Blood glucose meters are important everyday helpers for diabetics. But the choice is large: Which device only requires a small amount of blood, which can score with accuracy? FITBOOK has compared 15 blood glucose meters and reveals who the test winner is and which other models have done well.
Blood glucose meters show how high the glucose level is in the blood. Too high a glucose level can lead to high blood pressure or diabetes. Hypoglycaemia, on the other hand, threatens seizures, reduced brain performance and excess adrenaline production. Measuring blood sugar is therefore a daily necessity for people with diabetes in order to be able to dose medication correctly. But which blood glucose meter is best in comparison? FITBOOK looked around the market.
Blood glucose meters compared: which are the best mini labs?
What should a good blood glucose meter have? The best devices convince with high accuracy and easy handling. Although most are easy to use, you should first study the instructions carefully. In the worst case, operating errors or incorrect use can lead to incorrect results.
A basic distinction is made between two measuring methods in a blood glucose meter test: the optical and the amperometric method are both considered to be reliable measuring methods, in which a drop of blood is usually taken by pricking the fingertip. With the optical measuring method, the blood is sucked into the blood glucose meter via a capillary. Various chemical substances react with the glucose there and change the color of the test field, from which the value can then be read. Blood glucose meters with amperometric measurement are considered to be slightly more reliable – this is reflected in the slightly higher price. With this measuring method, a low voltage is applied, with which the current conducted through the blood is measured. Measurement data is shown on an LCD display. Some more expensive models can even save the data and transmit it to the cell phone via Bluetooth.
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The best blood glucose meters have plenty of storage space for long-term monitoring of the readings. Since measurements usually have to be taken daily, a lancing device is advisable – with this, taking blood is less painful. In order to be able to log data, a USB interface or Bluetooth function is also recommended. In this glucose meter test, the focus is on uncomplicated handling.
Aviva Accu Chek
In June 2012, Stiftung Warentest tested sixteen different blood glucose meters. The accuracy, handling and stability of the glucose measuring devices were examined. The accuracy of the measurement was 60 percent on average. One model received the grade «poor», three devices were classified as «satisfactory» and the remaining mini laboratories received the test grade «good». The test winner was Aviva from Accu-Chek, which was praised for its measurement accuracy. The values are consistently stable and there are hardly any fluctuations.
The blood glucose meter in the test comes with a lancing device that penetrates the skin at the touch of a button. The test strips can be easily inserted into the illuminated feeder. The measured values plus the date and time can then be read off the LCD display. With up to 720 readings that can be saved, this model is one of the best blood glucose meters.
Measuring range 10-600 mg/dl Measuring time 4 sec Minimum blood volume 0.6 μl Number of memory locations 720 Equipment 10 test strips, 6 lancets, lancing device, case
Advantages and disadvantages:
- + high measurement accuracy
- + Illuminated test strip feed and ejection by button
- + Diary via app
- – Device only compatible with a few devices via Bluetooth
FreeStyle Freedom Lite
Freedom Lite from FreeStyle took second place in the blood glucose meter test by Stiftung Warentest. This device convinced in 2012 with very good measuring accuracy, but can still score in the test today.
The Freedom Lite is particularly recommended for older diabetics, as it is used with extra large digits for the greatest possible reading comfort. There are only two large buttons – the operation is therefore very simple. With a minimum blood volume of 0.3 microliters, this model is far ahead of other blood glucose meters, only very little blood is needed here.
Measuring range 20-500 mg/dl Measuring time 5 sec Minimum blood volume 0.3 μl Number of memory locations 400 Features 10 test strips, 10 lancets, lancing device
Advantages and disadvantages:
- + very good measuring accuracy
- + Average value calculation
- + including case
Test score from Stiftung Warentest: 1.7 (“good”)
SD CodeFree
A wish of many diabetics is blood sugar measurement anywhere on the body as a supplement to the typical measurement on the fingertip. The SD CodeFree meets this criterion and can draw blood from the forearm, upper arm, palm or fingertip. The required amount of blood is a small minimum – a small drop of blood is enough. This is applied to a test strip. After a few seconds, the glucose content can be read from the device.
The easy handling and inexpensive materials establish this model as an attractive candidate for the diabetes measuring device test. For example, the CodeFree comes with a lancing device that makes it easier to take a drop of blood. If you tend to forget, you can use the alarm function to remind you of the measurement. New diabetics in particular are well equipped with this starter set – the devices themselves are often relatively inexpensive, but the necessary accessories are then expensive. Accordingly, investing in a medium-priced model can be worthwhile in the long run.
