When people write about what they like (and don’t like) about their glucose meters, here are some of the qualities they discuss:

• Accuracy: A meter needs to be able to give an accurate reading, or there’s no reason to use it, and the best meters give highly accurate readings for as long as they’re needed.
• Display: It’s important that users be able to see their numbers, which is why the best models come with screens that have big, easy-to-read numbers.
• Easy to use: Even though it’s a piece of medical equipment, a glucose meter shouldn’t be so complicated that it takes a doctor to operate. Good ones are intuitively easy to figure out and come with clear instructions.
• Speed: You don’t want to spend all day waiting for your meter to give you your results. A good model will give you your numbers quickly and accurately, so you can make any needed adjustments and get on with your day.

• What you get: When you’re shopping for a glucose meter, check out the product details and see what you can expect to come in the box: will it just be the meter itself, or will it come with test strips and other items? That way you’ll know if you need to buy any other items so you can use the meter as soon as it arrives.
• Blood requirement: Different meters require different amounts of blood for an accurate test (although none need a lot), so you might want to see how much blood the meter you’re looking at will require for each test.
• Program compatibility: If you’re looking for a USB meter or one that connects to a program or app to help you keep track of your blood sugar, be sure to pick a model that will work with your computer or phone (or find out what program you need to download or buy).

Bayer: Bayer is most famous for its aspirin, but they make a number of other drugs and health products, including blood glucose meters.

One Touch: One Touch makes just about everything that people with diabetes or other blood sugar problems might need, from meters to test strips.

G-Mate: G-Mate produces a range of blood testing equipment, including several types of glucose meters.

True Track: True Track is, as the name suggests, a line of glucose tracking equipment; it’s produced by a company that makes all kinds of medical diagnostic machines.