BD to exit BG monitoring market

[RLK]

http://www.bd.com/contentmanager/b_article.asp?Item_ID=22812&ContentType_ID=1&BusinessCode=20004&d=us&s=us&dTitle=&dc=us&dcTitle=United+States

FYI, for those of you using BD meters.

[spike]

I hope this means MM will provide a replacement meter (one that is actually RELIABLE) to anyone with a Paradigm.

The Link meter strips can be obtained directly from MM, if you can't find the strips at your local pharmacy. MM will be replacing the meters ASAP, but that might take some time, as no other meter on the market is designed to interface with the Paradigm. This news took MM by suprise today. (My wife will be bummed out, because she actually likes and uses the Link meter every day)

http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.asp?feed=AP&Date=20060928&ID=6061349

The above article states that the BD meter will be sold through the end of 2007, so there will be plenty of time for MM to make the transition.

[Funnygrl]

And then MM users can pay for an upgrade to get a pump that works with a new meter...my guess anyways.

This is not a huge surprise to me. BD meters suck and everyone knows it.

[RLK]

This is not a huge surprise to me. BD meters suck and everyone knows it.

Agreed. I never liked the BD monitor that came with my MM pump. To top it all off, my insurance wouldn't cover the test strips. I would like to see a partnership with OneTouch.

[jillsp]

I just got a new paradigm pump like 3 weeks ago. Surely when they change meters we will get some sort of software upgrade? UHG. I hate the BD meter so am glad it's going away, but I have been using it for the last 4.5 years b/c it beams my sugar to the pump (yes, I"m that lazy)

[JediSkipdogg]

It will be interesting how many people will complain. I can guarantee you MM won't come up with a free pump upgrade for a new meter. So the ONLY option is to find a meter company and persuade them to modify their meter and software for it to transmit the same way the BD meter did. And well, there aren't many companies out there at all.

Lifescan is partnered with Animas and Dexcom. Abbott (Freestyle) is partnered with Cozmo. I don't think Accu-Chek has a company, but they do have a pump, so they are out. So what will MM do?

[jillsp]

Maybe they'll make their own freaking meter. It's not like they don't have the technology or resources to do it.....I mean, seriously.

[JediSkipdogg]

Jill...that's about the only option they have left. Even then, that's not an easy task and personally, something I don't see being done by 2007. It takes a few years to R&D that and then at least 6-12 months for FDA approval. But it may be all they can do.

[jillsp]

Jedi, you are right, it will take a least a couple of years to get a new meter to market, unless they already have one in the works we don't know about, but I seriously doubt it. I can't believe they didn't see this coming from BD? Surely BD gave them a heads up. Crazy.

[spike]

Jedi, you are right, it will take a least a couple of years to get a new meter to market, unless they already have one in the works we don't know about, but I seriously doubt it. I can't believe they didn't see this coming from BD? Surely BD gave them a heads up. Crazy.

Here's hoping there's some sort of "fast track" means of getting a meter through the FDA's approval process...

[Funnygrl]

Agreed. I never liked the BD monitor that came with my MM pump. To top it all off, my insurance wouldn't cover the test strips. I would like to see a partnership with OneTouch.
Never. OneTouch is owned by the same company that owns Animas.

Jedi- Freestyle is also partnered with Insulet/Omnipod AND working on their own pump.

[spike]

Jedi- Freestyle is also partnered with Insulet/Omnipod AND working on their own pump.

Not to mention--Freestyle makes the Navigator. Can you imagine them partnering with MM, which already has it's own CGMS? :)

[Funnygrl]

Not to mention--Freestyle makes the Navigator. Can you imagine them partnering with MM, which already has it's own CGMS? :)
Didn't even think of that. Good point.

[middnite03]

MM will probably buy the rights to the bd meter, taking up the manufacturing part, it would be cheeper for them to do that then to try and partner with someone else.....

[arath13]

MM is in discussion with other meter companies and would like the FreeStyle!

OUT!

[poodlebone]

Man, I really wish that Minimed could cut a deal with Lifescan. I'm pretty much a diehard Lifescan user and would love to be able to use a meter that worked with my pump.

