You'll be surprised to know that India is in the second spot on the list of the highest number of diabetics in the world. And the data on diabetics in the country is straight-up scary. According to many reports, there are as many as 171 diabetes cases per 1000 people. Well, that sounds kind of concerning, don't you think? And the thing in most cases is that people don't even realize that they have diabetes until it is gotten much worse. This is why it is super important for you to keep an eye on your blood sugar level, which is a direct indication of diabetes if you want to be on the safe side. That's exactly where the role of Glucometers comes into play. If you are already a diabetic, you can track and record your blood sugar level without visiting the diabetologist every time. And if you are here for just that, then you'll be glad to know that in today's post, we will let you know what exactly is a glucometer, how it works, what are the different types, and which are the top 10 best glucometer (blood sugar testing machine) brands in India for 2023. So let's get down to it without further ado, shall we?
Okay, let's talk about a handy tool called a glucometer. Another name you might hear for it? A glucose meter. It is actually a small, pocket-sized gadget. This little device has a super important job: checking how much glucose is swimming around in your blood. Now, you might scratch your head and ask, "Why would someone want to do that?" Well, glucose is like fuel for our bodies. Imagine trying to run your car without gasoline. It won't go far, right? Just like that, our bodies need glucose to keep running smoothly.
For some folks, especially those with a condition called diabetes, keeping an eye on glucose is super crucial. It's not just about feeling energetic or avoiding a dizzy spell. No, it's about making sure they stay in tip-top health. Wondering how this magic gadget works? It's pretty straightforward. First, you give your finger a teeny-tiny prick. Ouch, but only for a split second! Then, you pop a little drop of blood on something called a test strip. Slide that strip into the glucometer. This smart tool then uses a fancy method, something to do with electrochemical reactions, to understand how much glucose is in that drop of blood. Wait for a wee bit, and voila! The number pops up on the screen. And there you have it, you've just found out your glucose level in a jiffy!"
Are you wondering about the different kinds of glucometers out there? No worries! Let's break down the main types in simple words:
This is the type you'll see most often. Remember how we talked about the fingerstick sample before? This one uses that. A small prick on your finger, and you're good to go. People like it because it's dependable and easy to use. It's been around for a while, and many folks trust it for their everyday needs.
Now, think about this: what if you could know your sugar levels all the time without pricking your finger over and over? Sounds great, right? That's exactly what a CGM does. Instead of blood, it checks the sugar in the liquid under your skin. And the best part? It keeps telling you how you're doing throughout the day. If you're someone who needs to keep a very close eye on your levels, this one might be exactly what you are looking for, but it is actually a little expensive compared to the standard one.
Alright, let's dive into Roche Diabetes Care first. Hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana, these folks have been at it for ages, and, trust us, they've got their game down pat. Their brand Accu-Chek? Oh boy, it's like the crown jewel in their lineup. A little source told us that they've shifted some of their manufacturing for the 'Accu-Chek Active' device to India. Yep, that's right! This probably hints at how much they're focusing on understanding and meeting the needs of Indian consumers. One of their super cool products, the Accu-Chek Mobile system, is a dream for folks who hate the mess of lancets and test strips. And for those on the go, the Accu-Chek Active blood glucose meter is compact but doesn't compromise on features.
Now, let's move on to OneTouch by LifeScan Inc. These folks burst onto the scene in 1987, making waves with their OneTouch meter. It was simple, accurate, and let's just say it shook things up a bit in the world of self-monitoring of blood glucose. Over four decades, LifeScan's been that comforting presence for many living with diabetes. India's got a special place in their heart, it seems. Case in point, the OneTouch SelectSimple Blood Glucose monitor had its global debut right here! And for the tech-savvy, the OneTouch Reveal mobile app is a blessing, making it a breeze to track blood sugar levels from your phone or tablet. It's like having a diabetes buddy right in your pocket. LifeScan has this knack for being ahead of the curve, from introducing revolutionary devices back in the '80s to digital solutions today. They're all about making the diabetes journey smoother for everyone.
Then there are Dr. Morepen's products. This brand finds its roots in Morepen Laboratories, a name that's been around since 1984. If you're an Indian stock market enthusiast, you've probably seen their name floating around on the major stock exchanges. These guys have introduced some interesting stuff over the years, including pioneering molecules like Loratadine and Cisapride. And talk about making a splash in the Over-The-Counter (OTC) market! The BG-03 Gluco One glucometer from them is pretty nifty, you get results fast, it's not fussy about the blood sample size, and it can store a truckload (well, 300) of test results. And for those keeping an eye on their blood pressure, the BP-02 monitor, with its Comfort Inflation Technology, is a gem.
This brand comes under the big umbrella of Ascensia Diabetes Care. Here is a bit of a backstory, Ascensia came to life in 2016 when PHC Holdings got its hands on Bayer Diabetes Care. So yeah, Bayer Contour made its first appearance in the U.S. back in 2007. Fast forward to 2016, Bayer passed on its diabetes torch to Panasonic Healthcare Holdings. That's how Ascensia Diabetes Care came into the picture. Crazy right? Now, having been around for 80 years (wow!), Bayer Contour has been a rock for folks managing diabetes. And in India? Oh, they’ve become quite the hit with their awesome range of products. Look around online, and you'll see their gear everywhere. One product to look out for is their Contour Plus One Blood Glucose Monitoring System Glucometer.
