what glucose metre does everyone use?

[debaroo]

Hey there since im new im not sure what kind of metre everyone uses so i thought i would just ask... as for me being visually impaired i like the precision extra glows in the dark (good when at hockey games and rock concerts) and the numbers are big and its small and easy to carry around....ive used some others but this one rocks!!! :p

[jared]

ACCU-CHECK ADVANTAGE IS THE METER I PREFER TO USE. I HAVE THE CAPABILITY TO DOWNLOAD ALL MY READINGS ON MY COMPUTER AND PRINT OFF TO SHOW CDE OR ENDO.. I JUST GOT A FREE ONE ( THANKS TO A CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL ON THE FORUM) BUT I DONT LIKE IT. THE READINGS ARE WAY OFF COMPARED TO MY METER NOW....

[Tyna]

Onetouch Ultrasmart. Does everything I need it to do. Freestyle Mini when I prefer to carry around something small.

[nantomsuethom]

Onetouch Ultrasmart also

[bel4_20]

Onetouch ultra here, I like it because of it's speed (5 seconds)

[Harold]

ULTRASMART for the last year and a half and it's been reliable.

A hockey game in the dark! Don't think they would dare it here, pandemonium in the stands.

[lgvincent]

The Accu-Chek Complete is my favorite. I also like the Freestyle Flash and the One Touch UltraSmart, but I'm not sure how accurate the UltraSmart is. Roche has a device which is used with the Accu-Chek Advantage meter that will give a vocal reading of what is shown on the meter. I think it is called the Accu-Chek Voicemate.

[lgvincent]

So, the Freestyle Mini and the Freestyle Flash are the same thing! Well, I'll be....

[HeatherP]

Currently the Freestyle Flash.

Have used, Freestyle, Ascencia Glucometer XL (my personal fav), One Touch Sure Step and One Touch II (back a hundred years ago when I was first dx'd)

[buzzborne]

I use the accu chek compac, find it really easy to use as the strips come in a drum which is placed in the meter, the numbers are also quite big on the screen, and its small so easy to carry around with you.

[debaroo]

good point harold but sometimes depending where your seat is the light can get dim ...we dont have hockey games in the dark here either but im visually impared from the diabetes so the glow in the dark feature is great...i still like learning what everyone elses uses for metres

[mike9876]

Accu-check compact. I like the strips being in a drum so no fiddling around inserting strips.

[am1977]

I use the One Touch Ultra, it has been my meter since being dx'ed. I'm thinking my next one will be the Freestyle Flash..I like that it's so compact :)

[rzrbks]

am1977

I use the One Touch Ultra, it has been my meter since being dx'ed. I'm thinking my next one will be the Freestyle Flash..I like that it's so compact


Freestyle Flash = = That thing would be lost in my possession in a second----I'd always be afraid of losing it

[Dewey]

Hi debaroo,

I haven't tried the Precision monitors, but have heard they are very good. The Children With Diabetes site seems to recommend them for ease of use and other attributes. The one I've been using lately is my Cozmonitor (that attaches to the Deltec pump). I like it pretty well, but personally, I think the Ultra is very reliable.

I was reminiscing about the meters I've used and tried in my life...LOL - There was the Glucocheck S.C. (old school - readings in 2 minutes), The Glucometer M (readings in approximately one minute), then on to the One Touch II, One Touch Profile, Dex (as part of a trial study), One Touch Ultra, Reli-On Ultima - lol :D too many to count...

[debaroo]

hi dewey ive tried most of them to yikes you made me think of all the ones ive used before LOL... i have had this 23 years in jan i still know the time and date.. i have to ask do you like your pump?? my endo said i was already doing extensive threraphy and wont get any better control with the pump and $$ is an issue for me as well i have no coverage for the pump... just wanted to ask thanks dewey

[Dewey]

Hi debaroo,

I like the Deltec quite a bit. The monitor attaches to the back of the pump and displays readings through the pump's screen. It's pretty handy, as you can use a clip case (or the case they send) and not have to carry a meter (or worry about forgetting it somewhere ;)). The only thing you still have to carry are strips and the lancing device (but, Cozmo sends a little case for that, too. :D).

