OneTouch UltraMini

The OneTouch UltraMini wins one major test -- it's the only blood glucose meter judged excellent for both accuracy and consistency -- and experts and users alike judge it easy to use. In fact, ChildrenWithDiabetes.com picks this slim meter as one of its top choices for children, who will appreciate that it comes in lime, pink, blue or purple as well as silver or black.

However, the OneTouch UltraMini has three main drawbacks. First, although many new meters read the codes on test strips automatically, the UltraMini requires users to enter the codes by hand. Second, the UltraMini requires a bigger blood drop than other meters -- 1 microliter, rather than the more common 0.6 or 0.3 microliters. Third, its test strips (*Est. $65 for 50) cost more than twice as much as other brands' in retail drugstores (although we did see them for cheaper at medical supply outlets). Overall, reviews prefer the Bayer Contour (*Est. $20), a lower-priced meter that is still compact, easy to use and full-featured, with excellent accuracy and very good consistency in tests.

ConsumerReports.org tests the OneTouch UltraMini and other glucose meters for ease of use, and a Men's Health article refers to another Consumer Reports review that also judges consistency and accuracy. ChildrenWithDiabetes.com evaluates the OneTouch UltraMini to see whether it is suitable for children to use. DiabetesWellBeing.com evaluates all major aspects of the OneTouch UltraMini, and Viewpoints.com posts user reviews.