Besides being used for BG testing, Paradigm pumpers need the BD meter if they want to upload their pump to a computer. You don't need strips to upload, but if MM doesn't find a replacement and the meters start disappearing, people are going to be mad if they can't upload.

I used the BD Logic for awhile, after they sent one for free with 50 strips. I loved the tiny sample and it did match my Ultra very well. Then I switched to the UltraSmart right after that and didn't think about the BD any more, even after I got my pump. It's not a big deal to press a few extra buttons to enter my readings.

[JasonJayhawk]

I found it interesting -- earlier this week, I noticed that my local Walgreens and Walmart stores no longer carried the BD meter, but both offered BD strips.

I'm going out on a limb to say that I think BD found this an unprofitable business because there are already too many test strip companies out there. This lowers competition, which might raise test strip prices higher. Additionally, BD never "developed" their product -- they license it from a patent technology house. Perhaps they royalties they paid were very high, making it unprofitable, despite the $100 million revenues for it.

If you look at the FDA "patient defective equipment" reports, you'll see the BD Logic (and associated products) have many more listings. I wonder if BD finally became tired of supporting the product.

I'm a bit saddened -- I still have a brand new BD Logic meter that is transparent blue (like the Paradigm, but it's just a plain 'ole BD Logic meter). It was mailed to me at no request of my own about 6 months ago.

I wish Lifescan would "fix" their strip so it doesn't require so much blood -- it needs 3 times as much as Freestyle and BD strips, and 33% more than the Accuchek Aviva. Grrr!

Well, another diabetes product goes to history.

Can't wait to see how MM handles this issue in the coming months!

[Tony]

This well be very interesting to see what mm does. What if they don't look for a replacement because they already have a cgms that works with the 522.

There is other meter companies out there that mm can go with, not many but there is two I can think of, One being Bayer. And then there is hypoguard. I don't know anything about hypguard but bayer's meter I did hear is accurate.

[JediSkipdogg]

I wish Lifescan would "fix" their strip so it doesn't require so much blood -- it needs 3 times as much as Freestyle and BD strips, and 33% more than the Accuchek Aviva. Grrr!

It's still alot less than what was needed about 5 years ago. And I don't think the amount the Ultras take is that much. Remember, the more blood you put in, the better the accuracy will be because you have more blood to get a reading from.

This well be very interesting to see what mm does. What if they don't look for a replacement because they already have a cgms that works with the 522.

They still need a BG meter though so you can calibrate the CGMS. Not to mention they need it to work on the same principal as their CGMS or else the calibrations will be off more than normal.

[arath13]

So you are saying the more blood then the meters are more accurate?!?!


I really disagree with that statement. If that is the case the the One Touch Basic would be the Holy Grail!

OUT!

[JediSkipdogg]

I'm not saying more. But there is a point where a certain amount is needed. Like 5 years ago with DNA. You needed alot more than a single strand of hair back then for DNA. Technology grew though to allow DNA to be done on one piece of hair or on one cell.

However, in the BG marget that technology has not grown. Therefore you need a larger sample. I don't know the technology behind BG meters, but the larger a sample the more accurate it will be since you have more requirements of what the meter is looking to test for.

[spike]

This well be very interesting to see what mm does. What if they don't look for a replacement because they already have a cgms that works with the 522.

There is other meter companies out there that mm can go with, not many but there is two I can think of, One being Bayer. And then there is hypoguard. I don't know anything about hypguard but bayer's meter I did hear is accurate.

ah, Tony, MM HAS to provide a replacement in order for Paradigm users to upload/download pump info to their PC's. The pump communicates wirelessly with the meter, which it turn is hooked up to a cable attached to the PC.

[Funnygrl]

ah, Tony, MM HAS to provide a replacement in order for Paradigm users to upload/download pump info to their PC's. The pump communicates wirelessly with the meter, which it turn is hooked up to a cable attached to the PC.
No, they can just tell you go keep the meter you have and just never use it.

[spike]

No, they can just tell you go keep the meter you have and just never use it.

But if the meter breaks, MM needs to have some sort of replacement device available (I've already discussed this with them yesterday. They are committed to providing a substitute, but that's gonna take quite some time) by the time the Link meter is no longer available for either sale or replacement.