I gotta be honest though, I really love the Animas IR-1200. The Animas has the best battery life of any pump I've ever used. They also have some of the best customer service and offer clients (especially those who have to pay out of pocket) interest-free payment plans, as well as special deals (from time to time). Another cool thing about their pumps are the neato color covers that users can purchase. I don't know if they're still offering it, but for a while now, they've been giving away a free color cover when a user registers their pump. Pretty neat! :D (It's all personal preference though, and what works best for the user). Hope this helps. :)

[KLD]

I came across this article on the history of blood glucometers on Rick Mensosa's diabetes website (www.mendosa.com). I was amazed to read that, although early versions of a glucometer had been around since the late 60s, the idea was fought tooth and nail by the ADA and the medical establishment. According to this article, it was only in 1986, due to public pressure, that the ADA approved it and then only for those on insulin. We've come a long way since then!

www.mendosa.com/history.htm

Karen

[soremom]

I use both the OneTouch Ultra and Ultra Smart. I received the Ultr Smart when I got my insulin pump in August. I carry it with me in my purse and use the Ultra at home. I don't leave home without a meter. I have used OneTouch from the beginning though I have tried others. Always seem to come back.

Dewey, I also did the trail for the Dex, I did like that meter and not having to insert the strips. My insurance though decided they would cut me a break if I went with OneTouch meters and charge double for all others, so it was back to OneTouch. I am satisfied with them though. I also like that I use the same strips with both meters.

Kim

[Shalyndria]

Let's see, at the moment I'm using the OneTouch Ultra. Just until I run out and have to buy strips for my BD Link meter.

Prior to that it was the Flash, which was by far my fave. I loooove the backlight and the test light and the time and date on the screen and the small size and the lancet device.....what didn't I love?!? It also takes a smaller drop of blood than the Ultra, although I've found my Link meter uses even less.

Hey, I have my old OneTouch II in my closet, think I even have a vial of the old strips for it. I also have the Dex (was never a trial though, got it free from my CDE), the Induo, the original Precision, two of the regular Freestyle's, an older version AccuCheck, and I can't remember if I have any other lol.
Jeez, anyone need a meter?!?

Shy :rolleyes:

[TvBabe]

Started with the Ascencia Contour, then a few days ago switched to the One Touch UltraSmart (love the back light on it!)

I also do not leave home without a meter since I seem to be prone to hypo's in the afternoon :(

[Brent44a]

Freestyle flash for size and speed

[archimeech]

I used the accucheck IIm for the longest time when I was diagnosed in '84 until about '96. Then I used the Bayer Dex, that's the one with the dial, then I graduated to the Freestyle Tracker, (the one with the PDA). It was totaly awesome, but my new insurance company doesn't cover the strips. Now I use the Ultra-smart. I like it, fast large display, easy to use.

debaroo, make sure to read my post about not having to pay for a glucometer. in the monitoring section.

[LauRa Lu]

I use the accu check advantage

But i'd like something smaller... it takes up most of my hadbag!!! Infact.... I think I own some handbags smaller than the darn meter!!! :rolleyes:

[archimeech]

LauRa, try the Onetouch UltraSmart or Flash. The Flash is the smallest meter out right now, and the ultrasmart is also somewhat small and has a great interface if you're computer savvy.

[gettingby]

I'm a cheapskate. I use the Reli-on (the original) from Wal-Mart.
PS Does anyone else remember the old meters where you had to "blot" the strip and reinsert into the machine. Gawd..that was such a pain and seems like a lifetime ago. LOL
Cin:)

[LauRa Lu]

Originally posted by archimeech
LauRa, try the Onetouch UltraSmart or Flash. The Flash is the smallest meter out right now, and the ultrasmart is also somewhat small

Thankyou..

