−This Clinical Resource gives subscribers additional

insight related to the Recommendations published in−

PHARMACIST’S LETTER / PRESCRIBER’S LETTER
February 2018 ~ Resource #340227
-

Comparison of Blood Glucose Meters

(Based on Canadian product information)
For people with type 1 diabetes mellitus, self-monitoring of blood glucose (BG) is an essential component of disease management.1 Patients with
type 2 diabetes on either an oral hypoglycemic agent, insulin, or a combination of treatments should discuss when and how often to check blood
glucose with their healthcare provider.1 When selecting a blood glucose meter, it is important to consider an individual’s preferences. Product
features include display size and lighting, the need for coding each new batch of test strips, ability to use alternate site testing, size and weight of
meter, blood sample size and speed of test result, cost of test strips and peripherals (e.g., adaptor cables, USB sticks, etc), memory function with
downloading capability, and customer support. Patients who are comfortable with technology can find meters directed toward them, while those who
are not will tend to look for more simple features in a monitor. For some patients, dexterity and vision impairment are special considerations in
choosing a monitoring device. The newest monitors (e.g., FreeStyle Libre, etc) use sensors on the skin to continuously measure blood glucose
without fingersticks (note that some still require fingersticks for regular calibration). See our Continuous Glucose Monitoring FAQs for more
information on those devices. Ultimately, the decision as to which meter to select comes down to lifestyle fit, economics, or any disabilities a patient
may have.

Meter Drop Test Alternate Range Test Battery Lancing Features

Contact Information size time site (mmol Strips Device
(mcL) (sec) testing?* /L) (packaged
with meter)
Accu-Chek Aviva 0.6 5 Yes: palm, 0.6- Accu-Chek One Accu-Chek 500-test memory; 7-, 14-, 30-, and 90-day
Roche forearm, 33.3 Aviva test lithium Softclix averaging. Four auto-reminders for times
800-363-7949 upper arm strips CR2032 throughout the day. Wireless data transfer to
www.accu-chek.ca electronic devices. Customizable hypoglycemia
alert.

Accu-Chek Aviva Combo 0.6 5 No 0.6- Accu-Chek Three Included For patients on multiple daily insulin
Roche 33.3 Aviva test AAA injections/insulin pump. Tracks results with
800-363-7949 strips alkaline colour graphs and tables. 1,000-test memory.
www.accu-chek.ca Bolus Advice function factors in data from BG
results, expected carbohydrate intake, and
current health/activity state. On-screen Status
Bar and alerts for warnings, errors, reminders,
and low-battery. Wireless data transfer to
electronic devices.

More. . .
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 (Clinical Resource #340227: Page 2 of 10)

Meter Drop Test Alternate Range Test Battery Lancing Features

Contact Information size time site (mmol Strips Device
(mcL) (sec) testing?* /L) (packaged
with meter)
Accu-Chek Aviva Connect 0.6 5 Yes 0.6- Accu-Chek Two Accu-Chek Connects to mobile device. Easy-to-read;
Roche 33.3 Aviva test lithium Softclix backlight. Immediate wireless transfer of
800-363-7949 Palm, strips CR2032 results to the app. Can share results with
www.accu-chek.ca forearm, healthcare professionals, calculate insulin doses,
upper arm create graphs, etc. 750-test memory. 7-, 14-,
30-, 90-day averaging. Multiple languages.

Accu-Chek Aviva Nano 0.6 5 Yes: palm, 0.6- Accu-Chek Two Accu-Chek Reliable, small meter; fits in the palm of the
Roche forearm, 33.3 Aviva test lithium Softclix hand. Large, back-lit (glow-in-the-dark)
800-363-7949 upper arm strips CR2032 display. 500-test memory. 7-, 30-, 90-day
www.accu-chek.ca averaging. Meal markers, 4 daily test
reminders. Can display results in mg/dL or
mmol/L.

