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- Diabetes: The Silent Disease About 1 in every 20 people has diabetes, the 7th leading cause of death in the U.S. Many don't even know they have it until they experience life threatening complications. The good news is that diabetes may be managed... more...
- Diabetes Glossary Discover the meaning meanings of important terms used for diabetes... more...
About Diabetes Monitoring Kits
Diabetes Monitoring Kits
When people with diabetes can control their blood sugar (glucose), they are more likely to stay healthy. People with diabetes use two kinds of management devices: glucose meters and other diabetes management tests. Glucose meters help people with diabetes check their blood sugar at home, school, work, and play. Other blood and urine tests reveal trends in diabetes management and help identify diabetes complications. To find available monitors and kits, please visit our online diabetes store for Diabetes Monitoring Kits.
Choosing a Monitoring Kit
At least 25 different meters are commercially available.
They differ in various ways including
- Amount of blood needed for each test
- Testing speed
- Overall size
- Ability to store test results in memory
- Cost of the meter
- Cost of the test strips used
Newer meters often have features that make them easier to use than older models. Some meters allow you to get blood from places other than your fingertip. Some new models have automatic timing, error codes and signals, or barcode readers to help with calibration. Some meters have a large display screen or spoken instructions for people with visual impairments.
You can search online the Food and Drug Administration's database of glucose meters available over-the-counter (without a prescription).
Somewhat unexepectedly, researchers are finding that drinking coffee can reduce the risk of diabetes.