If you have diabetes, you'll likely be checking your blood sugar regularly to make sure it's within normal range. Many people with diabetes check their glucose levels before meals, after getting up, and prior to going to bed-a minimum of five times a day. That means you'll be getting plenty of use out of your blood glucose tester, so it's important to have a meter you enjoy using.

Here are some of the top factors you should consider when choosing a glucose test meter:

• Cost and Insurance: Glucose test meters and the supplies you need to use them, like test strips and lancets, can get expensive. Before you decide on a glucose tester,talk to your insurance company to see what they can help cover. It's possible your insurance company may cover some glucose meters, but not others.

  If you're on Medicare, also talk to a reputable diabetes medical supply company. They should be able to help you determine what glucose test meters and products are available through Medicare, so that you can be sure to choose a tester you'll be able to afford.

• Your Movement and Eyesight: A glucose test meters takes a certain amount of eyesight and movement to use. However, some require a greater effort than others to operate. If you have trouble with your eyesight, consider getting glucose tester with a large screen, or one that can be magnified. Likewise, if you have arthritis in your hands, look for a meter that makes it easy to load test strips. Some glucose testers even let you load multiple strips at once, saving you the difficulty of handling small strips every time you need to check your glucose.

• Company Support: Your blood glucose tester may come with 24-hour support, or none at all. If you're someone that wants the reassurance of regular help, look for a blood glucose tester with a long-lasting customer support guarantee.

• Bonus Features: Many of today's glucose meters come packed with bonus features. Examples of popular features include long-term result tracking, and the ability to hook your meter up to diabetes management computer programs. If you love electronics and keeping track of data, many of these bonus features could be great for you. However, if you like to keep things simple, there's little reason to invest in these often higher-end models.

• Size: Today you can buy a blood glucose test meter in virtually any size. Meters range from units no bigger than a USB key, to large meters designed for easy use. If you are going to be traveling frequently, look for meter small enough to fit in your pocket. Or, if you know you're apt to lose things, err on the side caution and purchase a more substantial meter.

After you purchase a new glucose test meter, read the user manual thoroughly so you know exactly how to operate it. Once you understand how to use it, try working with it for a few days and see how it feels. If it's not the right meter for you, contact the store you purchased it from and ask about making a return. Also take the time to talk to the staff and fully explain what you didn't like about your blood glucose meter, so that they can help you select a better fit. There are many wonderful glucose test meters for sale, and with a little shopping around, you're sure to find one that's right for you.