[Dewey]

Lifescan is partnered with Animas and Dexcom. Abbott (Freestyle) is partnered with Cozmo. I don't think Accu-Chek has a company, but they do have a pump, so they are out. So what will MM do?
Accu-chek/Roche actually now owns Disetronic and has created the "Accu-chek Spirit" pump. While the pump & meter don't directly communicate, they (of course) recommend their meter (i.e. the Aviva) for their pump.

Some do like the BD meters. While I wasn't a big fan in the past, I do believe the more recent models (excluding the newer Links) seemed to be more accurate. I also did some comparisons between it, my UltraSmart & Freestyle, and found it sometimes to be far closer in readings than the Freestyle was to the UltraSmart. That said, I'm in a toss-up over whether I like the UltraSmart or the Freestyle Flash better. Flash has better features (size, backlighting, ease of applying blood), but the UltraSmart's software just rules (that & the fact that it retains more memory)! If you have the "Pro" version, you can do a lot of cool things! :thumbsup:

These are just personal opinions, but I can see why some people will be upset/complain when they can no longer use a meter they're used to or trust. Just think what it would be like if someone yanked our UltraSmarts, Reli-Ons or Freestyle Flash meters off the shelves!?

[spike]

Just think what it would be like if someone yanked our UltraSmarts, Reli-Ons or Freestyle Flash meters off the shelves!?

If someone yanked my LifeScan meters, I DON'T WANT TO BE A DIABETIC ANY MORE!!! I'll turn in my medic alert medallion and wallet card!<g>

[Dewey]

LOL Spike, I know what you mean! I've been with Lifescan for many years, but more recently, "strayed away" for a spell, for lack of insurance or other reasons. The first meter I got from them was actually the One Touch II, if memory serves. For those who've never seen one, here's a few pics I merged together right out of the old user's manual:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b325/Dewey_B/ONETOUCHII.jpg

It's been nice to see more choices over the years, but when someone gets used to or trusts a certain brand, it's more difficult on them when the company tells them they can no longer use that product. Like you Spike, I'd likely freak out if they yanked One Touch (or Reli-On, or Freestyle) meters from the shelves! :eek:

[spike]

The first meter I got from them was actually the One Touch II, if memory serves. For those who've never seen one, here's a few pics I merged together right out of the old user's manual:




We've got another thing in common, Dewey; my first meter was also a One Touch II. I was steered to that unit by a savvy pharmacist sometime around '92 I think. I went to the pharmacy right after returning from a visit to my inlaws . My FIL had a meter that you had to wipe the blood off with a tissue before the meter would read it. It used the same strips that I'd been using for years, but I read them visually. Not until I tried his meter, did I realize that my interpretation of the colors was way off and I was running much higher bg's than I thought. Realizing the error of my ways, upon returning home from that trip, I went straight to Long's Drugs to get my first meter. Fortunately I asked for advice before picking up just any meter.

LifeScan has been doing a great job making accurate meters. I've had:

1. One Touch II
2. Profile
3. FastTake (limited temp range was a big problem for me)
4. SureStep (freebie--I wouldn't have bought it) (uses too much blood)
5. Ultra
6. UltraSmart
7. UltraII
8. Ultra Mini (my current meter)

If LifeScan keeps making meters, I agree to remain DM. <g>

[Dewey]

We've got another thing in common, Dewey; my first meter was also a One Touch II.
Actually, my very first meters were the Glucochek S.C. (in 1984, by Larken Industries) and the Glucometer M (by Ames). But my first Lifescan meter was the One Touch II, and similar to you, I've been on the:

1. One Touch II
2. Profile
3. Ultra
4. UltraSmart (my current meter, for download capability)
5. Ultra Mini

It's amazing how many decent meters that Lifescan's come out with over the years! Here's hoping it continues to get better!

[spike]

Here's hoping it continues to get better!

Does it strike you as odd that there is no information available publicly (to my knowledge) that LS is working on a CGMS? You'd think the market leader would be first out of the chute with a CGMS, no??