Measuring range 20-600 mg/dl Measuring time 5 sec Minimum blood volume 0.9 μl Number of memory locations 500 Features Display, date and time display
- + Blood glucose measurement anywhere on the body
- + Memory for 500 readings
- + Lancing device, test strips and lancets included
- – no blood sugar diary
- – satisfactory measurement results
Rating at Amazon: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Aktivmed GlucoCheck Excellent
Blood glucose meters should be able to measure quickly and require as little blood as possible. The device from Aktivmed can convince with these criteria. Bonus point: It is small and handy and therefore accompanies diabetics in everyday life without any problems. Thanks to the lancing device, case and diabetic diary, this blood glucose meter is also suitable for inexperienced users. Nevertheless, an introduction to new devices should not be neglected.
Aktivmed offers its users evaluation software that can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. However, you need a USB cable to use the software. This is not included in the scope of delivery. Advantage for people who measure frequently and have irritated skin: In addition to the fingertip, blood can also be taken from other parts of the body. Once the blood glucose measurement is complete, the test strip is ejected via a button. This means that you don’t have to pull the test strip out of the blood glucose meter by hand – a hygienic and practical feature at the same time. The storage space is sufficient for 356 test results, which can be calculated as an average over one to three weeks. The only drawback is the measurement accuracy, which according to customer reviews was not outstanding.
Measuring range 10-600 mg/dl Measuring time 5 sec Minimum blood volume 0.5 μl Number of memory locations 365 Equipment 10 test strips, 10 lancets, lancing device, case
Advantages and disadvantages:
- + low price
- + small and handy
- + Evaluation software
- – lack of measurement accuracy
- – missing USB cable for the software
Rating at Amazon: 3.9 out of 5 stars
Medisana MediTouch 2 in the blood glucose meter test
Which blood glucose meter is best in comparison? The Medisana MediTouch 2 performs well with an average Amazon rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. The blood glucose meter has a large LCD display and user-friendly menu navigation. Top: The measurement results can be transferred to the «VitaDock+» app via USB interfaces, where they can then be evaluated. The meter has a memory for up to 480 results.
In the price comparison, the MediTouch 2 is in the good midfield. A common point of criticism is the handling, which can lead to inaccurate test results if used incorrectly. Additional features such as acoustic reminders, meal markings, automatic ketone warnings and an average value calculation remain in the mind as plus points.
Measuring range 20-600 mg/dl Measuring time 5 sec Minimum blood volume 0.6 μl Number of storage locations 480 Features 10 lancets, 10 test strips, lancing device
Advantages and disadvantages:
- + acoustic reminder
- + Meal marker
- + Data can be evaluated with PC software or app
- + comprehensive starter set
- – handling
- – slightly higher price
Rating at idealo: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Beurer GL 50 evo
The comparison shows that investing in a small, handy model is worthwhile. The GL 50evo is one of the most practical measuring devices in the test, as it has a lancing device integrated into the device. It is therefore suitable for anyone who needs to carry out regular blood sugar tests. In particular, professionals and all those who have to measure on the go take a look at this blood glucose meter. Thanks to the lancing device and easy handling, measuring can be done quickly and unobtrusively.
Whether at home or in the office: the device can be charged easily and quickly with the USB interface. The data can also be transferred to the PC via the interface and evaluated in software. Wide test strips and a large display make handling easier. The only drawback: the manufacturer was a bit stingy with the accessories – only five lancets and test strips are included. If you compare that with the other candidates, this model cannot inspire in terms of equipment.
Measuring range 20-630 mg/dl Measuring time 5 sec Minimum blood volume 0.6 μl Number of memory locations 480 Equipment 5 lancets, 5 test strips
Advantages and disadvantages:
- + small and handy
- + Charging via USB
- + Alarm and timer function
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iHealth Gluco Monitoring System BG5
Anyone who attaches great importance to the look will be impressed by the design of the iHealth. However, the comparison shows that the meter is also comparable to conventional, non-smart blood glucose meters in the test. The smart mini laboratory from iHealth delivers reliable measurement results that are displayed directly on the device. Thanks to transmission to the app, diabetics…