I will take a look for those, I think i've seen the ultrasmart around but I don't think i've ever seen the flash one in the shops. I'll aske my pharmacy :)


Originally posted by archimeech
has a great interface if you're computer savvy.

Sounds scary :p Me and computers usually mess up! :whistling

[archimeech]

Again, LauRa. I don't know if it's the same in the UK, but the sales reps here in the states will give you the meter for free, just to get your business. that is how I've gotten all but 1 of my meters.

[buzzborne]

I have had all my meters, apart from the one that I have at the mometn given to me for free... but I think that was because I got them while in the childs diabetic clinic, now moved to the adults and not sure whether they like to just give them out... but its worth asking!

[lgvincent]

LauRa, Thereasense has been offering a $40.00 rebate on the purchase of the Flash meter and several times I've seen them offered for $40.00 for short periods. If you look around and are patient, you may be able to get one for very low cost.

[Dewey]

Originally posted by gettingby
PS Does anyone else remember the old meters where you had to "blot" the strip and reinsert into the machine. Gawd..that was such a pain and seems like a lifetime ago. LOL

Yeah, that's like the Glucocheck S.C. I was talking about. If memory serves, the same procedure was used for the Glucometer M. I remember the days even before the meter, as I had to use Keto-Diastix (to test urine) and then the strips that ya had to blot - Chemstrips BG, if I remember correctly. LOL - So long ago...:p

[gettingby]

Originally posted by Dewey
Yeah, that's like the Glucocheck S.C. I was talking about. If memory serves, the same procedure was used for the Glucometer M. I remember the days even before the meter, as I had to use Keto-Diastix (to test urine) and then the strips that ya had to blot - Chemstrips BG, if I remember correctly. LOL - So long ago...:p
Yeah Dew. I remember the Keto-Diastix. Things have really changed over the years.
Cin:)

[Shalyndria]

Most hospitals still use the Keto-Diastix, and some even use the old blotting BG strips LOL (to cut costs and waste). Guess it's not as long ago as it seems ;) :rolleyes:

Shy

[HeatherP]

Don't know about Canada, but I have to say the way hospitals manage a diabetic patient is positively archaic. They do however use the modern meters at least.

[Dewey]

Originally posted by Shalyndria
Most hospitals still use the Keto-Diastix, and some even use the old blotting BG strips LOL (to cut costs and waste). Guess it's not as long ago as it seems ;) :rolleyes:
Thanks, Shy. ;) You just made me feel younger again..LOL :D
Truthfully, I didn't know that the hospitals still used the Chemstrips. It would seem tedious, as there are extra steps involved and the blood literally has to be wiped off the strip. Sometimes, I still (at times when my blood is high) use the Keto-Stix. For the most part, though, I've been seeing alot of the Accu-Check meters (i.e. the Advantage) used in the doctor's offices and at local hospitals (however, it may vary from area to area). :D

[Eri's mom]

Erica uses the Accu-chek compact.

[christie]

i have used the one touch profile(which i like,i guess i'm used to it),the one touch ultra,like the speed of it.accu check advantage and complete,the complete is a nice machine and it lights up also,but it is a really big machine,almost too big to carry with you.when i was first dx over 20 years ago i got a machine which was really expensive and you had to put the blood on the strip and then a solution and then blot with cotton,what a pain,i don't think i used that one for very long.meters have come a long way since the early days.

[Funnygrl]

I use the Freestyle Flash. I love it for it's size, lighting, alternative sites, speed, and small drop of blood. You can also do computer analysis with the cable.

I have also used the Dex, Elite XL, Accu-chek compact, Accu-chek Active, old Relion, BD Logic, Ultra, Ultrasmart, and Precision Xtra. I like to try new meters, so I get them for free. I recommend the Xtra for ketones, and the Active and Ultrasmart for glucose, but the Flash is still my favorite!

