Blood glucose = blood sugar. Different meters, and different labs, may
differ by a measurable percentage: blood from a vein, for example, tends to
be different than blood from a finger tip.

But the expense of a glucometer is not the meter: it's the darn strips,
which vary somewhat in price but are approximately $1.00/each.

Means the same thing.

Probably not. The FDA accuracy requirement is +-20%. I've observed meters
varying significantly, and if you look at the 'calibration' solution that
comes with most meters, the conclusion you'll likely draw is that they are
probably about +-15% in practice. IMHO - it doesn't matter much which one
you get - they are all about the same. Be sure to follow instructions,
some require the change of a 'dongle' with each new batch of strips -
others don't. Try to get a routine down to minimize user error.

Have you checked with your insurance to see what they'll do on strips? You
should always be able to get a good meter for next to nothing. A couple of
months ago I purchased a new Ascensia Contour for $10. After insurance,
100 strips cost me about $35. The meter came with a rebate coupon - I
filled it in and sent it in following their directions. About a month
later, I received a chech for $36 and some change.