For most diabetics, having an accurate and reliable diabetic glucose meter is invaluable. As they are used several times every day to measure blood sugar levels, having the right glucose meter can go a long way in helping you monitor your condition to make sure it stays within the normal range at all times.

With so many glucose meters out there, it can be hard figuring out which one is right for you. While there are no major differences between most types of diabetic glucose meters, there may be additional features and add-ons that the user may find more comfortable or easier to use.

These are some of the types of diabetic glucose meters widely available to people with diabetes:

• Alternative site meter: Pricking fingers has become the standard way of drawing blood sugar samples, but some may find it uncomfortable or difficult to do after a while. Alternative site monitors enable you to prick your arm, palm, or leg to draw a sample for a reading. Example: The Ascensia Breeze 2 meter
• Continuous glucose meter: Using a sensor placed under the skin, continuous glucose monitors relieve the burden of measuring your blood sugar by doing it for you. The sensor measures blood sugar levels throughout the day and transmits to a recording device on your body that will indicate whether your levels are too high or too low. Although it can be more expensive than traditional monitors, it may be worth it if you're having difficulty finding the time to take individual blood glucose tests throughout the day. Example: The Guardian REAL-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring System
• Smaller blood samples: Most diabetic glucose meters don't require large samples to run a glucose test, but using the smallest amount of blood possible can still help make testing easier. Glucose meters that use small blood samples come with lancets that don't penetrate the skin as deeply, allowing minimized pain and soreness. Example: The FreeStyle Freedom Meter
• Bigger memory space: Some diabetic glucose meters allow you to record your readings so that you don't have to write them down each time. This can help in the long run when you want to see a bigger picture of how your blood sugar levels have acted over the course of a month or even a year, as you now have all the readings on record. Example: ACCU-CHECK Aviva
• Software accompanied: For the tech-savvy diabetic, some companies have taken the large-memory meters a step further and attached it to a software program that allows the readings to be transferred for computer analyses. Not only do you have more space to store your glucose readings, you'll have an easier time sending the results to your doctor for them to use in their diagnosis. These can be quite expensive, so make sure your doctor has approved it as a worthy investment before purchasing. Example: DexCom Seven System
• Large display screen: Diabetes can wear down the eyes, which is why some glucose meters come with large display screen for easier readability of blood sugar results. This may be ideal for seniors who may have experienced the double effect of age and diabetes on their eyes. Example: FreeStyle Freedom Lite

Many diabetic supply retailers carry a range of glucose meters to accommodate the different needs of people with diabetes. To find out which works best with your condition and personal preferences, speak with a customer service agent or consult with your doctor beforehand. Many insurance plans for diabetics are also able to provide heavily discounted or even free diabetic glucose meters, so be sure to include those factors when deciding on which meter to buy.

No matter which type of diabetic glucose meter you end up choosing, they ultimately should provide one function: the ability to produce accurate readings for blood sugar tests. As long as blood sugar samples are taken and recorded regularly, managing diabetes can become an easier task to fulfill.