[Eri's mom]

Eri has also used: the complete, advantage, then Freestyle, BD Logic, Dex, oh geez, this other one, forget the name.

She honestly loves the compact...by far her favorite.

[buzzborne]

I have also used the accu-chek advantage and complete... also a medisense meter but like Eri... the accu-chek compact is definitely my favourite out of them all.

[KickStart101]

Well, I've had many a meter and never paid for one yet. I've
had the One Touch Fast Take for about 1 1/2 yrs. now. I like
the 15 secs., small, large numbers, data downloadable,
12 per cent accuracy. I do not like that it shuts off in 2 minutes.
It sometimes takes time to warm up your fingers even though I have run them under warm water. Then there is sometimes someone distracting me I put the blood on the strip and it turns off. Great for the company who makes the machine and strips I'm
wasting.
But I would like one with a longer timer to put the blood on, more accurate and small of course. I looked at the Ultra Smart
but it looks too big for me. So I'm still looking.
***Carlie*** :)

[Shalyndria]

:topic: Carlie, you might want to give the Freestyle brand of meters a try. Until the exact amount of blood is applied to the strip, the meter will not start counting down. This means you can poke another finger if necessary in order to fill the strip correctly. Sure cuts down on waste and $$$ from having to throw strips out!
The Freestyle Mini (Flash in the US) is the smallest meter currently on the market, and very accurate in my experience. It's also got a handy backlight on both the screen and the test strip. Shopper's has them for free with the purchase of 100 test strips.

Shy

[debaroo]

i have been reading all the posts on here and its amazing what metres everyone likes..and i think im the only one that likes the precsion, small and easy to read and 10 seconds till you get the test results, and i like how easy it to read...but i also know of metres on the markets that blind people can use cause they talk which is great...anyhow im glad i asked what kind everyone uses its been interesting and good reading..p.s. my spelling is really bad so just kind ignore it if you can LOL

[Jenny]

I use the One Touch Ultra. ;)

[Dewey]

Originally posted by KickStart101
But I would like one with a longer timer to put the blood on, more accurate and small of course.
Hi Carlie,

I was thinking about what you had said, and I read online about the Ascensia Contour:

"The first and only system that automatically corrects for common variables that affect accuracy:

No coding required & Automatic underfill detection" (there's more)

http://www.bayercarediabetes.com/prodServ/products/contour/images/contour_product_shot.jpg

Ascensia Contour (http://www.bayercarediabetes.com/prodserv/products/contour/index.asp)

The Children With Diabetes site shows a depiction of its size:

http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/gifs/products/ContourHand240.jpg

It requires a very small amount of blood (0.6 uL) and can be downloaded. Readings are done in 15 seconds and it literally "vacuums" the sample into the strip. The meter itself is rather small as well. Thought this may be helpful for you...:)

[srgw]

I have a regular size Freestyle and a Freestyle Flash, I like the flash because it has a lighted face and test strip area for using it in dimly
lit areas. The are both quit accurate in their readings.

Steve
New Jersey

[KickStart101]

Thanks for the info on the Freestyle Shy. We have a Shopper's
just down our street a bit. I'll certainly look into it as soon as I
am able to.
***Carlie*** :)

[KickStart101]

Hi Dewey: That one sounds interesting also. My Friend who
became Type 2 Diabetic a little over a year ago, recently got
either the Contour or the Breeze. I'll have to ask him which and
get him to show it to me. My One Touch Fast Take looks exactly
like the Ultra but a lighter blue colour.
Thanks Dewey :)......................***Carlie*** :)

[Dewey]

Hi Carlie,

No problem...anytime :) It's really cool to see all the neat gadgets and gizmos available for blood checking...there's so many now, compared to the early 80's...lol :D I've been "experimenting" with some blood monitors lately (to see which ones are really good in terms of sample size, memory, etc...) - so feel free to PM me for info., as I might be able to help. :)

