Blood sugar test strips are a quick, affordable way to monitor glucose levels, especially for people with diabetes or prediabetes. They provide fast results, are easy to carry, and help track how food, medication, and activities affect blood sugar.

However, they require finger pricking, only offer single readings, and come with ongoing expenses. Modern tools like Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) provide continuous data but can be more expensive.

Here's a quick comparison:

For quick, cost-effective monitoring, test strips work well. For real-time tracking and trends, CGMs are better but pricier. Consult your doctor to choose the best method for your lifestyle and health needs.

Test strip advantages

Test strips are a practical tool for managing blood sugar levels, offering convenience, speed, and accessibility for glucose monitoring.

Quick results

Test strips deliver blood glucose readings in just seconds. This quick feedback helps users make timely health decisions, whether it’s adjusting medication, planning meals, or managing physical activity.

The combination of speed, affordability, and portability makes test strips a convenient choice for many.

Cost and availability

Test strips are easy to find at pharmacies, big box stores, and online retailers. They are available at various price points:

Insurance coverage further reduces the cost for many users. About 82% of type 1 diabetes patients and 76% of type 2 diabetes patients obtain test strips through commercial insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.

Easy to carry and use

Compact designs make test strips and metres easy to transport. Advanced meters can store up to 500 readings with time and date stamps, allowing users to track their glucose levels over time.

For accurate and reliable use, consider these tips:

• Store strips in a cool, dry place.
• Use control solutions to check meter accuracy occasionally.
• Ensure strips are compatible with your meter.
• Keep an eye on expiration dates to maintain performance.

These features make test strips a dependable option for those who need frequent blood sugar checks throughout the day.

Test strip drawbacks

Using test strips comes with some challenges, including the need for finger pricking, limited data from readings, and ongoing expenses.

Finger prick challenges

Finger pricking is a common complaint among users. Surprisingly, only 10% of people use a fresh lancet for every test. Meanwhile, 21% reuse lancets more than 11 times, and 31% prick the centre of their fingertips – the most sensitive spot – rather than the less painful sides.

To make the process less painful, experts suggest:

• Testing on the sides of the fingertips
• Adjusting lancing devices to the proper depth
• Changing testing sites frequently
• Using a new lancet for every test
• Preventing issues like scarring, calluses, and reduced sensitivity

Reusing lancets or pricking sensitive areas can increase discomfort and discourage regular testing, which can negatively affect diabetes management.

Limited data from single readings

Another issue with test strips is their inability to provide a full picture. They only offer single readings, which can't reveal glucose trends or fluctuations throughout the day. This limitation makes it harder to manage blood sugar comprehensively.

Ongoing costs

The cost of test strips is another concern:

In Ontario, test strip use skyrocketed by 250% between 1997 and 2008. Over 117 million strips were dispensed in 2008 alone. These strips made up the third-largest expense for the Ontario Public Drug Programs, costing over $100 million, or 3.3% of total drug expenses.

Other blood sugar testing methods

Modern technology has introduced new ways to monitor blood sugar beyond traditional test strips.

Continuous glucose monitors

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) offer a step up from test strips by tracking glucose levels around the clock. Instead of providing just one reading, CGMs continuously measure glucose levels throughout the day and night.

Some advantages of CGMs include:

• Real-time monitoring: Get instant glucose data anytime.
• Trend analysis: See patterns over time to better understand your levels.
• Alerts: Receive warnings for high or low glucose levels.

While CGMs already simplify glucose tracking, researchers are working on non-invasive methods that could make the process even easier.

No-prick testing options

Emerging no-prick options aim to eliminate needles entirely. These methods, which include earlobe sensors, breath analysis, and skin-based sensors, are still under development and not yet FDA-approved for diabetes management. Scientists are working to refine these techniques to ensure they are reliable and accurate.

For a more detailed analysis of blood sugar levels, medical lab tests are still the go-to option.

Medical lab tests

Laboratory tests are considered the most reliable way to assess blood sugar levels. They are particularly useful for:

• Measuring long-term glucose control with HbA1c tests.
• Conducting in-depth metabolic assessments.
• Adjusting treatment plans.
• Confirming diabetes diagnoses.

While lab tests are highly precise, they can't replace the need for daily monitoring. In a study by the Diabetes Technology Society, only six brands of blood glucose meters and test strips consistently provided readings within 15% or 0.83 mmol/L of lab values at least 95% of the time. By combining daily tracking with occasional lab tests, individuals can achieve both short-term insights and long-term accuracy in managing their blood sugar levels.

Best uses for test strips

Test strips play a key role in managing diabetes, can provide insights for those with prediabetes, and are helpful in specific health situations.

Diabetes management

For individuals managing diabetes, especially those using insulin or medications that can cause low blood sugar, test strips are indispensable.

People using insulin may need to test their blood sugar in situations like:

• Before driving or performing critical tasks
• When adjusting insulin doses
• If they suspect low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)

Even for those not requiring daily monitoring, there are specific scenarios where blood sugar checks are important.

Prediabetes monitoring

Routine blood sugar checks aren’t usually recommended for prediabetes, but test strips can still help individuals:

• Learn how different foods affect their blood sugar levels
• Monitor how exercise impacts glucose
• Spot changes that might indicate a progression toward diabetes

These insights can help people make informed lifestyle choices to manage their health better.

Check out our guide on the main symptoms of prediabetes and learn how to identify early signs of the condition. It's a great starting point for managing your health.

Occasional testing needs

There are times when even those not regularly monitoring their blood sugar may need to check it. Test strips are particularly useful in situations like:

An Italian study involving over 13,000 people with type 2 diabetes found that blood sugar monitoring was often underused, no matter the treatment approach.

Conclusion: Choosing your testing method

Different testing methods cater to different needs. Test strips are an affordable option, costing around £35 for the meter and under £12 per week for twice-daily testing. They're especially practical for individuals with type 2 diabetes who don't need frequent monitoring.

‍Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) provide up to 288 readings per day but come with a higher price tag, ranging from £1,960 to £3,522 annually without insurance. While CGMs are convenient, they do have certain drawbacks:

Think about these factors when deciding which method aligns with your lifestyle.

Getting started with testing

• Consult your healthcare provider
  Talk to your healthcare provider about your diabetes type, medications, risk of hypoglycaemia, and budget to find the most suitable testing method.
• Define your testing goals
  If you're monitoring occasionally or managing prediabetes, test strips are a cost-effective choice. Structured testing can help you get the most out of your data. Even if you use a CGM, occasional finger-stick verification is still necessary.

‍For tips on getting the most accurate results from your glucose checks, take a look at our guide on how to prepare for a glucose test.