Best Glucometer in UAE – Accurately check Diabetes at home [2023]

A shocking 16.3% of the population in UAE suffers from type 2 diabetes which is why purchasing the best glucometer is a necessity for diabetic and pre-diabetic people. Our bodies are not adapting fast enough to the modern abundance of food. Luckily, technology is here to help us. But even if you are a healthy family, it helps to have a glucometer at home and check periodically. We have invested 90+ hours researching and bringing forth the best glucometer brands for you.

Quick List

Jump to Detailed Reviews

Key Features of a Glucometer

Accuracy
Accuracy is a critical feature of a glucometer. Inaccurate results can lead to complications. It is advised to keep an average reading from 10-20 records to assess the accuracy of the device, and to research the product’s accuracy through customer reviews.

Testing Speed
The time it takes for glucometers to produce results varies. High-quality glucometers typically provide results in 5-15 seconds. It is important to choose a glucometer that offers quick testing speed while maintaining accuracy, especially since readings are often taken multiple times a day.

Automatic or Manual Coding
Glucometers are either automatic or manual in terms of coding the details of the test strips. Automatic glucometers code these details automatically, while manual glucometers require the user to input these details manually. It is recommended to consider a glucometer with automatic coding to avoid the need for manual input each time new test strips are purchased.

Battery or Rechargeable
Glucometers are either battery-operated or rechargeable. Battery-operated glucometers require a battery change after every 1000 to 1500 readings, while rechargeable glucometers function like other chargeable electronic devices and do not require frequent replacements, making them a convenient option.

Lancet or Prick
A lancet or prick is a small, sharp tool used to prick the finger to obtain a blood sample for testing. It is generally not very painful. Most modern glucometers come with their own lancet, and it is recommended to choose a glucometer that includes its own lancet.

Sync to App
Some glucometers have a feature that allows users to sync their meal logs, blood sugar readings, and insulin needs to a mobile app, making it convenient to track and manage their diabetes more effectively.

Rank 1: CONTOUR NEXT ONE

• CONTOUR DIABETES App: The CONTOUR NEXT ONE is a blood glucose monitoring system that offers a simple method to manage diabetes by connecting to the CONTOUR DIABETES App.
• Most Accurate: So far, CONTOUR NEXT ONE is the most accurate and easy to use meter. Thus, it combines remarkable accuracy with ease of use and aids a wide range of people living with diabetes. Now you know why it tops the list of the best glucometer in UAE.
• smartLIGHT Feature: The new smartLIGHT feature displays red, green and yellow light immediately depending upon your blood sugar level. Red indicates below target, green indicates above target and yellow indicates above target.
• Target Range Indicator: To provide instant feedback to the patients, the smartLIGHT feature along with the target range indicator identifies whether the blood sugar readings are below, within or above the target range. Moreover, this feature also makes it easier and quicker to interpret readings.
• Delivers Immediate Results: All thanks to this device, it delivers immediate results on your smartphone and tablet enabled with Bluetooth.
• Wireless Meter and App System: The easy to use meter, Bluetooth Smart System and the free app available on the Google Play Store and App Store cater to your diabetes care needs.
• Price: Bring home the CONTOUR NEXT ONE blood glucose monitoring system for an estimated cost of AED 130.

Rank 2: Accu-Chek Instant

• Memory Capacity: This glucometer stores at least 720 blood glucose results automatically in the memory. However, you can directly view only your latest blood glucose result and your 7, 30 and 90-day averages on the meter. In order to view all the stored blood glucose results, all you need to do is transfer them to a compatible software application.
• Target Range Indicator: Benefit visual reassurance which you can individualize to suit your personal goals.
• No Need to Set-up: Absolutely no set-up required of this glucometer. All you need to do is insert a strip, apply a small blood sample, and there you go. You can instantly read your blood glucose results on the large display of this glucometer.
• Test Strips: Depending upon your budget and requirements, you can opt for test strips that come in 10, 25 and 50 vials.
• Standard of Accuracy: This is one of the most accurate blood sugar monitoring systems. And the proof is that it fulfils ISO 15197:2013 standards of accuracy.