[KickStart101]

Hi Steve: I have a question about the Flash(mini). If you do
as I do, take the strip out, put it in the machine then poke your
finger(take a bit to get blood) does it turn off before or just when
you put the blood on the strip. In other words, if you turn the
machine on does it stay on more than 2 minutes before you put the blood on? Thanks in advance...................***Carlie***:)

[KickStart101]

LOL Dewey....early 80's?????? What about the early 60's?? We
sure could have used a few back then. Ya, it's Great that they
are improving so quickly. New toys I know:D . Well, at the rate
you are going , you'll probably find the perfect one shortly. I'd love to have that watch if it ever gets accurate enough that you don't have to check your sugar with another meter.
Okay I'll P.M. you if I need to, Ditto to you Thanks again........
***Carlie***:)

[Funnygrl]

I honestly think the Freestyle Flash is the perfect meter. I can't think of how they would improve on it, and it is very accurate. I just don't like that Abbott bought them out.

[Dewey]

I think it's really and truly all about personal preference and what ultimately works best for each user. Although the Freestyle Flash is well received, I've had a few experiences of innacuracies (by almost 100 points). I referenced it with an Abbott meter (that I recently bought online), and the Abbott meter's results reflected what I actually felt. I re-checked with my Flash, and the second reading was extremely close to the Abbott meter. (The Freestyle Flash's results were: 126 Abbott: 234 - when re-checked, the Freestyle showed a 230). I was also spilling Ketones, which further proved that my blood was high. The same situation happened two times, so I wouldn't always bank on my Freestyle (or Any meter) to be 100% correct.

[Funnygrl]

Freestyle is made by Abbott. But of course, any meter can be inaccurate.

[JasonJayhawk]

Remember the "old days" when Freestyle was made by Therasense -- until they sold out to Abbott for about $1.2 billion USD? :-O

[Dewey]

Originally posted by Dewey
...referenced it with an Abbott meter (that I recently bought online), and the Abbott meter's results reflected what I actually felt. I re-checked with my Flash, and the second reading was extremely close to the Abbott meter. (The Freestyle Flash's results were: 126 Abbott: 234 - when re-checked, the Freestyle showed a 230). Guess I should have said I referenced it with 'another' Abbott meter...lol. :D The "other meter" I referenced it with was a Precision QID.

Originally posted by JasonJayhawk
Remember the "old days" when Freestyle was made by Therasense -- until they sold out to Abbott for about $1.2 billion USD? Yeah, all these (big) companies seem to be merging or "selling out" these days! lol :D (I'm just glad we don't have to pee on the stick for blood checks, unless we really really have <or want> to...lol). :D

[Funnygrl]

I have noticed a significant decrease in the level of customer care since Freestyle was bought out. Sad.

[ThinMan]

I use the Ascencia Elite, because the strips are the least expensive of all the major brands. Although the new FreeStyle is lower, I will wait until I can get one in one ofthose freebie deals, since I have no health insurance.


ThinMan

[simstash]

I use Ascensia Contour and it is fabulous, as Dewey says it only needs 0,6 microliters blood sample and it takes only 15 minutes to read results. It's really very simple to use as well.

One that was even simpler (and definitely more practical for when i wasn't at home - as i've been often checking my glucose on the run) was Esprit with it's 10-sensor discs. I agree not everyone looks for or needs same things in a meter. However Ascensia Contour needs exactly 5 times less blood than Esprit which is the most important to me. I've been impressed and i would recommend it to anyone and everyone.

Cheers!

