One thing I would recommend is not necessarily buy the cheapest meter...........there are huge differences. Some, such as the FreeStyle I use, use a bare pinhead of blood while others need a hanging drop. The FreeStyle and other meters which use minimal blood allow you to take blood from places other than your finger, such as your forearm, where there are less nerves so it is less painful and less noticable. I got my meter free with a purchase of 100 strips.