Onto another game-changer, the FreeStyle Libre system from Abbott. Abbott's not just any company; they're global bigwigs in healthcare. This little system is magic for healthcare pros, giving them a peek into glucose levels like never before. And the techy part? It’s changed the whole game of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM). In India, folks are loving it because guess what? No more finger-pricking! Just a simple scan and bam, you’ve got your glucose level, the last 8 hours of history, and even an arrow showing you where it's heading. The icing on the cake? The FreeStyle Libre 3. It's boasted as the tiniest wearable glucose sensor in the world.
Alright, here comes the newbie in this niche, we are talking about BeatO. They stepped into India's diabetes scene around the mid-2010s. But BeatO’s changing the game by blending diabetes management with tech. Instead of just a glucometer, they offer a whole package – a mobile app where you can check your sugar, get eating tips, chat with health pros, and even shop for diabetes stuff. Neat, huh? Their glucometer syncs up with smartphones, popping readings straight onto the BeatO app. That simply means no more manual tracking!
Arkray is this cool company from Japan that has been around for more than 60 years! Yep, they made the world's first blood glucose meter back in 1971. They're big in India too, with a main office in Mumbai and even their own manufacturing plant. Now, when it comes to their Glucocard series - it's a hit in India! Folks love these glucometers for their bang-on accuracy. Take the Arkray Glucocard G+ Glucometer, for example. It's packed with the latest tech from Japan but is proudly made right here in India. With Arkray, you can trust you're getting top-notch quality and innovation every time.
Okay, next up is Dr. Trust. They're big shots in the healthcare world, offering a ton of medical devices. Their "Gold Standard Blood Glucose Monitoring System" speaks volumes about their commitment to quality. Many in India swear by Dr. Trust's Fully Automatic Blood Sugar Testing Glucometer Machine. It's not just user-friendly; it also has this cool LCD with a backlit display. And with a tiny blood drop (just 0.5µL), you get your results. Healthcare pros often recommend Dr. Trust for home use, and it's not hard to see why. They prioritize user needs and ensure pinpoint accuracy.
If you're on the lookout for top-notch healthcare devices, especially those trusty gadgets for diabetes care, Truworth's got your back! Let's talk about their G-30 Glucometer. This little guy's been getting quite the buzz in India, and guess what? It doesn't burn a hole in your pocket. When you get this glucometer, you're not just getting the main device. It comes with 25 test strips right off the bat. And let's not forget the 10 lancets it packs in, making it a sweet deal for everyone keen on keeping tabs on their blood sugar levels. This glucometer is no dawdler; it gives you your readings in a mere 5 seconds. Speedy, right? And with Truworth's known passion for blending quality with affordability, their G-30 model is a top pick for those wanting a budget-friendly yet dependable way to manage diabetes.
Lastly, let’s talk about Control D. These folks are also big players when it comes to health gadgets, especially in the diabetes care scene. And if you're the type who loves shopping online (who doesn’t, right?), you've probably seen their stuff on Amazon. Yep, that’s how widespread they are in India! Lots of people are chatting about Control D, leaving ratings and reviews here and there, showing it's not just popular, but also trusted. And trust us, their glucometers are all about making things easy-peasy for users. Nobody wants to wait around for ages, right? And with Control D, you won’t have to. Their devices spill the beans on your blood glucose levels in a jiffy.
Conclusion
There you have it. Now you know a whole lot more about these little gadgets or pieces of tech called glucometers. Right? And if you ever need to buy one, we suggest you pick any of the brands listed above to be sure that you’ll get the most accurate ratings without spending a lot on a premium glucometer.
Ans: In most cases, with regular healthy adults, the blood sugar is around 70 to 80 mg/dL before eating. But that can go as high as 120 mg/dL after eating something. But this average range can be a little different for everyone, so yup it is advised to talk to a doctor about it.
Ans: Well, the thing is, glucometers check your blood sugar which means those who have diabetes can find these little gadgets super useful. By keeping an eye on blood sugar levels, people can decide what they can eat, when’s the right time to take medicine, and how much they should move around.
Ans: That can depend upon a lot of things like the type of diabetes you have, and what exactly you are trying to achieve by checking your blood sugar levels. For example, people with strong diabetes may need to use a glucometer multiple times a day. But yeah, it is always best to consult with a medical professional about how many times you should be using a glucometer in a day.
Ans: Yup, they are kinda the same thing. You may have seen many people referring to a glucometer as a glucose meter. They aren’t wrong though because both of these are used to check or see your blood sugar level.
Ans: Well, it is not always necessary, but in many cases, when you haven’t eaten anything for 8 hours prior to using a glucometer, it gives you some valuable information about your blood sugar level. But as we said, it is not necessary to do so, however, if you can, then it’ll be good.
Ans: The short and sweet answer to that is: Nope! There is no specific finger for testing a glucometer to check your blood sugar levels. Simply pick any finger's tip from any of your hands, and you’ll be good for the most part. Simple as that.
Ans: Well, with the most modern glucometers, you can get your blood sugar readings within a few seconds. Yup, they are that fast.
Ans: There are many glucometers in the market that you can buy that offer memory storage features to save a certain number of readings for a certain time period. Such glucometers can be really helpful to track your blood sugar level over time.