Accu-Chek Compact Plus 1.5 5 Yes 0.6- Accu-Chek Two AAA Accu-Chek No strip handling. Detachable lancing device.
Roche 33.3 Compact alkaline Softclix 500-test memory. 7-, 14-, and 30-day
800-363-7949 base of the (drum with Plus averaging. Acoustic mode for visually impaired
www.accu-chek.ca thumb, 17 test patients (can be disabled) uses a series of beeps
forearm, strips) (not voice) that must be taught by a sighted
upper arm, person. 3 levels of brightness. 3 daily test
calf, thigh reminders. Preset with time and date. Wireless
data transfer to electronic devices.

Accu-Chek Mobile 0.3 5 No 0.6- Accu-Chek Two AAA Accu-Chek Strip-free testing. Cassette automatically loads
Roche 33.3 Mobile alkaline FastClix for next test. Integrated lancing device.
800-363-7949 cassette. with 6 Acoustic mode for visually impaired patients
www.accu-chek.ca (50 tests Back-up: lancets in a (can be disabled) uses a series of beeps (not
on a one lithium drum voice) that must be taught by a sighted person.
continu- CR1025 2,000-test memory. 7-, 14-, 30-, and 90-day
ous strip) averaging. 7 daily test reminders. Display
available in 26 languages. USB port for data
transfer to electronic devices.

More. . .
Copyright © 2018 by Therapeutic Research Center
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 (Clinical Resource #340227: Page 3 of 10)

Meter Drop Test Alternate Range Test Battery Lancing Features

Contact Information size time site (mmol Strips Device
(mcL) (sec) testing?* /L) (packaged
with meter)
BGStar 0.5 6 Yes 1.1- BGStar Two BGStar Compact, easy to use. Large, easy-to-read
Sanofi 33.3 test strips lithium lancing backlit display. Pre-/post-meal, 14-, 30-, and
888-852-6887 palm, CR2032 system 90-day averaging. Alerts and 7 programmable
www.bgstar.ca forearm with 10 alarms; 1,865-test memory. Can download for
lancets trends, graphs, etc; shareable with healthcare
professionals.

Bionime GM100 Blood 1.4 8 Yes 1.1- Rightest One Rightest Small, sleek design; single large button; easy-to-
Glucose Monitor 33.3 test strips lithium lancing read screen. 150-test memory; 7-, 14-, 30-, and
Auto Control Medical palm, CR2032 device 90-day averaging.
800-461-0991 forearm with 10
www.autocontrol.com lancets

Bravo 0.5 5 Yes 1.1- Bravo test Two Included Economical. Pre- and post-meal markers, post
Endomedical 33.3 strips lithium with 10 meal alarms. 250-test memory. 14-day
800-282-6542 palm, CR2032 lancets averaging. Data port for downloading results to
www.endomedical.ca forearm, a computer. Alarms and flags for post-meal
thigh, calf tests.

Contour Next 0.6 5 Yes 0.6- Contour Two Included Large buttons. Plain language messages.
Ascensia Diabetes Care 33.3 Next test lithium 800-test memory. 7-, 14-, 30-, and 90-day
800-268-7200 palm strips CR2032 or averaging. 14 language options. Second-
http://community.contourcare.ca DL2032 Chance sampling if initial draw isn’t large
enough. Reminder alerts. Can download results
to computer. Illuminated strip port and display
can be read in the dark.

Contour Next EZ 0.6 5 No 0.6- Contour Two Microlet2 Easy to use; date, time, and units of measure
Ascensia Diabetes Care 33.3 Next test lithium lancing preset at the factory. Large, easy-to-read
800-268-7200 strips CR2032 or device display. 480-test memory. 7-, 14-, and 30-day
http://community.contourcare.ca DL2032 averaging. Second-Chance sampling if initial
draw isn’t large enough. Basic or advanced
mode with more averages, reminders, targets,
markers, etc. Symbols and error codes.

