The 4 Best Glucose Monitors of 2024, According to Registered Dietitians
iStock
The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed. When you buy something through the retail links on this page, we may earn commission at no cost to you, the reader. Sports Illustrated editorial staff are not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more here.
A good understanding of your blood glucose levels can translate into a good understanding of your metabolic health. If you are struggling with low energy, not sure what diet works best for you or just starting out on your health journey, a glucose monitor—much like a fitness tracker—can provide a ton of insight and help you make better dietary and lifestyle choices.
The best glucose monitors provide accurate, reliable readings and have special features that allow you to track your test results and personalize your device to your daily routine. Below are four budget-friendly glucometer options you may find suitable for your health needs and wellness goals in 2024.
This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.
Our Picks for the Best Glucose Monitor in 2024:
- Best Overall Blood Glucose Monitor: Oxiline Gluco X Pro
- Best Blood Glucose Monitor with Extra Features: Nutrisense
- Best Home Glucose Monitor: Contour Next One Glucose Monitoring System
- Best Glucose Monitor Kit: Dario Smart Glucose Monitor Kit
Best Overall Blood Glucose Monitor: Oxiline Gluco X Pro
Oxiline
- Type: BGM
- Subscription: Monthly, three months, six months or 12 months
- Best for: Individuals looking to track blood glucose data and trends
- Price: $59.00
- Extra features: Results in under five seconds, stores up to 500 results on the device and unlimited results on the app
If you’re looking for a blood glucose monitoring system that provides quick, accurate results and tools that allow you to track data and view trends, consider the Oxiline Gluco X Pro.
What sets the Oxiline Gluco X Pro meter apart from other budget-friendly BGMs is its slate of extra features.
This BGM provides results in less than five seconds with no coding, so you know your glucose level right away. It also has a bright backlit display with large text that is easy to read.
Additionally, the meter uses E-Sense Technology, which detects small electrical signals from the biochemical reaction between the test strip and your blood.
It has a large memory that stores up to 500 results for long-term glucose monitoring on the device. The app can store an unlimited amount of test results, and Oxiline includes cloud storage so you can always access your results.
This BGM syncs via Bluetooth with Android and Apple devices, and data can be exported in PDF or CSV format to share with your doctor or keep for your records. There is also a graph where you can view variations in results. Each reading gives users the option to add contextual data including your meal status or how you are feeling to give further insight into results.
On the Oxiline website, the TGluco X Pro meter has a rating of 4.88/5 from over 14,000 reviews. Satisfied reviewers most frequently highlight that the meter is easy to use, provides quick and accurate readings and doesn’t require coding.
The Oxiline Gluco X Pro starter kit bundle includes the BCM and lancing device, a travel case, two AAA batteries, 50 glucose test strips, 50 lancets and a user manual. Subscribers receive all of this plus 100 glucose test strips and lancets instead of 50. Each recurring order includes 100 glucose test strips and lancets. The brand offers free expedited shipping, a lifetime warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
What we like:
- Lifetime warranty
- Light and portable at just 0.3 pounds
- Provides quick readings
What to consider:
- Only compatible with Oxiline glucose test strips
Best Blood Glucose Monitor with Extra Features: Nutrisense
Key features and specs
- Type: CGM
- Subscription: Monthly, three months, six months or 12 months
- Best for: Individuals who want to continuously monitor their glucose and see data on how food, sleep exercise and stress impact glucose levels
- Price: $134-$399 per month depending on the plan
- Extra features: Nutrisense app activates monitor and collects data, one complimentary month with a nutritionist, water-resistant, CGM can be scanned using an NFC enabled smartphone, in-app learning program
Nutrisense is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) program that pairs the monitor with expert guidance and in-app data and learnings to help improve health. The CGM is scanned using an NFC-enabled smartphone for real-time glucose monitoring.
Your data is tracked in the Nutrisense app, which gives insight into glucose response to meals, fasting and meal timing, exercise and physical activity routines, sleep, stress and habits and routines. After using the app to activate the sensor, the CGM lasts 14 days. That means your subscription is tied to the shipment of CGMs, so you can customize your tracking to match your schedule.
