Blood glucose monitoring systems

Blood glucose monitoring has evolved from a helpful test to an essential part of diabetes treatment. The equipment used for testing also has been changing rapidly, so that today there are numerous monitoring systems on the market representing a wide range of features and prices. The variety makes it confusing for professionals and clients alike to select an appropriate product. The home healthcare nurse is invited to read the companion article, "Monitoring Diabetes Therapy," which is published in this issue, for a discussion of points to consider when choosing a meter. The following chart (Table 1) is designed to assist the home healthcare nurse to identify various meters and to compare features.