More. . .
Copyright © 2018 by Therapeutic Research Center
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 (Clinical Resource #340227: Page 4 of 10)

Meter Drop Test Alternate Range Test Battery Lancing Features

Contact Information size time site (mmol Strips Device
(mcL) (sec) testing?* /L) (packaged
with meter)
Contour Next Link 0.6 5 Yes 1.1- Contour Recharge- Included Same attributes as Contour Next meter.
Ascensia Diabetes Care 33.3 Next test able Additional feature is wireless transmission to
800-268-7200 palm strips lithium insulin pump and Medtronic compatible insulin
http://community.contourcare.ca polymer pumps and software. USB port on meter used
battery for charging or with computer. 1,000-test
memory. 14 language options. Illuminated
strip port and display can be read in the dark.
Plain language messages. Second-Chance
sampling if initial draw isn’t large enough. 7-,
14-, 30-, and 90-day averaging.

Contour Next Link 2.4 0.6 5 Yes 1.1 – Contour Recharge- Included Links to Medtronic MiniMed insulin pump and
Ascensia Diabetes Care 33.3 Next test able continuous glucose monitoring system. Second-
800-268-7200 palm strips lithium Chance sampling if initial draw isn’t large
http://community.contourcare.ca polymer enough. Wireless transfer of results to pump’s
battery bolus calculator. Illuminated strip port and
display can be read in the dark. 14 language
options. Reminders available.

Contour Next One 0.6 5 Yes 0.6- Contour Two Included Use with the Contour Diabetes smartphone app.
Ascensia Diabetes Care 33.3 Next test lithium Yellow, green, and red lights indicate if the
800-268-7200 palm strips CR2032 or result is above, within, or below target. Second-
http://community.contourcare.ca DL2032 Chance sampling if initial draw isn’t large
enough. Can add notes, voice memos, photos,
etc to entries to indicate diet, activity, meds, etc.
Share reports with healthcare professionals.
800-test memory.

More. . .
Copyright © 2018 by Therapeutic Research Center
3120 W. March Lane, Stockton, CA 95219 ~ Phone: 209-472-2240 ~ Fax: 209-472-2249
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 (Clinical Resource #340227: Page 5 of 10)

Meter Drop Test Alternate Range Test Battery Lancing Features

Contact Information size time site (mmol Strips Device
(mcL) (sec) testing?* /L) (packaged
with meter)
Contour Next USB 0.6 5 Yes 1.1- Contour Recharge- Microlet2 2,000-test memory. Very compact meter (the
Ascensia Diabetes Care 33.3 Next test able lancing size of a USB stick). Meter plugs into the USB
800-268-7200 palm strips lithium device port of a computer to transfer data. Can send
http://community.contourcare.ca polymer data to patient’s healthcare professional.
battery Illuminated strip port and display can be read in
the dark. Plain language messages. Second-
Chance sampling if initial draw isn’t large
enough. 7-, 14, 30-, 90-day averaging.
Dario Blood Glucose Meter 0.3 6 No 0.5- Dario test No battery, Dario Connects to your smart device (Apple or
Auto Control Medical 33.3 strip power lancing Android). All-in-one, pocket-sized device.
800-461-0991 cartridge comes device Cloud-based software accessed via Dario web
www.autocontrol.com holds 25 from the integrated portal allows patient to give access to
strips smart as part of caregivers, healthcare providers, etc. Memory
device all-in-one limited only by smart device memory. 7-, 14-,
system and 30-day averaging. Automatically logs and
tracks results in Dario app.

FreeStyle InsuLinx 0.3 Varies; Yes 1.1- FreeStyle Two FreeStyle Designed for insulin users. Calculates mealtime
Abbott Diabetes Care longer 27.8 Lite test lithium lancing insulin dose from readings and user entered
800-461-8481 with forearm, strips CR2032 device data. Calculator must be set up by a trained
www.abbottdiabetescare.ca higher hand, healthcare professional. USB connection to
glucose thigh, calf Backup download and share with healthcare
level battery: professionals. 165-day memory based on 3 tests
Finger lithium and 3 insulin logs daily. Programmable
only if CR2032 reminders and alarms. Touch screen; optional
using dose backlight to help see in low light. Can add more
calculator. blood to test strip within 60 seconds.

