What's the Best Meter?

[sticker]

In 20+ years of dealing with type 1, I've just assumed that meter accuracy between brands was about the same and that the FDA tested all meters for accuracy. Really, I didn't give it much thought, at all. I'm not up on all the brands and models, having just always used whatever had the best coupon at the time or whatever was at the MiniMed store. (ParadigmLink)

Thanks to my new exposure to the 722/MiniLink AND THIS FORUM, I've discovered that home meter accuracy is pretty poor and really doesn't have to meet any stringent standards, at all. I see that there are many variables and what few tests I have read all use the HemoCue Glucose 201 as the gold-standard reference.

Do you have any links that lead to good studies for BG meters?

Is there a location that has a comprehensive list of all the current meters out there?

If I wanted to create a poll for your favorite meters, what meter brand and models should be there?

[Funnygrl]

I know everyone has had varying experiences, but I personally really love my flash, and it's been very accurate for me.

[owlyn]

The best meter is the one you USE:smartass: . That being said, I use the One Touch Ultra Smart because I record all of my carbs and injections as well as causes (exercise, etc.) My insurance covers just about any strip.

[Who?]

I think meters are like automobiles. Most folks like their car and tend to think it is better than others. Part of this is a general reluctance to admit we made a poor choice.

Having said that, it is pretty much what you use and become accustomed to. I happen to like my Accu-Chek Compact very much. This is after twelve years of using an Accu-Chek Advantage which finally got a bit flaky in its old age.

I especially like the automated strip handling. Others grouse about its size, noise and so on.

Some insist that a meter be "stylish" whatever that means. I don't see that style has any bearing unless you derive part of your personal worth from being perceived as a a person according to your personal accessories.

I guess when it all boils down, they are all pretty much alike and we usually grow to like what we have chosen, for the most part.

Accuracy seems to be a **** shoot, but these are not laboratory instruments, they are guides.

"Best" is a tricky word with an elusive meaning. It will mean different things to different people.

[JasonJayhawk]

I suggest picking one meter you like, and stick with it. The FDA allows a +/- 20% error, anyhow, so I use the meter as a compass, to give me a general idea where I'm at.

Comparing with two glucose meters would be maddening. After all, nobody navigates with two compasses, because if one compass is wrong, which one do you trust more? (This is why you'd need three meters.)

With your 20+ year experience, you'll know that you just have to go with the idea of allowing the meter to give you a general idea of where you're at. Dosing insulin for the measurement is as much an art as science, as there are so many variables that cause the outcome.

[ClaireZk]

I've always been really happy with LifeScan meters. I have 2 UltraSmarts that I use right now and I love them :)

[sir pumpalot]

Just love both my Freestyle Flashes!!!:)

[Imperatrix]

My OneTouch UltraSmart is da bomb! Its options for storing data and tracking one's progress are incredible.

[JungleJim]

Since most all meters are practically free with the rebates,ect., just find one you like and will use. While I pump and love it, most people's control has improved because of an increase in testing more than a change in delivery or type of drug.

That said, I have a flash now and like it. I had a dex and then a Breeze for many years prior to the flash because I liked the disc and not having to handle strips for every test. Then I read on here how a lot of people hated the dex/breeze and questioned their accuracy. They also require a lot more blood than the flash. So I get the flash, test with both meters at the same time for a day and .............. they give the same result.

Find me a meter like the Flash that holds it's own strips ( about 10 is fine ) and I'll throw you a big party. ( not the sidekick, you still have to drag one of the little rascals out of the bottle.)

[Who?]

JJ;

The Accu-Chek Compact Plus takes a drum of 17 strips.

Cheers!

[Cyborg]

One Touch UltraSmart, IMO... :vroam:

[blacklightmike]

Another vote for the Ultrasmart.

[Jill-O]

I use One Touch Ultra 2 meters and love them... however, I guess I don't have a lot to compare them to. I find them easy to use and like the software I got to make reports from them. I assume they are pretty accurate but without any way to verify them, that's all I can really do I guess.

[gnstriker]

I like the One Touch Ultra Smart as well, but the thing you gotta keep in mind is that all meters are going to be inaccurate. You could take one reading and it'll say 200. You could take another reading right after and it'll say 160. So unless you've got a clinical meter, it's not 100%.

That being said, I like the One touch infinitely more than the AccuCheck's and FreeStyle i've used in the past.

[rzrbks]

JungleJim

Since most all meters are practically free with the rebates,ect., just find one you like and will use.


JasonJayhawk

The FDA allows a +/- 20% error, anyhow, so I use the meter as a compass, to give me a general idea where I'm at.


If you combine these two answers, I think you got the gist of it.

Our meters are never going to be as accurate as the labs but they are really guides that lead us where we feel we need to go; thus, pick the one you like and use it correctly and all should be well.

[andypoo]

I also use the Accu-Check compact/Plus 17 strips in a drum. I've of late,been having trouble hitting the mark on the strip.I sometimes end up testing 2 or 3 times at one testing,and each time it reads different. Maybe it's time to change batteries or something.I don't know what design it would take to hit the mark,with a smaller amount of blood,rather than this little one on the one I've got. Still need a smaller machine,though.I wish there was one wher you could just stick it on your tongue and read it or just press it between your fingers without blood. Maybe soon !

[rzrbks]

I wish there was one wher you could just stick it on your tongue and read it or just press it between your fingers without blood. Maybe soon

Where is your sense of adventure!?

Think of all the fun times you'd miss out on if testing and injecting weren't an adventure.

For Example:

http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/chit-chat/2853-diabetes-ssooo-much-fun.html

[someone]

Hey sticker, if you are still having problems calibrating your CGMS, try out the OneTouch. I just switched, and I have been very pleased with its results, especially for calibrating my Guardian. I also tried the accuchek aviva a couple times, and it seemed to work pretty well. The only reason I was reuluctant to use the OneTouch before was because of how much blood it requires (1 microliter).

Precision Xtra and Aviva are the 2 meters that take .6 microliters. If you have any luck with those, please let me know. I have yet to test them extensively, but am stuck with the OneTouch for at least a month. Carelink does not support either of these though.

In conclusion, the OneTouch has worked MUCH better so far than the BD Logic and the Freestyle (which just so happen to be the only meters on the market that take .3 microliter).

This is a brand new issue for me as well ever since I got the CGMS. I too have always assumed meters were close to the same, but this is not the case at all. Anyone that does not have a CGMS might also want to consider this meter accuracy issue that has arisen for some CGMS users.