Free Reviews of Test Strips for Diabetes

Without knowing that it's actually possible to receive free test strips, diabetes patients may be stunned to learn the price of blood sugar monitors and their accompanying glucose testing strips. Many diabetic and pre-diabetic patients need to test their blood twice daily, each time with a new strip. Sometimes, especially with new blood sugar testers, the process of testing blood glucose levels may expend several strips before a good sample can be acquired and accurately read.

With prices ranging from $35.99-$75.99 per 100 strips, the annual cost of diabetes test strips may approach $600 per year. Prices fluctuate due to brand name and supplier. Before you buy expensive or unnecessary glucose testing strips, be sure to review the following information, which may help you choose between the types of blood sugar testers available-and save hundreds of dollars each year.

Name Brand Blood Sugar Test Strips

Pros: Name-brand blood sugar test strips are designed to be compatible with name-brand blood glucose monitors. Therefore, they may be provide more accurate readouts.

Cons: Often, name-brand glucose test strips can only be obtained through mail-order, medical offices or specialty suppliers. They can be harder to acquire and more costly.

Brand-Free Diabetes Test Strips

Pros: More accessible and affordable, alternative diabetes test strips are also brand-free and may be compatible with more than one type of blood glucose monitor.

Cons: Tests have proven that alternative glucose testing strips are slightly less accurate with name-brand glucose monitors; however, they are still safe to use on a regular basis.

Non-Handle Glucose Testing Strips

Pros: Individual glucose testing strips do not need to be handled, aligned and disposed of with each test. One drum or disc may contain up to 17 strips for a hands-off approach to glucose testing.

Cons: Drums containing several glucose testing strips can be slightly more expensive to buy than the equivalent number of uncontained testing strips; they are also only compatible with non-handle monitors.

To learn more about why there are different kinds of glucose testing strips available, please visit this article.

Do You Qualify for Free Diabetes Test Strips?

Many private insurance companies will pay for your glucose testing strips. Depending on your individual testing needs -- such as the type of blood sugar test strips you use and your insurance coverage plan -- free diabetes test strips may be available through Support Plus Medical (the diabetic supplies division of American Diabetes Services). Complete this form to find out if you're eligible to receive free diabetes test strips.