[JediSkipdogg]

Does it strike you as odd that there is no information available publicly (to my knowledge) that LS is working on a CGMS? You'd think the market leader would be first out of the chute with a CGMS, no??

Lifescan has alot of the same principals as Animas. Don't release info till it actually comes out. How long before the UltraMini came out did you know it was coming out? Probably none at all. Lifescan and Animas use the theory that they should keep the item as secret as possible, then surprise the market with the new item. It also allows other companies to not copy their product and release special functions first.

[poodlebone]

My first Lifescan meter was the One Touch Profile. One day a box showed up at my door with the meter and a note saying that if I liked it, great, and might I send them my old meter back if I decided to use the Profile. I'm not sure why I got it, because I had barely been testing my BGs and had not been to a doctor in years. I did have a meter, maybe a Bayer, that I would buy strips for every rare once in awhile. By the time I got the Profile I don't think the other strips were even being made anymore.

I didn't use the Profile for well over a year because I had no money for strips. When I got insurance and found out my A1c was 15+ I bought strips. I was testing 3-5 times a day and despite the fact that it needed a gallon of blood, I loved the meter. I bought a One Touch Basic as a backup at some point. When the FasTake came out I called Lifescan and they sent me one. It was such a difference, but I found it to be unreliable and very sensitive to temperature changes so I went back to the Profile. I used the Profile until November 2004, and never had a problem with it in all the years I had it (6 or 7?). One day I got my strips script filled (had insurance by then) and after I got home and opened a box I realized they gave me Ultra strips. I called Lifescan, they sent me an Ultra. I used that November 2004 - February 2005 and upgraded to the UltraSmart. It drove me crazy that I couldn't tag the readings on the Ultra like I could with the Profile. I have recently gotten an Ultra2 as a backup.

My first meter was one of those in a metal case, although it wasn't really that big, and it required blotting the strip, timing, putting in the meter after pressing some button. Took close to 2 minutes total to do a test, plus a massive drop of blood. I think it was made by Ames.

If Lifescan comes out with a meter that communicates with the Animas pump, I'm almost certain to switch over in another 3 years.

[Tony]

They still need a BG meter though so you can calibrate the CGMS. Not to mention they need it to work on the same principal as their CGMS or else the calibrations will be off more than normal.

I understand they need a bg meter to calibrate the sensor, you can use any meter for this though. No where in the users guides do they mention which meter to use.

From the user guide;
After the two hour initialization period you must enter a blood glucose (BG) reading into the pump
to calibrate the sensor. If you are using the Paradigm Link this will be done automatically with each
fingerstick. To enter a value manually perform the following steps.

All therapy adjustments should be based on
measurements obtained using a home glucose monitor and not on the Paradigm 522/722 pump system
values.

[JasonJayhawk]

I'm not saying more. But there is a point where a certain amount is needed. Like 5 years ago with DNA. You needed alot more than a single strand of hair back then for DNA. Technology grew though to allow DNA to be done on one piece of hair or on one cell.

The protocol of extracting one cell from less material may be better, but it's not due to any change in the DNA polymerase replication step. The problem was that if someone accidentally extracts DNA from more than one cell and it happens that the other cell is from a different biological being, they'd end up replicating two kinds of DNA in the test tube.

This happens all the time when the lab tech accidentally contaminates the sample with their own skin cells! :heeeellll

[spike]

Liz, I'm impressed that you got free meters from LifeScan! They are the only meter company that I've had "words" with over getting meters gratis. Roche and Abbott have sent me numerous meters w/o any cajoling on my part. As good a customer of LS products as I've been, you'd think they'd part with the "razor" since I'm doing my part in buying the "blades"--600 per month, since '92. oops! I lied! I used to get 800/mo, but scaled back as my bg's got under better control. The only meter I got for free was the Ultra 2, and that took a phone call to their president's office staff. Some of my meters have had rebates or insurance reimbursement, so I'm not out a lot of cash, but the point is that LS should have been more sensible about providing me with a new meter to prevent me from "defecting" to the competition. AAMOF, I did use the Compact and Compact Plus for quite a few months as my primary meter, until I got frustrated with it's too-high readings. Now I'm mostly using the cute little Ultra-Mini.