FreeStyle Lite 0.3 5 Yes 1.1- FreeStyle One FreeStyle Small, portable. Backlit and test light to help
Abbott Diabetes Care 27.8 Lite test lithium lancing see in low light. 400-test memory. 4 reminder
800-461-8481 upper arm, strips CR2032 device alarms. Can add more blood to test strip within
www.abbottdiabetescare.ca forearm, 60 seconds. 7-, 14-, 30-day averaging. Able to
hand, download.
thigh, calf

More. . .
Copyright © 2018 by Therapeutic Research Center
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 (Clinical Resource #340227: Page 6 of 10)

Meter Drop Test Alternate Range Test Battery Lancing Features

Contact Information size time site (mmol Strips Device
(mcL) (sec) testing?* /L) (packaged
with meter)
FreeStyle Precision Neo 0.6 5 Yes 1.1- FreeStyle Two FreeStyle Slim, ultra-lightweight. Big display. Measures
Abbott Diabetes Care (glu) (glu) (glucose 27.8 Precision lithium lancing both blood glucose and ketones. Suggests
800-461-8481 only) (glu) Glucose CR2032 device insulin dose based on results plus data entered
www.abbottdiabetescare.ca test strips by healthcare professionals. Able to download.
forearm, 1,000-test memory. 7-, 14-, and 30-day
1.5 10 upper arm, FreeStyle averaging. Can input insulin doses.
(ket) (ket) base of 0-8 Precision
thumb (ket) Ketone test
strips

GE200 Blood Glucose 0.75 5 Yes 1.1- GE200 test Two GE lancing Palm-sized, easy to hold. Big buttons; extra-
Monitor 33.3 strips lithium device large screen. Backlit display. 1,000-test
Auto Control Medical palm, CR2032 with 10 memory. 1-, 7-, 14-, 30-, 60-, and 90-day
800-461-0991 forearm lancets averaging.
www.autocontrol.com

iHealth Smart Wireless 0.7 5 Yes 1.1- iHealth Recharge- iHealth Lightweight, portable. Colour LED screen.
Glucose Monitoring System 33.3 test strips able lancing Wirelessly connects to smartphone for data
iHealth Labs palm, lithium device transfer to app. Can share data with healthcare
855-816-7705 forearm, battery professionals. Illuminated display. Document
www.iHealthlabs.com upper arm, (Charges meds, exercise, diet, etc; view trends. 500-test
calf, thigh via USB) memory.

Nova Max Link 0.3 5 Yes 1.1- Nova Max One Nova 400-test memory. 1-, 7-, 14-, and 30-day
Nova Diabetes Care 33.3 test strips lithium Sureflex averaging. Automatic wireless transmission of
800-263-5999 palm, CR2450 lancing results to Paradigm insulin pumps.
www.novacares.com forearm device
with 10
lancets

More. . .
Copyright © 2018 by Therapeutic Research Center
3120 W. March Lane, Stockton, CA 95219 ~ Phone: 209-472-2240 ~ Fax: 209-472-2249
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 (Clinical Resource #340227: Page 7 of 10)

Meter Drop Test Alternate Range Test Battery Lancing Features

Contact Information size time site (mmol Strips Device
(mcL) (sec) testing?* /L) (packaged
with meter)
Nova Max Plus 0.3 5 (glu) yes 1.1- Nova Max One Nova Measures blood glucose and ketones. 400-test
Nova Diabetes Care (glu) (glucose 33.3 test strips lithium Sureflex memory. 1-, 7-, 14-, and 30-day averaging.
800-263-5999 only) (glu) and ketone CR2450 lancing Connects to Medronic insulin pumps.
www.novacares.com 0.8 10 (ket) strips device
(ket) palm, 0.1-8 with 10
forearm (ket) lancets

OneTouch Ultra2 1 5 Yes 1.1- OneTouch Two OneTouch Easy to use. 500-test memory. Backlight. USB
LifeScan Canada 33.3 Ultra test lithium Delica port for downloading results to a computer. 7-,
800-663-5521 palm, strips CR2032 lancing 14-, 30-day; plus before and after meal
www.onetouch.ca forearm device averaging. Shows link between food choices
with 10 and test results. Can add notes or meal flags to
lancets results. English or French language. Code must
be confirmed prior to each test.

