Insert the test strip, prick your finger, hold the drop of blood to the strip – and a blood glucose meter determines your blood sugar. Many people with diabetes rely on this technology. And need reliable measurement results, for example to dose insulin correctly.
In the Stiftung Warentest test, many models show high quality. The two best blood glucose meters are very good overall. Three models achieved a “very good” rating for blood sugar measurement. One only performs adequately because it measures quite imprecisely.
Why the blood glucose meter test is worth it for you
Testergebnisse
The table shows ratings from Stiftung Warentest for eleven blood glucose meters. The grades range from very good to sufficient. The test included glucose meters from Accu-Chek, Beurer, Contour and Medisana. They are available online, in pharmacies, and sometimes in drugstores such as dm and Rossman.
The best blood glucose meter for you
You will find out which devices measure particularly precisely. You can filter the test results according to specific test criteria or specifically display the blood glucose meters with an app.
Background and tips
The prices of the devices in the test range from 15.90 euros to 42.50 euros; 50 test strips cost between 19.80 euros and 34.50 euros. The test report provides information about how the devices work, who needs them and when health insurance companies will cover the costs.
Magazine article as PDF
After activation, you will receive the magazine article from test 11/24 for download.
Blood glucose meters in the test Unlock test results for 11 blood glucose meters
Blood glucose meters for self-measurement in the test
All devices tested are for self-measurement, for example by pricking the fingertip. Seven, including the test winner, can be linked to an app. This is not necessary for the operation of the devices, but it is useful. For example, to document measured values.
CGM systems were not included in the test; there is still a lack of uniform testing standards. The devices measure sugar continuously using a sensor, for example on the arm. But: Anyone who uses CGM can also benefit from our test results. With a good blood glucose meter, values that appear inconsistent from continuous measurement can be checked.
Tipp: Even before activation, you can see content from the table – for example, all tested blood glucose meters.
Look at the table
| – Qualitätsurteil | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blutzuckermessung | ||||
| Handhabung | ||||
| Technical testing (including drop testing and low battery behavior) | ||||
| Basic protection of personal data | ||||
120 measurements per blood glucose meter tested
The measurement accuracy was by far the most important test in the test. To do this, we carried out 120 measurements with each device and compared the values with those of a precise laboratory method. The samples came from 30 people with diabetes, each of whom had blood taken from their fingertips four times.
We also checked the repeatability – i.e. whether the devices deliver the same values when they measure the same blood sample several times. We also tested the handling and technical functionality of the devices. If a model could optionally be linked to an app, we checked the basic protection of personal data (This is how we tested).
Tipp: Health insurance companies reimburse blood glucose meters and test strips if patients need insulin to treat their diabetes. Discuss the procedure with your doctor or your health insurance company.
Be careful with blood glucose meters without piercing
A hope of many people with diabetes: measuring blood sugar without taking a prick. Providers are working on appropriate systems. But: There is still no accurate, reliable and safe technology, warn researchers from the Institute for Diabetes Technology at Ulm University. In their study of smartwatches that claim to be able to measure blood sugar without a puncture, the watches only simulated blood sugar measurements. Until alternatives are fully developed and officially approved, it is better to continue using conventional methods.
Tipp: New therapeutic approaches open up the possibility of a good life with type 2 diabetes. If you want to lose weight, you will find helpful information in our test of diet concepts.
