How to choose
ISO 15197:2013 certification is the baseline — it means the meter is accurate to ±15 mg/dL at glucose levels above 100 mg/dL. All major brands meet this. Strip cost matters more than meter cost over time — most people use 30-60 strips a month. A meter at ₹1500 with strips at ₹15 each costs ₹540 a month; a meter at ₹2500 with strips at ₹8 costs ₹290. The meter pays for itself in 5 months. Sample size: smaller (0.5 µL) means less painful finger pricks. Coding-free strips avoid the calibration step. Memory: 500+ readings is standard. Bluetooth/app sync is useful if you want to share data with your doctor. Light up display for elderly users. Some meters do ketones too (relevant if you're on SGLT-2 inhibitors or have type 1 diabetes).
Who really needs this
Type 1 diabetics — multiple daily readings, mandatory. Type 2 diabetics on insulin — daily readings. Type 2 on oral medication — weekly fasting + post-meal, or as advised. Pre-diabetic — periodic monitoring. Pregnancy with gestational diabetes — multiple daily readings. Hospital staff and caregivers handling diabetic family members — handy to have at home.
