A Comprehensive Guide to Blood Glucose Monitors for Diabetics in India: Popular Brands and Features

Why Blood Glucose Monitoring is Essential

For individuals with diabetes, regular blood glucose monitoring is crucial to managing the condition and preventing complications. Blood glucose monitors, also known as glucose meters, provide quick and accurate readings of blood sugar levels, helping diabetics make informed decisions about their diet, exercise, and medication. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of blood glucose monitors available in India, along with some of the most popular brands on the market.

Types of Blood Glucose Monitors

There are several types of blood glucose monitors, each with its own set of features to suit different needs:

1. Basic Glucose Meters: These are simple devices that require a small drop of blood from a fingertip, which is placed on a test strip. The meter then analyzes the sample and displays the blood glucose level.
2. Bluetooth-Enabled Glucose Meters: These meters sync with smartphone apps, allowing users to track their readings over time and share data with healthcare providers.

Popular Blood Glucose Monitor Brands in India

Here’s a look at some of the most popular and reliable brands of blood glucose monitors available in India:

1. Accu-Chek

Accu-Chek is a well-known brand in the diabetes care industry, offering a range of glucose meters designed for ease of use and accuracy. Accu-Chek products are widely available in India.

• Accu-Chek Active:
  • Features: Simple and easy-to-use, requires a small blood sample, provides accurate results in just five seconds, and stores up to 500 readings.
  • Best For: Individuals who need a reliable and user-friendly glucose meter.
• Accu-Chek Instant S:
  • Features: Instant result display, intuitive target range indicator, USB interface for data download, and no coding required.
  • Best For: Those looking for a modern meter with quick and easy operation.

Features

• No coding required: Accu-Chek Guide blood glucose meter is easy to use as it doesn t require any code chip for coding the meter. Thus keeping your sugar monitoring needs simple
• Simple to log results without a paper logbook automatically logs results right to an app (mySugr diabetes management app) on your smartphone
• Strip Ejector: Simple to dispose off used strips. Push button strip ejector means you don t have to touch used strips
• Simple to be more accurate delivers advanced 10/10 accuracy for reliable results you can trust
• Simple to take just one strip spill-resistant SmartPack vial lets you take one and spill none

2. Dr. Morepen

Dr. Morepen is a trusted Indian brand offering affordable and reliable glucose monitors that are widely used across the country.

• Dr. Morepen GlucoOne BG-03:
  • Features: Requires a small blood sample, provides results in just five seconds, and stores up to 300 readings.
  • Best For: Individuals looking for an affordable and accurate glucose meter.
• Dr. Morepen BG-02:
  • Features: Compact design, easy to use, no coding required, and has a large display for easy reading.
  • Best For: Those who prefer a basic, no-frills glucose meter.

Features

• Auto Code Monitor
• Only 0.5µL blood required
• Result in 5 Seconds
• Large Memory (300 Results)
• Simple and Accurate

3. OneTouch

OneTouch products are highly regarded for their ease of use and reliability, with a wide range of options available in India.

• OneTouch Select Simple:
  • Features: No setup, no buttons, and no coding required, with high-low alarms for added safety and quick results in five seconds.
  • Best For: Users who want a straightforward, easy-to-use glucose meter.
• OneTouch Verio Flex:
  • Features: ColorSure technology that shows if readings are within range, Bluetooth connectivity with the OneTouch Reveal app, and stores up to 500 readings.
  • Best For: Tech-savvy users who want detailed tracking and easy data management.

Features

• Simple and so much more: OneTouch Verio Flex Glucometer is simple to use, easy to understand, accurate and offers virtually pain free testing. This blood sugar test machine seamlessly syncs your glucose readings with the OneTouch Reveal mobile app.
• No.1 recommended brand by Diabetologists: The OneTouch brand is the No.1 recommended brand of glucometer by diabetologists in India. *As per a survey conducted in India in 2023 with 150 Diabetologists.
• Simple to use: Checking your blood glucose with the OneTouch Verio Flex blood glucose monitor is easy with a simple 2-step process. Just insert the OneTouch Verio test strip into the meter and apply blood to either edge of the test strip. Your results will appear in just 5 seconds.
• Easy to understand: It makes it easy to understand whether your reading is high, low or in-range with Coloursure technology.
• Accuracy you can trust: This blood sugar test machine has 11 years of proven accuracy and meets the latest requirements of EN ISO 15197:2015. *EN ISO 15197: 2015 In vitro diagnostic test systems – Requirements for blood-glucose monitoring systems for self-testing in managing diabetes mellitus (ISO 15197:2013)).
• The OneTouch Verio test strip design uses precious metals, gold and palladium to give you accurate reading. SmartScan technology on this test strip actively scans each sample 500 times correcting for common interferences to provide an accurate reading.
• Virtually pain-free: This glucometer comes with the OneTouch Delica Plus Lancing Device offering virtually pain-free blood glucose testing.