When you sign up, Nutrisense offers a complimentary month with a nutritionist who helps you interpret these results and build sustainable habits. Nutritionists are selected based on your coaching preferences indicated in the initial questionnaire. Nutrisense’s pool of experts includes credentialed dieticians and nutritionists to ensure you get skilled advice and recommendations.
During your weekly check-in, they’ll personalize your program based on your goals and provide suggestions to help you stay on track. If you want to continue working with them after the complimentary month, there is an additional fee of $100 per month. This fee includes 24-hour response times, more frequent interactions, special learning webinars, member-only group coaching and more.
The Nutrisense app also has In-Range, a self-guided learning course developed by the brand’s team of experts to provide users with additional support and tools. It teaches the basics of glucose metabolism, the fundamentals of nutrition, meal planning, how to overcome a weight loss plateau and more.
What we like:
- Complimentary month with a nutritionist and in-app learnings offer support and guidance
- App syncs with Apple Health Kit and wearables like the Apple Watch, Oura Ring, Fitbit, Garmin and Samsung watches
- Data offers insights on how glucose responds to variables
- CGM only needs scanned one time every eight hours
What to consider:
- Expensive
Best Home Glucose Monitor: Contour Next One Glucose Monitoring System
Amazon
Key features & specs
- Type: BGM
- Subscription: None
- Best for: Individuals looking for an easy-to-use and accurate glucometer for at-home use; individuals looking for an inexpensive glucometer for diabetes management
- Price: $34.85
- Extra features: Smartlight™ technology, Bluetooth connectivity, iOS and Android compatibility
Developed by Ascensia Diabetes Care, the Contour Next One Glucose Monitoring System is a smartphone-compatible glucometer that provides highly accurate results in seconds. It makes our list of the best blood glucose monitors because it has several features that make diabetes management easier and less of a hassle.
The Contour Next One glucometer pairs with compatible smartphones and tablets via the CONTOUR®DIABETES app. Using the app, users can quickly set up their meter to enable features they like while disabling features they aren’t likely to use (e.g. sound, meal markers, smart light, etc.). Additionally, the app collects, stores and analyzes your blood glucose test results to support better management of your health needs.
Made with diabetics in mind, this device can be programmed to give reminders and alerts tailored to the user’s daily routine. Plus, it’s equipped with an extensive electronic logbook that records events such as meals, activities and medication intake.
With the device’s Smartlight™ technology, users get instant feedback about their blood sugar levels after every test. When your blood glucose levels are within your target range, the Smartlight™ flashes green; levels below or above your target range elicit a red or yellow flash, respectively.
Over 600 reviews have contributed to this glucometer’s 4.6/5-star rating on Amazon. Many reviewers commented on the Contour’s functionality and ease of use. For example, one reviewer writes, “Works flawlessly for me. The meter stores every blood glucose reading with date and time. It can also store the meal status (‘fasting’, ‘before meal’ or ‘after meal’).”
Another review reads, “I am not diagnosed as a diabetic. But as part of a weight loss effort, I wanted to see what various meals did to my blood glucose. I looked around and saw that it wasn't too expensive to find out. After some research, I saw this kit. Rated as highly accurate, the strips are available at a reasonable cost, and it includes everything to get started. Seemed too good to be true. But, since this wasn't a critical need, I hit the button. All looks legit, factory sealed, all parts present. Easy to set up and I was testing in minutes.”
What we like:
- Provides accurate readings quickly
- Has multiple features for diabetes care
What to consider:
- Each test requires a fingerstick and blood sample
Best Glucose Monitor Kit: Dario Smart Glucose Monitor Kit
Amazon
Key features & specs
- Type: BGM
- Subscription: None
- Best for: Individuals looking for an all-inclusive blood glucose monitor kit; individuals looking to support their diabetes management or weight management; individuals who want to keep tabs on their metabolic health throughout the day
- Price: $39.95
- Extra features: Smartphone compatibility (iPhone and Android)
The Dario Smart Glucose Monitor Kit is an all-in-one, pocket-sized glucometer that plugs directly into your smartphone. It pairs seamlessly with the Dario mobile app and allows users to check and analyze their blood sugar levels while at home and on the go.