OneTouch UltraMini 1 5 Yes 1.1- OneTouch One OneTouch Small and portable; designed to fit in pocket or
LifeScan Canada 33.3 Ultra test lithium Delica purse. Large, easy-to-read display. Easy to use.
800-663-5521 palm, strips CR2032 lancing 500-test memory. USB port for downloading
www.onetouch.ca forearm device results to a computer.
with 10
lancets

OneTouch Verio 0.4 5 No 1.1- OneTouch Two AAA OneTouch Info at a glance without scrolling or pushing
LifeScan Canada 33.3 Verio alkaline Delica buttons. Customizable messages appear with
800-663-5521 test strips lancing progress, consistency, patterns, etc. Colour-
www.onetouch.ca device coded range indicator. USB port for
with 10 downloading results to a computer. Backlight.
lancets English or French language. 500-test memory.
7-, 14-, 30-, and 90-day averaging.

More. . .
Copyright © 2018 by Therapeutic Research Center
3120 W. March Lane, Stockton, CA 95219 ~ Phone: 209-472-2240 ~ Fax: 209-472-2249
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 (Clinical Resource #340227: Page 8 of 10)

Meter Drop Test Alternate Range Test Battery Lancing Features

Contact Information size time site (mmol Strips Device
(mcL) (sec) testing?* /L) (packaged
with meter)
OneTouch Verio Flex 0.4 5 No 1.1- OneTouch One OneTouch 500-test memory. Blue (below), green (within),
LifeScan Canada 33.3 Verio test CR2032 Delica and red (above) range indicators. Compatible
800-663-5521 strips lancing with an OneTouch Reveal app. Wireless or
www.onetouch.ca device USB cord transmission of results. Via the app,
with you can add info on food, exercise, and/or
lancets insulin; detect patterns; share results; set
reminders; view tables and graphs.

OneTouch Verio IQ 0.4 5 No 1.1- OneTouch Recharge- OneTouch 750-test memory. Illuminated for testing in the
LifeScan Canada 33.3 Verio test able Delica dark. Colour LCD display. Large, easy-to-read
800-663-5521 strips lithium lancing numbers. Customizable high/low patterns. Tag
www.onetouch.ca polymer device results; alerts available. 7-, 14-, 30-, and 90-day
battery with averaging. Data port for downloading results to
lancets computer and for charging. English or French
language. Comes with AC adapter.

EZ Health Oracle Talking 0.7 6 Yes 1.1- EZ Health Two AAA Included Data port for downloading results to computer;
Blood Glucose Monitor 33.3 Oracle test alkaline with 10 can share with healthcare professionals. 450-
Tremblay Harrison palm, strips lancets test memory. Simple to use, single button, large
866-829-7926 forearm, screen; helpful for elderly, those with vision
www.oraclediabetes.com upper arm, problems, etc. Talking function in French or
calf, thigh English (can be turned off). 7-, 14-, 21-, 30-,
60-, and 90-day averaging. Alert for checking
ketones if glucose is above 13.3 mmol/L.

True Metrix 0.5 4 Yes 1.1- True One No 500-test memory. 7-, 14-, and 30-day
Trividia Health 33.3 Metrix test lithium averaging. 4 daily test reminders. Tag results
800-803-6025 forearm strips CR2032 with meals, exercise, etc. Alert for checking
www.trividiahealth.com ketones if glucose is above 13.3 mmol/L. Can
download results to computer. Comes preset
with time and date.

