Glucose monitors are commonly used by people with diabetes to manage their blood glucose levels.
• For those without diabetes, a blood glucose monitoring system can be beneficial as it can give you insight into how your lifestyle impacts your health.
• Your choice of blood glucose monitor will depend on your reason for using it, as well as your budget, preferences and your healthcare professional's recommendations.
• CGMs are a fantastic choice for those who want to improve their metabolic health and optimise their lifestyle.

While glucose monitoring devices were originally designed for people with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels, they can also be useful for people without diabetes. They may be used by people who are interested in monitoring their glucose levels for various reasons such as managing weight, improving athletic performance, or managing symptoms such as brain fog and fatigue.

Some blood glucose monitors are marketed specifically to people without diabetes and are designed to provide insight into how food, exercise, and other lifestyle factors affect blood glucose levels.

What is a blood glucose monitoring system?

People with diabetes generally require a blood glucose monitoring system to measure and display the amount of sugar in their blood.

For those without diabetes, a blood glucose monitoring system can also be beneficial. It can give you insight into how your lifestyle impacts your health. Several lifestyle habits affect your blood glucose levels, including diet, exercise, stress, sleep and medications, among other things.

There are many different types of blood glucose monitoring systems available, ranging from basic models to advanced metres with numerous features. Blood glucose monitors and test strips vary in price.

What are the different types of glucose monitors?

There are many blood glucose monitors on the market. Your choice of blood glucose monitor will depend on your reason for using it, as well as your budget, preferences and your healthcare professional's recommendations.

Continuous glucose monitor (CGM)

A CGM device is intended for continuous glucose monitoring throughout the day. To measure blood sugar levels, a sensor is applied under the skin of the upper arm. They can be applied by the user themselves. The sensor measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid, which is the fluid that surrounds the body's cells, and provides continuous readings every few minutes.

A CGM wirelessly transmits each reading to a mobile device to be displayed for the user. They can also alert the user when blood sugar levels are too low or too high. The sensors may last for various amounts of time, depending on the brand you choose. For example, the FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM sensor lasts for 14 days.

CGMs are a fantastic option because they don't require finger pricks, they deliver readings constantly, and can help you to identify patterns and trends in your glucose data.

Blood glucose metre (BGM)

BGMs are one-time-use blood tests that measure blood glucose levels. To use a BGM, a person pricks their finger with a lancet to obtain a small drop of blood. This blood sample is then placed on a test strip, which is inserted into the metre. The metre then reads the glucose level in the blood sample and displays it on a screen.

The accuracy of blood glucose metres can vary, and it's important to follow the instructions provided with the specific device and to calibrate the metre as directed.

Which blood glucose tracker is best for you?

When choosing a device that checks your blood glucose levels, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider. This is particularly essential if you have diabetes. Some factors to consider include:

How user-friendly it is

Make sure your choice is user-friendly for you and your needs. If you go with a BGM, make sure to select a glucose metre with test strips that are comfortable to hold. Some blood glucose metres' screens can be difficult to read, so test it out before you purchase if you can.

If you go with a CGM, ensure you're comfortable applying it yourself and whether you are happy to view your glucose readings on your phone.

Insurance coverage

For information on insurance coverage, contact your insurance provider. Some insurance companies limit coverage to specific products.

Cost

The cost of blood glucose monitors varies. Some blood glucose monitors are subsidised by the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) for eligible people with type 1 diabetes, and for some people with type 2 diabetes who meet certain criteria.

If you don't have diabetes, consider the overall cost of the device and what is achievable for you. While CGMs are generally more expensive than BGMs, they last longer and provide you with ongoing data, instead of a single glucose reading at one point in time.

Your reason for using the device

People use blood glucose monitors for various reasons, including managing diabetes, tracking the effects of medication, managing insulin resistance or simply to improve metabolic health.

Choosing the right type of monitor depends on your unique medical needs. Certain individuals may require more advanced features, such as data logging or the ability to transmit readings to healthcare providers remotely. The choice of blood glucose monitor should be based on the recommendations of your healthcare professional.

Storage and retrieval of data

Consider how the device saves and retrieves data. Some can keep track of the time and date of a test, the outcome, and changes over time. Some metres enable patients to share their blood glucose readings in real-time with their healthcare providers via a smartphone app, whereas others may allow you to download your blood glucose readings to a computer and then email the test results to a health professional.

When it comes to the convenience of blood glucose readings, CGMs are a fantastic option. They generally don't cause pain and allow you to identify patterns and trends in your readings. They are also excellent for those wanting to improve their health and understand how their diet and lifestyle are impacting their health in real-time. Vively is an Australian app that integrates with CGM systems to help you optimise your lifestyle to suit you.

It's important to consult with your healthcare team to determine which blood glucose monitor is best for you and how to manage your blood glucose levels.