how long should you use your meter

[shellyj]

Hi everyone I was thinking about how long I have had my contour meter it almost 3 years old and I am thinking maybe it time for a new one how long does a meter last ant ideas thanks:confused:

[Moonglo]

This may be a silly question... but what makes you think your meter is no longer good? Do you have a reason to think it is no longer accurate? I'm relatively new to D, so I'm not the best to answer your question, but I was curious as to what sparks this thought to begin with.

[poodlebone]

I'm not about to throw away my television because it's 7 years old and I'm not going to throw away my meter because it's 4+ years old. Unless you feel the results are inaccurate (test with control solution to verify, or against a lab test) then there's no reason to just throw it away. My CDE has tried to give me a new meter and actually said you should change them every 2 years. WHY?!?! There are no mechanical parts to wear out, I've never dropped it or sent it for a swim in the toilet. It works as good now as it did almost 5 years ago.

[MoCoke]

I've never dropped it or sent it for a swim in the toilet.

Thanks for a BIG smile right before bed!

[Tattoo azz]

Changing meters is the same as changing cell phones, we do it cos we THINK we should or cos our docs/insurance providers/ meter mfrs want us to swap. My uncle who is also a t2 still has and uses the first nokia cell phone and doesn't want or need a new one even though he has no bluetooth, no music, no camera etc.

[UpNorth]

I change meter when i feel like it. Don't know for how long they can work:confused: But i do know quite a lot of people still uses meters that was discontinued years ago here. Ascensia Elite still has many users, and so does Accu-Chek Comfort. Both of them hasn't been around here for years:T If i'm not wrong, the Comfort left when Aviva came, and that was about 5 years or so now:eek:

[shellyj]

why becuase my meter is 2 1/2 years old and I have been diabetic for that long and I thinking it has had it day as it got a lot of test on it and I can't get rid of the tests that on the meter

[Joeprep4820]

I just started using the One Touch Select in July when I saw my endocrinologist. I probably have 10-12 unopened meters in my apartment. Every time I see him he has a different one for me. I take them since it is nice to have backups. I currently have 3 One Touch Selects. I keep one in my carry on, one in my toiletry bag, and one is back in my apartment. Meters are easy to get; if you are offered a free one you might as well take it and try it out. Most give you 10 or so strips.

[patricia52]

My insurance company will provide a new meter every year. I don't know if that has anything to do with how accurate meters are as they age. Myself, I just like trying new meters.

[princesslinda]

I tend to get a new meter about every year or so, just because i'll see a free coupons in the paper or a booth at health fairs. I don't think I need one, but if I can get one for free, i'll usually get it as we have several diabetics in the family, and I can pass them on.

[Scarlett]

My insurance company will provide a new meter every year. I don't know if that has anything to do with how accurate meters are as they age. Myself, I just like trying new meters.

And insurance prices are supposed to go down!!!! :confused: This is another reason why insurance is so high in America (I get 6-7 envelopes from BCBS for claims -EOBs - that were all processed on the same day, same company, same doctor..... ) but they mail them all seperately.
You would think that insurance companies would like to save themselves some money-their mailing costs alone are probably in the millions each year (keeping the USPS alive, I guess) rant......sorry!

I've used the same meter for +5 years or so now too...I wonder if the batteries will ever need replacing but...its still working fine

[lark 27]

I must be hard on my meters, because it's usually not a question of thinking mine is too old. The meter tells me it's too old by simply not working. I also tend to break one every year or so by cracking the screen. Two funny stories to share: Once while running I tripped on a sidewalk that was tilted out of the ground bad. The school bus full of junior high kids parked at the curb right next to where I fell absolutely loved this. :) My meter that I fell on did not. This summer I tried to take my 2 year old on a paddle boat ride and her 30 pound body and my 230 pound body didn't quite balance the boat so I pulled up to the dock to have my wife climb in. She freaked out that the boat was angling in the water so she grabbed my daughter which set the boat more off kilter and I slowly sank. Luckily before she grabbed my daughter she took my insulin pump (not one of the waterproof kind).

I tend to pick up a free one from the drug store whenever I see they've got good deals going on because I like to have a backup at work and with my workout geart and an extra in my suitcase when I travel.