More. . .
Copyright © 2018 by Therapeutic Research Center
3120 W. March Lane, Stockton, CA 95219 ~ Phone: 209-472-2240 ~ Fax: 209-472-2249
PharmacistsLetter.com ~ PrescribersLetter.com ~ PharmacyTechniciansLetter.com
 (Clinical Resource #340227: Page 9 of 10)

Meter Drop Test Alternate Range Test Battery Lancing Features

Contact Information size time site (mmol Strips Device
(mcL) (sec) testing?* /L) (packaged
with meter)
TRUEresult 0.5 4 Yes 1.1- TRUEtest One No Large, easy-to-read screen. 500-test memory.
Trividia Health 33.3 test strips lithium 7-, 14-, and 30-day averaging. Four reminder
800-803-6025 forearm CR2032 alarms. Alert to check ketones if blood glucose
www.trividiahealth.com is over 13.3 mmol/L (can be turned off).
TRUEtrack 1 10 Yes 1.1- TRUEtrack One No Simple, large screen. Data port for
Trividia Health 33.3 test strips lithium downloading to computer. 365-test memory.
800-803-6025 forearm CR2032 14- and 30-day morning averaging. Preset with
www.trividiahealth.com date and time.

TRUE2go 0.5 4 Yes 1.1- TRUEtest One No Very small, simple meter. Available in several
Trividia Health 33.3 test strips lithium colours. 99-test memory.
800-803-6025 forearm CR2032
www.trividiahealth.com

Cost of Test Strips: depending on format (drum or foil disc or individual test strips in a box/vial), patients will pay on average $35 to $75. Boxes or
vials can contain either 50 or 100 units per container. Cost to patient depends on frequency of glucose testing (individualized per patient).

*Blood from the fingertip shows changes to blood glucose more quickly than other sites. Alternate site testing (AST) should not be used during times
when blood glucose is changing rapidly, such as immediately after a meal or physical activity. 2 Many lancing devices have a special end cap for
alternate site testing. Often monitors have a function to flag readings which could be used to mark AST readings.

• All monitors are plasma-calibrated and report results in terms of plasma value.
• Accuracy of test results may be affected by high altitudes, high humidity, and extreme temperatures.3
• Chart may not be all-inclusive. Information current as of January 2018.

Users of this resource are cautioned to use their own professional judgment and consult any other necessary or appropriate sources prior to making clinical
judgments based on the content of this document. Our editors have researched the information with input from experts, government agencies, and national
organizations. Information and internet links in this article were current as of the date of publication.

More. . .
Copyright © 2018 by Therapeutic Research Center
3120 W. March Lane, Stockton, CA 95219 ~ Phone: 209-472-2240 ~ Fax: 209-472-2249
PharmacistsLetter.com ~ PrescribersLetter.com ~ PharmacyTechniciansLetter.com
 (Clinical Resource #340227: Page 10 of 10)

Project Leader in preparation of this clinical 2. Canadian Diabetes Association Clinical Practice
resource (340227): Annette Murray, BScPharm Guidelines Expert Committee. Monitoring glycemic
control.
http://guidelines.diabetes.ca/browse/chapter9.
References (Accessed January 16, 2018).
1. Canadian Diabetes Association Clinical Practice 3. FDA. Blood glucose monitoring devices. Last
Guidelines Expert Committee. Canadian Diabetes updated December 22, 2016.
Association 2013 clinical practice guidelines for the http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedi
prevention and management of diabetes in Canada. calProcedures/InVitroDiagnostics/GlucoseTestingDe
Can J Diabetes 2013;37(Suppl 1):S1-212. vices/default.htm. (Accessed January 16, 2018).
http://guidelines.diabetes.ca/App_Themes/CDACPG/
resources/cpg_2013_full_en.pdf. (Accessed January
16, 2018).

Cite this document as follows: Clinical Resource, Comparison of Blood Glucose Meters. Pharmacist’s
Letter/Prescriber’s Letter. February 2018.

Evidence and Recommendations You Can Trust…

3120 West March Lane, Stockton, CA 95219 ~ TEL (209) 472-2240 ~ FAX (209) 472-2249
Copyright  2018 by Therapeutic Research Center

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