Related Post: LetsGetChecked Diabetes Test Review
As an FDA-cleared blood glucose meter, the Dario Smart Glucose Monitor provides accurate readings that fall within ±15% of the reference standard, making it a solid option for individuals looking to support their diabetes care.
The Dario Smart Glucose Monitor Kit is our best glucose monitor kit pick because it provides nearly everything you need for accurate blood sugar monitoring. In addition to a blood glucose meter, the kit includes 10 lancets, 10 disposable covers and 25 test strips. What’s more, the mobile app allows users to monitor their personal key diabetes metrics, log their meals and medication, count their carbohydrate intake and record their physical activity and mood. On the downside, control solutions must be purchased separately.
The company advises consumers not to use a Dario glucometer if they are critically ill, think they are dehydrated, or currently undergoing xylose absorption tests. The brand also warns that users may get inaccurate results if they are taking medications with acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or vitamin C (ascorbic acid), have a disease or condition where uric acid levels in the blood may be elevated (> 11 mg/dL), such as gout, or if they have very high levels of triglyceride (> 810 mg/dL).
At the time of writing, the Dario Smart Glucose Monitor has a 4.2/5-star rating on Amazon from 11,902 ratings. There are a handful of negative reviews from consumers who dislike that the Dario mobile app requires you to make an account using your email and phone number. The positive reviews mostly highlight the device’s ease of use and portability. One reviewer writes, “I love this product. It is easy to use and I love the fact that everything is stored in one place and small enough to carry around in the smallest handbag.”
What we like:
- FDA-cleared
- Portable
- Provides test results in less than six seconds
What to consider:
- Once the cartridge foil is open, the test strips must be used within one month
- May not work with future iPhone or Android phones if these phone manufacturers decide to alter or remove their current port configurations (again)
- Control solutions must be purchased separately
What Is a Glucose Monitor?
“A glucose monitor, also known as a blood glucose meter or glucometer, is a medical device used to measure the level of glucose (sugar) in a person's blood. It is commonly used by individuals with diabetes to monitor their blood glucose levels and make informed decisions about their treatment and lifestyle choices,” says Mary Sabat MS, RDN, LD, nutritionist and ACE certified personal trainer.
Additionally, glucose monitors are useful tools for health and wellness enthusiasts or those with pre-diabetes who wish to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems.
Benefits of Glucose Monitors
The benefits of glucose monitors are significant for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes, but also for health-conscious individuals who want to better manage their health, Sabat says. Here are some key benefits:
- Blood glucose control: Glucose monitors provide real-time information about blood glucose levels, enabling individuals to monitor and manage their condition effectively. By regularly checking their glucose levels, people with diabetes can adjust their medication, diet and physical activity to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
- Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia detection: Glucose monitors help individuals identify episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) promptly. This allows for immediate intervention, such as consuming glucose to raise blood sugar levels or adjusting insulin doses.
- Treatment adjustment: Glucose monitors assist healthcare providers in making informed decisions regarding medication adjustments or insulin dosages based on the individual's blood glucose readings.
- Trend analysis: Glucose monitors enable users to track their blood glucose levels over time, identifying patterns and trends that can help in better managing their diabetes and making lifestyle adjustments.
Healthy individuals can also benefit from the use of a glucose monitor.
“For individuals without diabetes, these devices can be used to gain insight into their overall health and nutrition habits. By measuring sugar levels over time, one can quickly identify any red flags in their diet or lifestyle causing blood sugar spikes and adjust accordingly,” says Kelsey Costa, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and health research specialist.
“Glucose monitors can also help with physical activity tracking, providing real-time data on how exercise affects the body’s glucose levels,” she adds.
How do Glucose Monitors Work?
“Glucose monitors work by utilizing a small sample of blood, typically obtained by pricking the finger with a lancet. The blood sample is then placed on a test strip, which is inserted into the glucose monitor. The monitor uses an enzyme-based reaction to measure the amount of glucose in the blood sample and displays the result on a screen within seconds,” Sabat says.
Precautions of Glucose Monitors
Glucose monitors have significantly improved in accuracy over the years. Most modern glucose monitors provide accurate readings within a close range to laboratory measurements. However, it's important to note that some variability can occur between different brands and models of glucose monitors. Additionally, factors such as user error, improper calibration and environmental conditions can affect accuracy. Therefore, it's advisable to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and consult with healthcare professionals for accurate interpretation of results.
