6 Great Benefits of a Glucometer Subscription

Keeping your blood sugar in a healthy range is easier when you have the tools you need, when you need them. But for many people, one of the biggest challenges in diabetes care isn’t understanding what to do… it’s simply having enough test strips and lancets on hand to check blood sugar consistently. Running low or running out can make it harder to stay on track, and that can affect both confidence and blood sugar control.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, which is a great time to talk about the everyday realities of managing diabetes and how we can make it feel easier and more supportive.

One way to simplify your diabetes management routine is to use a glucometer subscription service: a program that automatically delivers test strips and lancets to your door on a schedule. iHealth is now offering a yearly subscription for Gluco+ test strips and lancets, making it easier to stay stocked, check consistently, and feel confident in your care routine.

Tremendous Cost Savings & Other Benefits: Win-Win 

Let’s walk through the benefits of a subscription model and what to look for when choosing the right one for you:

1. Cost savings. Diabetes is the most expensive chronic condition in the United States. According to the CDC, the average person with diabetes spends about $9,600 more per year on medical expenses than someone without diabetes, and a significant portion of those costs comes from basic daily management supplies, like test strips and lancets.
   
   Test strips, in particular, can be surprisingly expensive when purchased at the pharmacy. Depending on the brand and insurance coverage, a single box of 50 strips can cost anywhere from $30 to over $100. For people who check their blood sugar multiple times a day, that cost adds up fast.
   
   A subscription model can dramatically lower those expenses because:

• • • Supplies are bundled at a lower rate.

    • The price is consistent month-to-month.

    • There are no surprise pharmacy markups.

    • You don’t pay extra just because you’re testing more often.

2. Convenience. When your test strips and lancets are delivered automatically, you don’t have to remember to reorder or make a special pharmacy trip. Your supplies simply show up when you need them. This reduces stress and makes it more likely you’ll check your blood sugar regularly because the supplies are always right there, ready to use.

3. Better health monitoring. Running low on test strips is one of the most common reasons people stop checking their blood sugar as often as they’d like. A subscription removes that problem. When you’re consistently stocked, it becomes easier to stay in your routine, understand how your blood sugar changes throughout the day, and make choices that support steadier energy and health.

4. Integrated technology. Many subscription programs, like iHealth’s Gluco+, pair the glucometer with a smartphone app. Your blood sugar readings automatically sync to the app, creating a digital record without you needing to write anything down. 

5. Data tracking and healthcare provider sharing. Because your readings are stored digitally, you can easily share them with your doctor, diabetes educator, or care team during check-ins. 

6. Insurance coverage. Depending on your health plan or employer benefits, your subscription may be covered in full or at a significantly reduced cost. For many people, this means reliable supplies without additional stress around budgeting. iHealth’s Gluco+ and its associated supplies for instance, are FSA/HSA eligible. 

What to Consider in a Glucometer Subscription

Choosing a subscription isn’t just about getting supplies: it’s about finding a system that actually supports your real day-to-day life. As a dietitian and diabetes educator, I know from my patients how important it is that your tools feel easy, dependable, and personalized to your routine. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Check your insurance or employer benefits. Before signing up, see if your health plan or workplace wellness benefits cover glucometer supplies. Some programs can be covered at little to no cost for the user. It’s always worth checking first, because the most affordable option may already be available to you.

• Choose the level of support you need. Some people just want the basics–test strips and lancets delivered on time. Others prefer a more connected experience with smart features like a companion app.. There’s no “right” answer here. Choose the plan that feels like a fit for your lifestyle, not one that adds stress. 

• Make sure the glucometer works with your tech. If you track your health data on your phone, check that the glucometer syncs with your device. Automatic syncing is one of those small features that can make diabetes care feel much lighter and reduces the mental load of logging numbers manually.

More about the Gluco+ Yearly Subscription Service

iHealth’s Gluco+ subscription plan is designed to take the stress out of staying stocked on the supplies you use every day. When you subscribe, you’ll receive regular shipments of Gluco+ test strips and lancets, so you’re never scrambling to find extras or waiting on a pharmacy refill.

One of the best parts of the subscription is that it includes the Gluco+ glucometer itself. Gluco+ is a Bluetooth-enabled meter that automatically syncs your blood sugar readings to the iHealth Gluco-Smart app. This means no manual logging, no guessing, and no trying to remember what happened last week or with the last meal.

Plus, even if you’re trying the subscription for just 30 days, you still get to keep the glucometer. The trial gives you the chance to see if the system fits your routine without any long-term pressure.

When testing fits naturally into your day–instead of feeling like another task to manage–diabetes care becomes simpler and more sustainable. Opt into your 30-day trial for just $1 today.

Additional Resources 

Medical Expenditure Differences Between Income Levels Among US Adults With Diabetes. CDC. Accessed October 31, 2025.

Caroline Thomason Bunn, RD, CDCES

Featured in Forbes, Fortune, Health, Healthline, Shape, and USA Today

Caroline Thomason is a nationally recognized dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist dedicated to making better health simple and accessible.

Caroline Thomason is a nationally recognized dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist dedicated to making better health simple and accessible.