The use of six types of simple blood glucose meter,finger-stick blood collection devices,glucose monitoring test strips,and needles currently on the market was evaluated.Sixty-three participants in a training workshop on diabetes mellitus answered questions about the use of the devices on a six-point scale.All six models of simple blood glucose meter received a score of 4.0 or better for all questions.However,the assessment of use by the participants did not necessarily agree with the information provided with the individual meters.In addition,glucose monitoring test strips were criticized regarding procedures for dealing with monitoring errors,and the use of some of them was criticized for being affected by the user’s eyesight or manual dexterity.Needles were criticized for being more difficult to prepare for use than to dispose of.
Though participants gave high marks to the six types of meter for use,glucose meters should not be selected based only on the data the meter provides but also on actual use.In addition,in the future,glucose monitoring test strips and needles should be made safer and easier to prepare for use.