Precautions for using a glucose monitor include:
- Proper hygiene: It is important to clean the hands before testing to avoid contamination of the blood sample.
- Correct usage: Users should carefully follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure accurate readings. This includes using the appropriate lancet for blood collection and properly inserting the test strip into the monitor.
- Regular calibration: Some glucose monitors require periodic calibration with control solutions to ensure accurate readings. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding calibration.
- Quality control: Glucose monitors should be periodically checked with control solutions provided by the manufacturer to verify their accuracy.
- Storage conditions: Glucose monitors should be stored in a cool and dry place, following the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Consultation with healthcare professionals: Users should regularly consult with their healthcare providers for guidance on proper use, interpretation of results, and adjustment of treatment plans based on the readings.
Blood Glucose Meters vs. Continuous Glucose Monitors
Most people are familiar with traditional blood glucose meters (BGMs) that use blood samples drawn from a fingerstick to provide blood sugar readings, but there are also more advanced devices known as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) that track your glucose levels 24 hours a day via a wearable device.
“A CGM works by using data from a tiny wire sensor inserted just under your skin, typically in the back of the upper arm,” explains Kari Garner, MS, RDN, LD, CDCES, a registered dietitian and diabetes educator. “This small sensor is approximately the width of a human hair and less than an inch long. The sensor measures your interstitial glucose level (not blood glucose, like a fingerstick reading). Interstitial fluid is the fluid between the cells in the body. The wire sensor tests glucose every five minutes, and will transmit the reading wirelessly (via Bluetooth) to either a phone or a receiver.”
Whereas blood glucose meters (BGMs) can be purchased over-the-counter at pharmacy stores and online, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) require a doctor’s prescription. There are also accuracy-related differences between blood glucose meters and CGM devices.
“Standard BGM readings are more reflective of ‘blood glucose’ than CGMs,” says Angie Victorio, RN, BSN, CDCES, a registered nurse and certified diabetes educator. “That's because standard BGMs sample glucose directly from the blood, while CGMs sample from interstitial fluid. In fact, CGMs often have to be calibrated by using a reading from a standard BGM. So if you need an accurate blood sugar reading quickly (like if you think your blood sugar is dropping too low), it's best to use a standard BGM. But a CGM is also helpful because you can see if your glucose readings are trending too low or high.”
Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Glucose Monitor
For this roundup of the best glucose monitors, we looked for devices that are affordable, give accurate blood glucose readings, provide advanced features for glucose tracking and have generally positive consumer reviews.
Glucose Monitors FAQs
How much do glucose monitors cost?
The cost of a blood glucose monitor (BGM) typically ranges from $10 to $100 without insurance. More advanced continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can cost as much as $400 per month.
How accurate are glucose monitors?
“Glucose monitors available today are generally quite accurate. However, it's important to note that they may have a margin of error. Factors such as incorrect usage, improper calibration, and environmental conditions can influence accuracy. Regular calibration and following proper testing techniques can help minimize errors,” says Melissa Wasserman Baker, RDN.
Are glucose monitors covered by insurance?
Yes, some glucose monitors are covered by insurance, but it depends on the glucometer brand and your insurance provider.
What is considered a normal blood glucose level reading?
“A normal blood glucose level reading, measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L), can vary slightly depending on the context. However, for most adults, a fasting blood glucose level of 70-99 mg/dL (3.9-5.5 mmol/L) is generally considered normal,” says Baker.
For a person that has diabetes, “70-180 mg/dL is considered a normal/ideal blood glucose reading,” Garner adds.
Takeaway: Is a Glucose Monitor Worth It?
Glucose monitors are essential to diabetes management and also practical tools for anyone looking to keep tabs on and improve their overall health, fitness and nutrition. To ensure that your blood sugar readings are accurate and reliable, always keep your monitor stored properly, practice good hygiene during testing and follow the device’s instructions. To best understand what your blood glucose test results mean for your health (and the dietary or lifestyle modifications you should make to improve them), consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian.