[KrisinNM]

I have been using the Accu-check Active for about a year, bought it when I knew my husband was getting laid off from his job and we wouldn't have insurance for awhile, the strips were the least expensive and I test at least six times per day. Now we have new insurance and I was originally told they cover only the chemstrips for Accucheck Advantage and the one that takes the drum. So I bought the Advantage and after using it for a couple weeks decided I didn't trust it (aside from the fact that it was archaic, took a minute for results and lots of blood.) Checked it against my old Active and sure enough, they gave readings 60 units apart. WHOOPS! Next did several back to back tests with the Advantage at different times off the day, the worst one was 100 units different. That can really mess you up! Called the insurance company again and guess what, they cover the strips for my old Active, duh!

[Funnygrl]

The Espirit goes by the name Dex in the US. It was my first meter- and I hated it! I would always waste strips and it took so much time and the case was huge (though that was sometimes nice) and the lancing device hurt like crazy. My Freestlye (regular) was my next meter. What an improvement!

[buzzborne]

Is the one touch ultra advantage the one where you can plot graphs and that on it and see if you have an odd high or low? (think that is the name of it???)
How many people use it, and would they recommend it?

[lgvincent]

The OneTouch UltraSmart has graphs on it. I'm still not sure of it's accuracy, though.

[KrisinNM]

I don't care how many graphs or charts or whatever a meter is capable of. It is not going to know if I don't test when I am low because I am busy getting some carbs RIGHT NOW.
I have been doing this so long that I use a meter as a tool to let me know what is going on right now, not what happened last week. Your meter is not going to know that you had pizza for dinner and didn't split your bolus, that you chased your dog all over the neighborhood yesterday, that you had a really bad day at work or the miriad of other factors we have to deal with that affect our readings.

[Harold]

I use a meter as a tool to let me know what is going on right now, not what happened last week Well that is the PRIMARY use of the meter.

Your meter is not going to know that you had pizza for dinner and didn't split your bolus, that you chased your dog all over the neighborhood yesterday, that you had a really bad day at work or the miriad of other factors we have to deal with that affect our readings. Your right and if you don't keep a food, activity, health, and misc. log along with the meter readings you won't either. Then again it's not really necessary if your not having very high or low bg's and your A1c's are around 5%. However having a quick access to a chart of your meter readings and reviewing it occasionally may alert to a deteriorating trend before it gets out of hand.

[KrisinNM]

Harold, you are absolutely right. I did keep all kinds of records and charts and graphs for 18 years, was absolutely obsessive about it. Now it is second nature and to mentally keep track of everything in my head.
Maybe I am just feeling argumentative this morning :-

[Harold]

Kris no problem, I understand your response. Most of the new people that come in here and are new to this desease have no idea how usefull their meter readings can be when used in conjuction with a combination log. It was also a good time to bring up the more common variables that might be tracked.

To answer the question about the Ultra Smart. The graph that comes up on the meter screen is a three day graph. I find the averages to be more useful which goes out to about a 150 days starting with 7, and the average by time of day. However the meter is not a PDA and the comments are limited, but the meter has many usefull features especially if one uses insulin.

[Rachey128]

I use the COZmoniter its the bloodmachine that is connected 2 the pump. It runs off the Freestyle flash program. I like it alot :thumbsup:

[notme]

My main meter now is the Freestyle Flash. Someone from one of the other boards I go to gave it to me as they had two. I also got over 1,000 strips for 60 bucks from someone that changed meters and didn't use the Flash anymore. That was hard to pass up!

My other meter is an Accu-Chek active. I have a few strips left for that one and use it as my backup now. I like the flash because of the size and the amount of blood it uses. I have noticed that when my blood sugar is lower, it is much faster. The higher the reading the longer it takes to give a reading.

[Clint]

I have used these meters:
One Touch Basic
One Touch Profile
One Touch Ultra
Accensia Elite (sp?)
Freestyle Flash
Accucheck Complete
Accucheck Active - I hate this one

Out all these meters I like the freestyle flash. it is the least error prone, takes the least amount of blood and has the cheapest strips.

If anyone wants to try any of the meters I have, I will gladly mail it to you. I don't need all these meters :)