It is a question asked every day by those who have just been diagnosed with diabetes, as well as those who are just looking for an upgrade. How do I get a free blood glucose meter? The reality is that if you are just starting to purchase diabetic supplies, or if you have been testing for years, you typically can find free glucose meters being handed out in a variety of places. The reason is that all the manufacturers want you buying their glucose test strips, solutions, lancets, etc., and that is why the market is flush with free glucose meter offers. The assumption is that once you buy the meter, you will purchase the remainder of your supplies with that company.

Here’s our take on the top 3 ways to make sure you’re not paying for a glucose meter that everyone else is getting free of charge:

• Ask Your Doctor – This is pretty darn simple, and if you were just diagnosed, you probably don’t need us telling you the obvious (since your doctor probably handed you one on the way out of the office). Yes, most doctors, especially those that specialize in diabetes, have been given plenty of free meters to hand out to their patients from different product manufacturers. It makes sense that your doctor will have their favorite brand, but do not hesitate to ask for a brand you are most comfortable with if you’ve had the chance to do some research. If they cannot provide what you are looking for, move on to tip # 2… there are other options.
• Call Your Supplier – Every diabetic patient has some sort of ongoing supplier of diabetic test strips, solution, lancets, and other supplies in order to test their blood sugar on a regular basis. Most of these companies will have access to free blood glucose meters. As with your doctors, they typically have a certain number of free meters to give out by individual manufacturers looking to have you use their test strips and other diabetic supplies.
• Contact the Manufacturer – If all else fails (and it certainly should not), just give the manufacturer of the blood glucose meter you would like to purchase a call. There is nothing like going straight to the source, and they would be more than happy to send a meter, or direct you to one of their retailers who can provide the same.

The point is that most of these organizations would be happy to accept payment if you decide to buy a meter out of pocket. Not all suppliers or doctors will be able to provide every brand at no cost, but most will have at least some type of glucose meter free of charge. You may need to go to more than one source, or possibly be open to a different brand than you had originally planned, but there is absolutely no need to pay.

This is especially true in a time when more and more people are being forced to pay for diabetic supplies out of pocket due to not having insurance, or insurance that does not adequately cover their costs. If this is the situation you find yourself in, just watch that the free glucose meter you are handed doesn’t come with test strips that are out-of-this-world expensive. You will find this to be the case in many of the doctor’s offices, in which case you should find your supplier of choice, and have them help you get a glucose meter with test strips that are affordable in the long term. Any good supplier will certainly be able to do this for you.