[JasonJayhawk]

Spike, I actually received two Ultrasmarts from Lifescan, unsolicted. I found that shocking, because when I was first diagnosed, I tried getting a free meter from Lifescan, and was shot down.

I wish I knew how I got on the list -- they came a week apart. I still have one sitting in a box brand new.

In other news, sometimes on a site called Fatwallet, go to the "Freebie" forum and search for "glucose" or "diabetes" or "diabetic" and you'll find a meter or two that are being passed out for free. Unfortunately, the "diabetic mogals" make use of these offers to get free glucose meters to turn around and sell on eBay for profit. :dontknow:

[spike]

Spike, I actually received two Ultrasmarts from Lifescan, unsolicted. I found that shocking, because when I was first diagnosed, I tried getting a free meter from Lifescan, and was shot down.

I wish I knew how I got on the list -- they came a week apart. I still have one sitting in a box brand new.

In other news, sometimes on a site called Fatwallet, go to the "Freebie" forum and search for "glucose" or "diabetes" or "diabetic" and you'll find a meter or two that are being passed out for free. Unfortunately, the "diabetic mogals" make use of these offers to get free glucose meters to turn around and sell on eBay for profit. :dontknow:

Is there a chance the freebies were because of a promotion from your insurance company? That's how my wife and I have got several free meters, all of them non-LS brands. We've got Bluecross PPO. I forgot what brand they sent--we've had so many models of pumps. IIRC, the Dex was the worst of the lot, in the past 8 years. Before that, the worst meter I tried was made by Medisense. I took it back the next day after it gave me a bunch of wildy inaccurate results. I also had no luck with an Advantage meter either, and it was hard to hold onto.

[JasonJayhawk]

:1eye: THAT'S IT! That has to be the source of my name leak. Mystery solved.

Odd that they try to tempt me in like that... They didn't even include any strips. The meter itself would sell itself to me, but the strips haven't changed since the Ultra days, so I'm not so tempted to try.

[Dewey]

Aside from the times I've received a few free meters from my health care team, CDEs, or through offers, I've usually purchased them. I don't like to buy them at full price, so I usually wait for sales or even to find some on eBay. It's not that I'm trying to feed the "diabetic moguls' " wallets, it's just easier & cheaper to do it that way sometimes....and when you're in between insurance coverage, you do what you have to to survive. :secruity:

[spike]

Jason,

Oh, I almost forgot: thank you for the fatwallet tip. I bookmarked it.

[Tony]

Even though all the other pump compines have teamed with other meter companies, what's to say lifescan or even accu-chek can't make a link meter for medtronic and have Medtronic's name on it. This sort of thing is done all the time from infusion sets to oil filters.

If Medtronic was to take over the bd link meter we would have heard a press release from them and not Abbott. Speaking of which, where is there press release?

[JediSkipdogg]

If Medtronic was to take over the bd link meter we would have heard a press release from them and not Abbott. Speaking of which, where is there press release?

Maybe they are still trying to get over the shock of this news? Even though I would suspect with the close partnership the two had, BD would have informed Medtronic a few weeks before hand that they were making this move.

[Tony]

I'm sure BD gave them some notice. I still don't why Medtronic went with them to begin with.

[Lynne1]

Doesn't BD have the patent on the link portion of the Paradigm link?

[JediSkipdogg]

Doesn't BD have the patent on the link portion of the Paradigm link?

That I'm not sure but I know Deltic-Smith (Cozmo) has to pay royalties to Minimed (not BD) for each cozmonitor they sell as it's technically a patent infringement.

I still don't understand how items like that are patent infringments. To me it's called a monopoly in that market area. That is one reason why Animas has not developed anything like it.

[Tony]

Doesn't BD have the patent on the link portion of the Paradigm link?
I think the link portion is Medtronic.

[Tony]

On the Bd site they have added a faq section. (http://www.bddiabetes.com/ca/english/bgm_info.asp)

If you have the BD link meter and have questions they want you to contact Medtronic.
I purchased a Paradigm pump based upon wanting to use the meter and Bolus Wizard. What do I do now?