• mySugr Diabetes Management App: All thanks to the effortless wireless synchronization. When you connect the glucometer to the mySugr diabetes management app, the meter logs your blood glucose results automatically. Next, it wirelessly transfers the results to your smartphone.
• Additional Benefits of mySugr Diabetes Management App: It provides daily, weekly and monthly analysis. Additionally, it exports reports in PDF and Excel formats. Moreover, it also secures the tracker data backup.
• Price: Accu Check Instant Wireless Blood Glucose Monitoring System is available for a price of around AED 120.

Blood Sugar Sensor – For Minute-by-Minute Monitoring

• Sensor: The sensor is a major part of the constant glucose monitoring system. Besides checking your readings day and night, it also proves accurate for delivering insulin dose.
• Working of Sensor: This sensor is capable of measuring glucose every minute since it uses a thing and flexible filament that is inserted just under the skin. Each sensor can be used and worn for up to 14 days.
• Life-Changing Technology: For all those people living with diabetes who are doing everything possible to maintain their glucose levels and focus on lowering their blood sugar. This sensor by Abbott FreeStyle Libre is a life-changing technology for them. That is because it will replace all the painful fingersticks that they had to use and they also won’t find the need of being tied to a glucose monitor that is bulky and continuous.
• Convenient: Well, the small sensor can be scanned in a discrete manner. It is about the size of 2 stacked quarters. You can even scan it through clothes. Additionally, scanning the sensor with a compatible smartphone is also possible.
• Provides 3 Key Pieces of Data: In addition to saving patients from the pain of sticking their fingers up to 10 times a day. With each scan, the system provides 3 critical pieces of data to individuals living with diabetes. Firstly, it shows you the real-time glucose result. Secondly, it shows an 8-hour historical trend and thirdly a trend arrow that shows the direction of where the glucose is going.

Additional Benefits:

• How to Use: With the help of an applicator, you need to apply the sensor on to the back of the upper arm. Note that the applicator is a device that is simple and disposable. Once the sensor is applied, a flexible, thin and sterile fibre is inserted under the skin. A small adhesive pad ensures it keeps the sensor in place.
• Water Resistant: The Abbott FreeStyle Libre 14 day Sensor is water-resistant. Hence, you can go for a swim, exercise or even shower with it on.
• Ease of Use: This sensor is creatively designed which not only makes it easy to apply and wear but also painless.
• Dimensions and Weight: The dimensions of the sensor are 35 mm x 5 mm. And it weighs 5 grams.
• Price: Abbott FreeStyle Libre 14 day Blood Sugar Sensor is available approximately for AED 330.

Factors that Affect Glucose Reading

Your blood sugar reading may get affected due to one or more of these factors. Ensure you go through all these factors while purchasing the best glucometer in UAE.

Reading Technique

First and foremost, some of the users fail to read the Diabetes readings in the right manner. Hence, they don’t get accurate readings. The best thing you can do is to ensure you test the Diabetes levels in front of a doctor or a physician and then by yourself.

Point of Testing

Always wash your hands properly with soap and water and dry them completely before testing yourself to obtain a blood sugar reading. That is because if your hands are dirty or if you have lotion, oil, cream or any other material on your hands then it will affect the readings which will result in non-accurate readings.

Weather

As a matter of fact, different weather conditions can also badly affect glucose readings. Therefore, when you purchase the best glucometer in UAE, it is of utmost importance to refer to the instruction manual or user guide so as to better understand how to take the blood sugar readings in different types of weather conditions.

Strips Used

Last but not the least, it may so happen that the test strips that you utilize may not be compatible with your glucometer. Thus, before you purchase the test strips, find out or check its compatibility and expiry date. Ensure you do this every time you purchase test strips. Also, it is possible that you may experience a change in the test strips which the seller might be unaware of. In such cases, inquire about the accuracy and other important details beforehand without fail.

