Best glucose monitors and meters

KEY TAKEAWAYS * Glucose monitors can help you track you blood sugar levels throughout the day. * Some Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) come with apps to track data, or professional support

plans. * Our top picks are the The Contour Next One for a low-cost CGM, or Nutrisense CGM Plan for a CGM alongside nutritionist support. A quick look at the best meters and continuous

glucose monitors * BEST OVERALL FOR NEW USERS: Contour Next One Glucose Meter | Skip to review * BEST FOR NUTRITIONIST SUPPORT: Nutrisense CGM Plans | Skip to review * BEST FOR PERSONALIZED

ADVICE: Signos CGM Plans | Skip to review * BEST FOR IN-DEPTH INSIGHTS: Levels CGM | Skip to review * BEST FOR BLOOD-FREE READINGS: Freestyle Libre 3 Plus Sensor CGM | Skip to review * MOST

ACCURATE CGM: Dexcom G7 | Skip to review * LONGEST LASTING CGM SENSOR: Eversense 365 CGM | Skip to review Home glucose meters can help lower your risk of complications from diabetes. Along

with treatment, using a home monitor can help you identify the things that make your blood sugar increase or decrease, from exercise to illness, stress to dehydration, and more. The Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends checking your blood sugar as advised by your doctor. How often you should check depends on a number of things, including: * the type of

diabetes you have * what medications you’re currently taking * how many meals you eat each day Some doctors may recommend you test only a few times a day, while others may think continuous

monitoring is more appropriate — each situation is unique and may change over time. With all the options available on the market, selecting a great glucose monitor can be a challenge. To

make the process easier, we rounded up the seven best glucose monitors available. Feel free to discuss these options with your doctor before you get started. Healthline’s picks for the best

glucose meters DISCOVER MORE ABOUT TYPE 2 DIABETES What to Eat Essentials Blood Sugar Medications Insulin Metformin Comparing glucose meters Glucose meters PRICE TYPE INSURANCE ACCEPTED The

Contour Next One $21.99 BGM no Nutrisense CGM Plan $225-320 app compatible with most CGMs no Signos CGM  depends on plan CGM with app access no Levels Health CGM first month is $398 plus tax

app compatible with most CGMs no FreeStyle Libre depends on coverage CGM with app access yes Dexcom G7 depends on coverage CGM with app access yes Eversense from $199 a year, depending on

insurance coverage CGM with app access yes How we chose continuous glucose monitors Above all, we included continuous glucose monitors that are reportedly the most accurate. Since home

meters are designed to help you monitor your glucose in between laboratory work from your doctor’s visits, it’s important that your device provides the most accurate results possible. While

no home test will be as accurate as a lab version, getting as close as possible to the quality of such tests can help provide peace of mind as well as better diabetes management. Other items

we looked at include: * PRICE AND OVERALL AFFORDABILITY: Meters (and accessories) range in price considerably. The ones on this list are either low cost out of pocket or available through

insurance. * INSURANCE COVERAGE: Yes. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance carrier to see which home glucose meters are covered in part or in full by your policy. *

ACCESSIBILITY: Monitors on this list let you hear or feel alarms when needed or offer other helpful accessibility features, so they aren’t all read-only. * DURABILITY: Whatever glucose meter

you choose, it needs to stand the test of time and perform reliably even after repeated use. * PORTABILITY: Most if not all the glucose meters on this list include carrying cases or are

otherwise portable, so they can go wherever your life takes you. * SPECIAL FEATURES: Whether it’s Bluetooth connectivity you’re looking for or discreet vibration alarms, you’ll find a

variety of special features included in these picks. * OVERALL EASE OF USE: Reading your blood sugar should be simple, even if you’re just starting out. We chose devices that are

straightforward and easy to use. * USER EXPERIENCES AND REVIEWS: We also took into account reviews, both good and bad, from real people like you who are using these readers in their everyday

lives. We included glucose meters across a variety of features and prices. The cost of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and blood glucose meters can vary widely based on their features,

your insurance coverage, and location. Cost is also subject to change over time based on the type of insurance you have, so be sure to check with your carrier for the most accurate price.

What to look for in a glucose monitor If you’ve used a traditional glucose meter in the past and are looking for a less painful, more portable option, then a CGM may be a better choice. You

may consider the Libre, Dexcom G7, or Eversense based on their features, as well as the accuracy and duration of sensor wear. While most insurance and Medicare do cover CGMs, these monitors

are more expensive overall. Depending on your insurance, they may offer coverage for one type of CGM but not another. It’s important to check these details with your insurance company ahead

of time. If you don’t have insurance, you can check with your doctor or pharmacist for discounts on your CGM and accessories. It’s also possible to get coupons directly from the manufacturer

to help offset the costs. Notes for buying online When browsing for glucose meters online, you’ll notice that some versions, such as the BGM Contour Next, are available for purchase over

the counter, while CGMs, such as the FreeStyle Libre 3 or Dexcom G7, are not. This is because you’ll need a doctor’s prescription to get a CGM system. However, you don’t need a prescription

for the basic fingerstick meters we’ve included on our list. With a prescription, you may be able to buy a CGM from a medical supply store online. If you do decide to purchase a glucose

meter or monitor online, be sure you know the total costs up front, including any test strips, extra sensors, lancets, and accessories that may be sold separately. You might also consider

setting up these accessories on an auto-ship basis so you don’t run out. Frequently asked questions about glucose monitors You don’t need a prescription for a blood glucose meter. However,

you do need one for a continuous glucose monitor. Some smartwatches can connect to CGM systems, allowing you to check your readings on your watch. But none are capable of taking blood

glucose readings directly. A blood sugar level of 99 mg/dL or below is considered normal for a fasting blood sugar test. For a glucose tolerance test, a level of 140 mg/dL is considered

normal. The bottom line What’s considered the best glucose meter for you ultimately depends on: * what features you’re looking for * whether you want a traditional meter or CGM * your budget

These seven glucose meters offer benefits — and some drawbacks — to consider when making your ultimate selection. You can also talk about these monitors with your doctor.