Please contact Medtronic about the Paradigm Link meter. Their toll-free number is 1-800-MINIMED (646-4633)



What will Medtronic do to provide meters that work with their pumps?

We do not know Medtronic’s specific plans. Please contact Medtronic about this. Their toll-free number is 1-800-MINIMED (646-4633)



So.... Who's calling to see what will Medtronic do?

[JediSkipdogg]

So.... Who's calling to see what will Medtronic do?

I nominate Spike. :vroam:

[Lynne1]

That I'm not sure but I know Deltic-Smith (Cozmo) has to pay royalties to Minimed (not BD) for each cozmonitor they sell as it's technically a patent infringement.

I still don't understand how items like that are patent infringments. To me it's called a monopoly in that market area. That is one reason why Animas has not developed anything like it.
I thought that they use two different mechanisms. Minimed uses rf and cozmo uses infrared. Why would that be a patent infringement?

[Lynne1]

So.... Who's calling to see what will Medtronic do?

Can't today cause I'm at work on a conference call. Wouldn't be prudent. I can call tomorrow if no one gets to it today.

[Tony]

I nominate Spike. :vroam: I was going to say Spike too.

Can't today cause I'm at work on a conference call. Wouldn't be prudent. I can call tomorrow if no one gets to it today. The more that call probably would be better. We may get more info this way.

[JediSkipdogg]

Why would that be a patent infringement?

It's the idea behind it. I couldn't find the patent (not sure if they are online or not) but you can patent the idea of sending a BG value from your BG meter to your pump. That was what they patented from my understanding and they left the transmission method open ended.

Heck, Netflix is suing Blockbuster over the idea of a mail order DVD service. That would be like saying UPS could sue Fedex and USPS for the idea of delivering mail.

[Dewey]

I thought that they use two different mechanisms. Minimed uses rf and cozmo uses infrared. Why would that be a patent infringement?
They are different. That said, it seems people are all too happy to sue over ridiculous things. I've read that Deltec/Smiths Medical had an agreement with MiniMed back in the 80s, stating that they couldn't come out with insulin pumps for 5 years...Well, that time has long since passed (as they didn't release pumps until 2000). To me, it & most of the lawsuits of today are just ludicrous, but that's just my opinion.

[JediSkipdogg]

To me, it & most of the lawsuits of today are just ludicrous, but that's just my opinion.

I'm SUEING YOU...those were my thoughts. I patented that lawsuits are ludicrous. :vroam: LOL

[Dewey]

I'm SUEING YOU...those were my thoughts. I patented that lawsuits are ludicrous. :vroam: LOL
Don't make me break you! If I'm gonna get sued, might as well make it worth my while! :aetsch: :secruity: :****mate:

[spike]

On the Bd site they have added a faq section. (http://www.bddiabetes.com/ca/english/bgm_info.asp)

If you have the BD link meter and have questions they want you to contact Medtronic.




So.... Who's calling to see what will Medtronic do?

I already called MM on Friday. I know I mentioned it on the forum yesterday. The BD Logic meter should be available until the end of 2007, so everyone should remain calm... :)

[Tony]

I already called MM on Friday. I know I mentioned it on the forum yesterday. The BD Logic meter should be available until the end of 2007, so everyone should remain calm... :)This isn't the information we are looking for though. We all still think you should call back.:call:

[spike]

This isn't the information we are looking for though. We all still think you should call back.:call:

Please tell me what's needed.

[Tony]

Well I think the main question is, are they going to replace or offer a new link meter. If so, which company are they going with, or talking to right now.

[spike]

Well I think the main question is, are they going to replace or offer a new link meter. If so, which company are they going with, or talking to right now.

You must have missed my earlier post, when the news broke. YES, they are going to replace the Link meter.

Here's my earlier post:

The Link meter strips can be obtained directly from MM, if you can't find the strips at your local pharmacy. MM will be replacing the meters ASAP, but that might take some time, as no other meter on the market is designed to interface with the Paradigm. This news took MM by suprise today. (My wife will be bummed out, because she actually likes and uses the Link meter every day)

[Tony]

Yes I did miss your post, thank you for reposting it for me.

How could they not have been informed of this before everyone else? What happen, the big wigs at BD came to work on Fri. and said lets get out of the meter market.