• Syncs with the OneTouch Reveal mobile app: The OneTouch Reveal mobile app syncs data seamlessly from your OneTouch Verio Flex Blood Glucose Monitor directly to your smartphone, making it easy to see patterns and help manage diabetes. The OneTouch Reveal mobile app transforms data into quick visual snapshots that connect your blood glucose readings with food, insulin and activity.
• Blood glucose readings on the mobile app can be tagged as “before meal” or “after meal”. It also allows you to share your blood glucose reports with your doctor, friends and family.

4. Contour

Contour glucose meters by Ascensia Diabetes Care are known for their accuracy and advanced features, and they are available in India.

• Contour Plus One:
  • Features: Bluetooth connectivity, smartLIGHT feature that shows if your readings are within range, and Second-Chance Sampling to apply more blood to the same strip if needed.
  • Best For: Individuals looking for a meter with advanced features and easy tracking options.
• Contour TS:
  • Features: No coding required, large display for easy reading, and a memory that stores up to 250 readings.
  • Best For: Users who prefer a simple, reliable meter with no coding hassles.

Features

• Helps patients test with confidence: second-chance sampling (60 sec) and sip-in sampling- highly accurate even on the second attempt, helps avoid lancing a second time and wasting strips
• Smart light feature: Alerts patients on critical high and critical low blood glucose levels
• Contour diabetes app: Seamlessly connects via bluetooth technology- helps set reminders to check and add appointments to the doctor’s schedule
• Helps in permanent connection to the database results which enables to record the results of measuring blood sugar

5. BeatO

BeatO is an Indian brand that integrates mobile technology with blood glucose monitoring, offering innovative and convenient solutions.

• BeatO Smart Glucometer Kit:
  • Features: Plugs directly into a smartphone, syncs with the BeatO app, provides instant readings, and offers personalized insights and alerts.
  • Best For: Tech-savvy individuals who prefer mobile connectivity and easy data management.
• BeatO CURV Glucometer:
  • Features: Compact and portable, connects with the BeatO app, and provides instant readings with advanced tracking features.
  • Best For: Users looking for a sleek and portable device with smart features.

Features

• MONITOR & CONTROL DIABETES: The BeatO Curv Glucometer is more than just a mobile blood sugar testing device. It is designed to help you effortlessly monitor, manage, and control your sugar levels with the support and guidance of doctors and experts.
• SHARE READINGS WITH YOUR DOCTOR: Effortlessly share your blood glucose readings from the BeatO App with your doctor or loved ones to keep them informed. Your doctor can analyze these readings and recommend the most suitable diabetes medication for you.
• Comprehensive Package: The package includes BeatO Sugar Testing Machine with 100 Glucometer Strips & 100 Glucometer Strips, offering users a comprehensive supply for continuous blood glucose monitoring. Paired with the glucometer’s lifetime warranty, it ensures long-term reliability and support.
• Painless Testing Assurance: BeatO Glucometer Lancets ensure pain-free testing, Thin glucometer lancets minimize pain and discomfort, providing a quick and almost painless skin puncture for a more comfortable blood glucose testing experience.
• Precision and Accuracy: Designed for use with the BeatO glucometer, these strips provide accurate results, facilitating precise measurement of glucose levels with just a small drop of blood.
• ACCURATE & ISO CERTIFIED: Made In India, ISO CERTIFIED (13485:2016) Issued On 23 January 2021. BeatO Curv sugar readings have also been clinically tested against lab results.
• USB CONNECTED, NEEDS NO BATTERIES: BeatO Smartphone Connected glucometer connects to your USB charging port and needs no batteries or charging. Test your sugar level with the BeatO Curv glucometer using BeatO Curv sugar testing strips and get accurate results with insights within seconds.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Glucose Monitor

When selecting a blood glucose monitor, it’s important to consider the following factors:

• Accuracy: Ensure the device provides consistent and accurate readings.
• Ease of Use: Choose a monitor that is simple to operate, especially if you have limited dexterity or vision.
• Cost of Test Strips: Some monitors have expensive test strips, which can add up over time.
• Data Management: If you prefer to track your readings electronically, opt for a monitor with Bluetooth connectivity or app integration.
• Additional Features: Consider features like backlit displays, memory storage, and voice-guided prompts based on your needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right blood glucose monitor is essential for effective diabetes management. Whether you prefer a basic, no-fuss meter or a high-tech device with Bluetooth connectivity, there’s a wide range of options available in India to suit your lifestyle and needs. Popular brands like Accu-Chek, Dr. Morepen, OneTouch, Contour, and BeatO offer reliable and innovative products that can help you keep your blood sugar levels in check and manage your diabetes effectively. Always consult with your healthcare provider to select the best device for your specific requirements.