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Choosing a blood glucose monitoring system: EasyTouch, HealthPro or BluLink

All three EasyTouch blood glucose meters are code-free and give results in about five seconds. What separates them is memory, the screen, the strip ejector and whether your readings go to a phone app.

What a blood glucose monitoring system includes

A blood glucose monitoring system is the meter plus the things that make it work: a lancing device and lancets to get a drop of blood, test strips that react with the glucose in that drop, and control solution to check that the meter and strips read correctly. EasyTouch kits include the meter, lancing device, ten twist lancets, a carrying case, a logbook, a quick reference guide and batteries. Strips are sold separately, except in the combo kits.

EasyTouch: the original meter

The EasyTouch glucose meter is code-free, needs a tiny 0.5 microliter sample, stores 300 results with 7, 14 and 30-day averages, and supports alternate site testing from the palm or forearm. It is the simplest of the three and the most affordable to run, with strips in packs of 50, 100, 150 and 300. The combo kit pairs the meter with 100 strips.

HealthPro: backlight and strip ejector

HealthPro adds two everyday comforts. The backlit display reads clearly at night or in a dim room, and the built-in ejector pushes the used strip into the bin without touching it. Memory rises to 365 readings with 7, 14 and 30-day averages, and you can mark results by meal, activity or medication.

BluLink: readings on your phone

BluLink is for people who would rather keep their log on a phone than in a book. Each reading syncs over Bluetooth to the free BluLink app, which stores and organizes results, shows trends and makes it easy to share data with family or your healthcare provider. It stores 500 readings on the meter itself and also has a strip ejector.

Strips are not interchangeable

Each meter is calibrated to its own test strips: EasyTouch strips only in the EasyTouch meter, HealthPro strips only in HealthPro, BluLink strips only in BluLink. The same goes for control solution. Check the name on the box every time you reorder.

• Want the lowest running cost: EasyTouch, with strips in large packs
• Test at night or have trouble with small screens in low light: HealthPro
• Want automatic logging and sharing: BluLink

Meters and CGMs

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors measure glucose levels under the skin all day. Many people who use a CGM still keep a blood glucose meter to confirm readings when symptoms do not match the sensor and as a backup. Your healthcare provider can help you decide which monitoring approach and how often to check.

Accuracy, care and what to consider

Before you choose, consider how you manage diabetes day to day. If you take insulin, you may check blood sugar several times a day and want a meter with a large memory and easy averages. If you test once a day, the simplest system with affordable test strips may be the better experience. Talk with your healthcare provider about how often to test, your target glucose range and how readings should guide your treatment.

Accuracy is about the whole set, not only the meter: use compatible strips, follow the instructions for storage and testing, wash your hands, and run a control solution test with each new vial. If a high or low reading does not match how you feel, test again on a fingertip and contact your provider if it is still out of range.

If you use an insulin pump or a CGM, ask your provider whether you still need fingerstick checks and how often. Check your insurance plan too: coverage for meters, strips and sensors differs, and many people pay out of pocket for strips because affordable brands cost less than the copay.

This guide explains products and general practice. It is not medical or veterinary advice.