Glucowatch in Canada?

[aneta222]

Hello all,

Has anyone purchased a Glucowatch in Canada? The company Cygnus doesn't accept Canadian prescriptions and I wonder if anyone knows where to look for it in Canada.

Regards.

[lgvincent]

I live in the U. S. and would be happy to try to help you get one if you are unable to buy it in Canada.

[aneta222]

I will make a trip to the US and try to get it myself. This is probably the only way. Thank you for your kind offer, though.
Aneta

[lgvincent]

They are pretty expensive. The last time I looked, they were about $595.00 U. S. but I've not looked at them recently.

[HeatherP]

Wow, I was under the impression they were 2-3 grand. I could have used one last year!

[aneta222]

I think with the supplies it adds up to 2-3 grand.

[HeatherP]

Ah, well, I'm doing better now. It sounds like a great idea, though if you're having problems w/ frequent and/or dangerous lows! I'm not sure if anyone here has one - let us all know how it works for you (assuming you get one).

[lgvincent]

I'd like to get one of the things but they're just too darned expensive right now. When I first heard about it, the projected cost was $250.00 and I had hoped to buy one but when I saw the price of $595.00 there was just no way I could afford it.

[HeatherP]

Sorry, LG. I know you could really use one.

[lgvincent]

In the early 1980's there was a device called a glucowatch which was supposed to sound an alarm whenever the person wearing it went into insulin shock. I think it sensed body temperature and sweat on the skin. By the time I could afford one, it was no longer available. Fortunately, my cat Sidney could sense when I was in shock and wake me up or otherwise bring it to my attention.

[zookeeper671]

There is a non-invasive device, worn on the wrist, that detects skin temperature and perspiration called Sleep Sentry.

http://www.sleepsentry.com/index.html

It's supposed to help with the detection of hypoglycemia during the night. I own one and wear it to bed at night, and it does go off when I become low... however, sometimes when I go low I get into such a deep sleep that I don't hear the alarm. That's when my boyfriend comes in handy. (Too bad I can't wear him around my wrist.)

Since I have frequent lows, I thought that wearing it during the day might help. The only drawback is that when I get into a very air-conditioned room it'll go off. Once it goes off I have to wait about 20 min before I reset it otherwise it'll go off again.

Best wishes,
Angie

[rzrbks]

:topic:


zookeeper671
That's when my boyfriend comes in handy. (Too bad I can't wear him around my wrist.)

Finally, we have a woman admitting what we all knew :hypocrite :smartass: :thumbsup:

[am1977]

I wouldn't waste my time or my money on the Glucowatch. From what I have heard about the glucowatch, it is FAR from perfect. I asked my Dr. about it myself at my last app't. and he said that it's accuracy and data it provides has definite problems. It can mislead the person to think that they are high when not or vice versa. My Dr. is great, he even pulled out a study that examined the use of the glucowatch and it's results were really surprising. They charted the glucowatch's readings in comparison to blood test readings, and the glucowatch's readings were all over the place. It seems like the maker's have a lot more work to do. Just thought I would add my 2 cents.

[lgvincent]

You make a good point. Now that you mentioned it, it seems I've read that it can be off by as much as 20 percent but I don't know if that is 20 percent off the actual blood glucose, 20 percent off of a meter reading (and I'm not certain how accurate they are either), or something else.

[lgvincent]

Oh, I've also heard that it is real easy to break contact with the skin when you sweat.

[zookeeper671]

lgvincent said: "Oh, I've also heard that it is real easy to break contact with the skin when you sweat."

I've read that, too. I've also read that the readings are inaccurate and that blisters can form on the skin where the auto sensor makes contact.

I think with further development it'll be a great device, but at the moment has too many glitches. If anyone has one and really likes it, I'd love to know. :)

Best wishes,
Angie

[Jon]

The glucowatch is supposed to be used to track trends, not to measure exact blood sugar. You still have to do the finger stick tests while using the glucowatch. It will show you when you start to climb or drop however, and when you level off, so you can get a better idea of what your body is doing with all that insulin and carbs.

[lgvincent]

I wonder if aneta was ever able to get a glucowatch?

[EdnBama]

Zoo ...

You may not be able to wear your boyfriend around your wrist, but if he's like most boyfriends, I bet you have him wrapped around your finger!

:p

--Ed

[zookeeper671]

It's possible! lol The best part is he doesn't break contact with my skin when I sweat (well, women don't sweat... we get "dewy") and give me blisters (no comment on that one). :whistling

Angie

[EdnBama]

Angie ...

I won't comment on what kind of contact would give you blisters or make you dewy. :whistling

--Ed