I guess it is to early then to see what they will offer for replacement.

[spike]

Yes I did miss your post, thank you for reposting it for me.

How could they not have been informed of this before everyone else? What happen, the big wigs at BD came to work on Fri. and said lets get out of the meter market.

I guess it is to early then to see what they will offer for replacement.

Sure.

FWIW, the MM person I spoke with claims it came as a total shock to them. Having been blindsided before by employers, there's the distinct possibility that she was telling the absolute truth. Perhaps the coming weeks will shed more light on "who knew what, when". :)

Yup--it'll take them a while to negotiate a replacement, and then there's the FDA to contend with for any new product release...

[melissata]

Spike, Isn't it just the strips that are going to be available until 07? The original announcement by BD said that the meters were stopped immediately. That would mean no replacements if something goes wrong with your meter. We just had one replaced, so hopefully the two that we have will last. I will be checking them for accuracy with the two new ones that we are getting from Abbott this week. I did check the FDA site, and saw all of the complaints there. My daughter had a higher reading the other day, and then had a low after correction. I am thinking that the meter may have read high when she really wasn't. I will change meters if I find out that it is not accurate. It will be hard for her to get used to showing me the meter each time she tests again. I can't trust her to report the correct number to me because of her mental impairment. It does tick me off that BD didn't give more time to find a replacement for people like us or with young children that can test themselves, but not dose. I am sure glad that I found this board because there are so many more type 1's passing on a lot of good info!

[spike]

I think you've read one news source (the first report), but not the later report that states BD will provide the meters until the end of 2007.

[Tony]

No, they immediately stop distribution of the meters. They will only be supplying test strips until the end of 2007.

On September 28, 2006, BD announced that it has decided to exit the blood glucose monitoring (BGM) market. As a result, BD will immediately stop distribution of the BD Logic® Blood Glucose Monitor.

BD will, however, continue to distribute BD™ test strips through December 2007.




Soruce (http://www.bddiabetes.com/ca/english/bgm_info.asp)

[spike]

No, they immediately stop distribution of the meters. They will only be supplying test strips until the end of 2007.




Soruce (http://www.bddiabetes.com/ca/english/bgm_info.asp)


I've got something different. I've no idea which version is accurate, Tony. I posted the link a couple days ago on the first page of this thread...

"
The company said it will continue selling the monitor until the end of 2007 to give patients a chance to switch to new systems. Becton Dickinson estimated it will sell $30 million to $50 million worth of blood glucose monitoring products in 2007 as customers begin the transition."

[Tony]

I do remember reading that but, I thought it was just the strips.

[spike]

I do remember reading that but, I thought it was just the strips.


Well, like I said, I've no idea which version of the news is accurate. MM will have to make it right with the Link users, which is my personal concern, but only insofar as I use the meter for communications with my PC. My wife will certainly want some sort of "Link" meter replacement, as she's actively using the BD Link meter on an ongoing basis with her 522. I cautioned her about trusting it, but she's happy with it.

[Tony]

You must be talking about this statement. From what I understand from this is, they will be selling what they have already made and will not be making any more. Or am I misunderstanding it? Well with 30 million in sales they must still be making them.

The company said it is working with suppliers of other blood glucose systems that use its test strips to continue to supply compatible meters for a limited period. Becton's test strips will be distributed until December 2007.

BD said blood glucose monitors will represent about $105 million in fiscal 2006 revenues, excluding about $10 million associated with lancet products. It sees about 7 cents per share in additional operating losses.

The company expects glucose monitor revenues in the range of $30 million to $50 million in fiscal year 2007 as customers transition to alternative blood glucose monitoring products.

[Tony]

I'm just throwing this out there in case anyone didn't realize, Abbott has partnerships with Cozmo and Omnipod.

Now that is in the air, do you think they will form a partnership with MM?

[arath13]

As I earlier stated a little birdie told me Abbott & MM are in talks. Also, BD is no longer making meters!

OUT!

[Tony]

I didn't think you was serious. You would have to know someone on the inside to know that info, no?

[arath13]

Kenny Rogers once said, "you gotta know when to hold'em and know when to fold'em."

