The Dario Smart Meter’s unique design is extremely compact and integrates directly with you smart phone allowing you to track and monitor your blood glucose, and much more, on your phone.

The meter meets the 2013 ISO standards for blood glucose meter accuracy.

The Dario Smart Phone certainly has its advantages but there are also some possible cons to consider too.

Smart phone integration

The Dario’s smart phone integration means it is much easier to analyse data than most meters can offer. The Dario app charts every blood glucose test you take with the meter, allowing you to easily view your log and charts of your results.

Additionally, the app lets you chart much more, including:

  • Carbohydrate intake
  • Insulin doses
  • Calories
  • A comprehensive list of tags, including your own notes

The Dario app keeps tracks of your results, including how many highs and lows you’re getting and even provides an HbA1c estimate from your blood glucose readings.

The app also allows you to share your results with anyone you choose, such as your family or your doctor.

The one main disadvantage of the Dario Smart Meter is that, should your phone run out of charge, you would be without the use of your Dario Smart Meter too. This means that you will need to ensure your phone is well charged when going out or that you bring your phone’s charger with you in case it does run out of charge at any point.

Testing blood sugar

Before blood glucose testing can begin, you need to download the Dario app which is available through mydario.com or from the Apple App Store or Google play. Once installed, you can then open the app on your phone and start testing.

The meter itself is tiny and is released from the kit casing with the slide of a button. It is then connected to the phone’s headphone jack. When you put a test strip into the meter, the app will be ready for blood.

At any time, you have the option to open the app on your phone and note down important info such as medication take, carbohydrate eaten and any activity you have done. So the Dario is able to act as both a glucose meter and an advanced logbook as well.

Very small and compact

The Dario Smart Meter is arguably the most compact meter available. The casing of the meter kit has the following dimensions 105 x 31 x 14 mm.

What is great is that this includes the meter, lancing device and test strip pot, which carries 25 test strips, together.

Which smart phones is the Dario compatible with?

As of February 2015, the Dario is compatible with:

iPhone: OS 6.1 or higher:

  • iPhone 4, 4S, 5, 5S, 5C, 6, 6 Plus
  • iPod touch 3rd & 4th generations
  • iPad 2, 3, iPad mini, iPad with Retina display

Android (OS 4.1.2 or higher):

  • Samsung Galaxy S2, S3, S4, S5
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 2, 3
  • LG/Google Nexus 5

Is the Dario Smart Meter for me?

If you have been looking for a meter that is very compact and allows you the chance to log readings direct to your phone, the Dario Smart Meter is a good option.

However, if you are prone to having your phone run out of charge on you at awkward times, you’ll need to consider whether this meter is really right for you.

One other consideration to bear in mind is that, when out and about, will you be anxious about having your phone out whilst your hands are busy lancing your finger? The nightmare scenario being that it could increase the risk of your phone falling or being stolen from under your nose when on public transport.

Technical specifications

  • Blood sample size: 0.3 microlitres
  • Time for result: 6 seconds
  • Memory: Memory is limited to smart mobile device memory
  • Averages: 7, 14 and 30 days
  • Measurement range: 0.6-33.3 mmol/L
  • Haematocrit range: 20 – 60%
  • Batteries: None required
  • Dimensions: 104 x 21 x 11 mm
  • Weight: 40g
  • Operating temperature: 10° – 45°C (50° – 113°F)
  • Storage temperature: 2° – 32°C (36° – 90°F)
  • Altitude: Up to 3,400 m

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