OBJECTIVES: Self monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is vital in management of diabetes. American Diabetes Association's 2016 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes recommends as many as 6-10 times daily SMBG for patients on intensive insulin regimens. However, the costing of SMBG continues to elude Indian patients. The aim of this study was to assess the availability of glucometers and blood sugar strips in a northern Indian city couplet and to assess the cost of ADA suggested SMBG for patients on intensive insulin therapy. METHODS: Questionnaire based survey was conducted in 32 retail pharmacy outlets at a northern Indian city couplet. Information on the availability of glucometers and blood sugar strips and Maximum Retail Price (MRP) was collected. RESULTS: Of 32 pharmacies, glucometers and strips were available on 26 outlets. Strips were available in pack size of 25, 50 and 100s. 70% of the available strips were pack of 50 reflecting the buyer preference. The average MRP of glucometer was INR1611 (Approx US$25; range INR950-2500; median INR1580). The price of strip ranged between INR12-35. The average unit cost of a pack of 25, 50 and 100 strips was INR23.3, INR22.7 and INR17.2, respectively. By switching from 50 to 100 strips pack, patient can save up to 21% of the money. Irrespective of pack size, the average cost of one strip was INR21.27.  The annual cost of SMBG 6 times a day amounts to average of INR46581 (US$715 approx) and for 10 times a day, it was found to be INR77635 (US$1195 approx). CONCLUSIONS: The glucometers and strips had a decent availability. Adhering to SMBG appears to be expensive for an Indian patient; and, choosing the bigger pack size can reduce the cost.