Glucometer FAQs for UAE

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about glucometers and blood sugar readings to leave you without a doubt. You will find all your answers in this section.

Diabetes in UAE

As a matter of fact, diabetes cases are shooting up in UAE. In the year 2019, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimated and announced that 19% of the population in UAE is living with diabetes. Yes, over 460 million people (1 in 11 people) are affected and living with diabetes in UAE. This year, IDF has stated that if the current lifestyle and trend continues then around 32% of the adult population in the UAE belonging to the age group 20-79 might develop diabetes and prediabetes over the next decade. This population not only includes UAE nationals but also expatriates.

Around 46% of the people that were surveyed admitted that their regular diet is unhealthy and poor and that they also lead a sedentary lifestyle. Diabetes is a serious global health issue with a huge socio-economic impact that you can’t afford to ignore. This is why getting home the best glucometer in UAE is of utmost importance to monitor your blood sugar readings daily. A real concern is the rising prevalence of diabetes if you consider the large number of people who are not diagnosed.

Measures Taken to Curb Diabetes in UAE

Raising awareness about Diabetes and the necessity of leading a healthy lifestyle is crucial in UAE as it is found to be among the top 10 countries in the world with a high prevalence of diabetes. Dr. Fatheya Al Awadi, head of endocrinology department at Dubai hospital and head of the DHA Diabetes Committee stated the following. Besides purchasing the best glucometer in UAE, the public need to be kept well informed about the importance of regular exercise and healthy eating habits. This, in turn, will aid in meeting the national agenda of reducing diabetes prevalence from 19% to 16.4% by 2021 in the UAE. In order to prevent diabetes-related complications, the Dubai Health Authority launched a number of initiatives.

Diabetes Registry and Joint Clinics

Dr. Fatheya Al Awadi stated that one of these initiatives is the ‘Diabetes Registry’. The DHA Diabetes Committee, the DHA electronic medical record team (Salama) and the IT department has developed this in-house. Additionally, when the diabetic patients visit any of the DHA health facilities that is when the Diabetes Registry records all the details (complete) of each and every patient. Wow! That’s an amazing initiative by Dubai. Therefore, the Diabetes Registry is an essential tool which provides them with accurate information about Diabetics in Dubai. Further, they can make use of this data to know whether there’s an increase in the number of diabetics and then form management strategies to fit their requirements.

Additionally, for diabetes patients with complications, the DHA’s hospital introduced joint clinics. These joint clinics in turn ensure added convenience to the patients. And that they receive the highest level of multidisciplinary care. As a matter of fact, the joint clinic is the first-of-its-kind initiative in Dubai since it enables the patients to visit multiple healthcare experts simultaneously. This is a great opportunity otherwise they would have to take several appointments which are not only inconvenient but also time-consuming.

Furthermore, they established a joint clinic for pregnant women living with diabetes or gestational diabetes. In this clinic, they can visit both, the obstetrician as well as an endocrinologist. Likewise, the DHA has also introduced 2 new joint clinics in the Dubai hospital. Out of these, one is a joint clinic with nephrologists and endocrinologists which occurs on a monthly basis. This is meant for diabetics suffering from kidney problems.

Keep it in Control

Diabetes can cause one or more several health complications which include eye problems such as cataract or glaucoma, high blood pressure (hypertension), kidney disease, skin complications, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and foot complications. Apart from these, it can also lead to a stroke, heart attack, or the removal of a limb. Hence, you need to purchase the best glucometer in UAE today to manage diabetes properly and also check and test yourself on a daily basis.

Besides this, you need to make lifestyle changes, exercise regularly, manage and avoid chronic stress and also practice healthy eating habits. Note that high blood pressure is twice as likely to affect a diabetic, so please consider checking out the best blood pressure monitor UAE to keep a regular check on your BP. You should also take a look at the Omron blood pressure machines.

Also, Read…

• Blood Glucose Monitoring: Guide to Using a Glucometer Effectively
• How to Prevent Complications of Type 2 Diabetes