I will have to take the 5th on that!

OUT!

[camjen1]

Well, I'm VERY disapointed with the Ultrasmart. I had a total of 35 strips and out of the 35 I only got 3 good readings. I kept getting errors because there was not enough blood. Other times I would waste a strip because the machine would turn off while I was putting the strip to the blood. I would also have a hard time getting the strip to take the blood.

Now the only thing I don't like about the Freestyle is the poker thing (I can't believe I can't think of the name right now) because it does not draw any blood no matter how deep the depth is, plus the top is always popping off if you grab it wrong.

For those that have gotten a meter from Lifescan, I have recieved a prepaid postage label on Saturday to return the BD.

[JasonJayhawk]

Well, I'm VERY disapointed with the Ultrasmart. I had a total of 35 strips and out of the 35 I only got 3 good readings.

That had to have you frustrated! I felt the same way when I tried the Bayer meters. It would take 20 seconds to tell me that an error had occurred (that was 15 seconds too long to allow my bloody hole to clot!)

Now the only thing I don't like about the Freestyle is the poker thing (I can't believe I can't think of the name right now) because it does not draw any blood no matter how deep the depth is, plus the top is always popping off if you grab it wrong.

I agree... that lancet device is fragile. However, it's rare that any of us actually use the lancet device that a meter comes with, and I would never turn down a good meter just because it's bundled with a bad lancet.

As you know, the meter cares less how you give the blood, so just use the lancet device of your choice. My favorite has been the BD lancet, but a new favorite is the one that comes with the Aviva meter (lancets are in a drum and never exposed outside the lancet device).

[Funnygrl]

I use my Flash with a Multiclix and love it.

[JediSkipdogg]

Well, I'm VERY disapointed with the Ultrasmart. I had a total of 35 strips and out of the 35 I only got 3 good readings. I kept getting errors because there was not enough blood. Other times I would waste a strip because the machine would turn off while I was putting the strip to the blood. I would also have a hard time getting the strip to take the blood.


Keep in mind it does require 3 times more blood than the Flash. So going from the Flash to an Ultra product many have a hard time doing. I for one don't mind it and have no problems getting the required amount of blood. I don't understand the turning off problem though, I think it takes about a minute for it to shut off, surely that's enough time to get a blood sample.

Sorry you had bad luck with the meter. It truely is a great meter, just takes getting use to using that much blood, which to me, isn't alot.

I personally hated the Flash because I don't like like putting blood ont he side of the strip or not seeing the blood. I kept having to move my finger up and down the strip trying to find where the little slot was to get the blood to go in. I also had to physically hold that meter where the UltraSmart, I just leave in the case and have no problems.

[Rebecca]

IMHO I believe that BD (becten Dickenson) should have never went into the meter/strip business and just stuck with the syringes/lancet/lancing device/glucose tabs/sharps container markets.
But then again I do not like minimed...
and for the person who was thinking about lifescan hooking up with a pump, well Johnson & Johnson who owns BOTH Lifescan (meters) and Animas (insulin pump), and Abbott is/has hooked up with Smiths Medical MD (deltec cozmo), and Roche owns the old disetronic (which happens to be my first pump) and Accu-Chek so it is now Accu-Chek brand Meters and Pumps.

[sweetcheeks]

i've used both accucheck, and ascensia monitors along with one touch monitors, I ABSOLUTLY LOVE ONETOUCH over the others, I have never had any problems with the meter turning off on me, unless i was trying to explain how to use it to my supervisor once.

Get prepared before you stick your strip in, meaning, replace your lancet first before doing anything and get the pin to the correct setting first, then wash hands/alcohol swab, stick strip in, poke yourself to obtain blood, then by that time meter should be ready to go, suck up blood

if you do it that way you should never run out of time on a strip, if you do however, remove strip and reinsert, without putting blood on it

and then redo

[dkev]

I absolutely swear by my Ultra 2. I tried the Flash. Wasn't impressed plus the insurance company considers them third tier, so co pay for test strips is twice that of the Ultra 2's. Although, I think the Lancet device is ****. I use Accuchecks lancet device, which I think are the best that I have found so far.