What type of Monitor do you use? [Archive]

jer.lawrence

10-02-2009, 02:01 PM

Granny Shanny

10-02-2009, 02:12 PM

Funny thing . . . I got the ReliOn because the strips are cheaper. Now I like it better because the strips come foil-wrapped, and when I'm finished with one, I slip the wrap back on it before disposal - seems to inhibit my usual messy manners. :D :D :D For someone who's a real sloth about picking up after herself, I don't have used strips swamping my environment!

jer.lawrence

10-02-2009, 02:16 PM

jtausch

10-02-2009, 02:16 PM

I use the accue chek aviva because it s free, and the test strip are free from the Miltitary hosp where i get them. The only handle this meter and the precision plus meter and i have that one also but it started giving me erroneous readings

reefedjib

10-02-2009, 02:18 PM

I like the OneTouch UltraSmart because it logs so much information: Glucose, Carbs (Protein, Fat, Calories but I don't use these), Medications (pills, insulins), and even Health Checks. Now that I am back to basal only and not counting carbs as diligentky, I don't use all of these features. Still it is a nice compact meter.

jenb

10-02-2009, 02:55 PM

I tried using the ReliOn because the strips are so much less expensive, but in parallel testing against the OneTouch UltraSmart it failed miserably. The varience exceeded 25% which is unacceptable for insulin dose calculation. I have much more confidence in the OneTouch readings based on my success with MDI. I've also tested the UltraSmart against the Mini and found them within mere points of each other.

Jen

anniebug

10-02-2009, 03:20 PM

I actually keep an extra of the plastic containers the strips come in and put them back in there. I don't know that it's the best way to get rid of them, but at least I don't have them everywhere, I suppose. :)

I have a little half-cup Gladware container in my desk at work for my used strips. It's like my own little bio-hazard container. :D

butterflykisses

10-02-2009, 03:34 PM

I use OneTouch Ultra, but also have some Freestyle that I'm using up. I actually prefer the Accu-chek Aviva but with my pumps meters using Freestyle (Cozmo) and Onetouch (Ping) I use those for convenience. I actually hated Onetouch strips, but the new design seems to work much better. It doesn't matter what meter I use, I will always use the Accu-chek Multiclix lancet device! Just wish they could come up with a smaller design.

Grunch

10-02-2009, 04:10 PM

I like the bayer breeze 2 because it holds 10 strips inside, you just push the thing and a new strip comes out. It also seemed very accurate to me.

Now I'm using an accu-check performa and I don't like having to manually insert each strip and it doesn't seem very accurate.

gettingby

10-02-2009, 04:49 PM

Jer, I use the One Touch line. I have an Ultra, an UltraSmart, an Ultra 2, and 2 Mini's (purple and green).

I do use the Reli-On as a backup. The foil covered strips are nice but in a low situation, they can be a pain to tear open.

I got a free Aviva in the mail but the darn thing hasn't worked from the beginning. I need to send it back but I'm not sure if I want to bother since it was free.

inkvisitor

10-02-2009, 05:03 PM

I only use the One Touch Ultra-Mini these days (I have two - one for backup). It's small and simple and has a decent test memory which is the only thing I need since I don't want to input other factors. I started on the One Touch behemoth back in the day and have stuck with the brand ever since.

johnleveritt

10-02-2009, 05:04 PM

shiftzor

10-02-2009, 05:13 PM

I use an ascensia contour, it was the meter I started when I was diagnosed. Although they have upgraded the model now its been very reliable and done the trick. However recently the meter has started to go a bit mental, mindu it has done like 6839 tests over 763 days with only one battery change :D. I can't complain too much and hopefully they will send me a new one soon.

HuskerMychal

10-02-2009, 06:21 PM

I have all of the OneTouch meters listed, and I've used them all. But I now have a OneTouch Ping pump from Animas, and I now use their meter, a OneTouch Ping meter.

Like John, I too have a Ping (pink) so I use the ping meter so I can bolus right from the meter when needed. I have a back up pink ultra mini 2.
:cool:

Ti-Jae

10-02-2009, 06:35 PM

I primarily use a Contour and keep a OneTouch UltraMini in my purse as a backup.

Timmy Mac

10-02-2009, 07:26 PM

i use the true2go currently the worlds smallest meter.

Home Diagnostics - Our Products - TRUE2go? (http://www.prestigesmartsystem.com/our_products/bgm_true2go.aspx)

not too many features(so none of my doctors like it :( ), but i use it mainly for pocket space and the strips are cheap ($38 for 50, my parent's insurance doesnt cover strips)

xMenace

10-02-2009, 08:06 PM

I still like my BD Link best. It seems to be teh most accurate/consistent and takes the smallest drop of blood of any of teh nine or so meters I own. Well the Ascensias are smaller but I find teh strips hard to use. My next favorite meter is the Contour Link, only because it links. My real next favorite is the Aviva/Nano.

UpNorth

10-03-2009, 02:32 AM

I currently use Freestyle LITE, Aviva and have only just gotten a One Touch UltraSmart (I hate OneTouch strips, but heck, only the UltraSmart has all those functions). No more writing down test results or using softwares for me... My doctor can just look at the UltraSmart- if i decide i like it:T

Tattoo azz

10-03-2009, 08:44 AM

i use an ultrasmart, but admit it could do with an update or two, mainly a strip light and also why bother with coded strips? I use an old strip tub for used strips, they are ideal IMO. I also have an aviva nano (never used), a broke freestyle lite, 2 bayer contours and strips for all !! :D

Moonglo

10-03-2009, 08:56 AM

I have been using the same one touch ultra mini since my dx back in July. I have a relion meter as well, but it and its strips are not covered on my insurance, so I basically stick with my one touch. Plus, the one touch is pink :)

Lol... dh didn't understand that the relion wasn't on insurance at first. He thought I was just buying a new meter for its color (which is not a far fetched thing for me to do...) ;)

Subby

10-03-2009, 09:03 AM

Well I just got a Nano (thanks again Azz for the offer, it turned out to be easy) and while it's hardly revolutionary, it seems a solid little tester that I guess makes it my current favourite. It would have been nice to have a strip light. Then again I had one with a strip light and decided that no-light testing was just to frustrating anyway. The strips are great, as per the previous model. The Multiclix is a blast, I see why people rave about it. The case is lacklustre as per usual, I'll be thinking of more compact and clever ways to case it.

As my previous favourite tester was the bigger Accuchek Performa (think this is the "Aviva"), because it was an update of my prevous favourite the Accuchek Active, a line stretching back what, quite a few years, I guess Accuchek really gets my vote. I just kept returning to them, for ease of use and dependability.

I would like to try something like the Ultrasmart but Onetouch is not available here. A really hole in the local market. Actually I'd prefer if my pump just let me enter more user data events, I'd really really like that. I echo recent frustrations that all testers do not come with full PC hookup abilities these days, and easy and open data sharing. Why is it that almost everything seems to get 1/2 way but not all the way with data input and manipulation? SO frustrating.

Tattoo azz

10-03-2009, 09:23 AM

Subby, no probs mate. oh and well done for thrashing us again yesterday Flippin cricket! why did we ever teach a bunch of convicts??? JOKE!! :D)
I agree on the cases being the weak link, they are all lacking in something. The best i've seen so far is for the ultrsmart, but even that neads a facelift. Hmmm, maybe we could all come up with improvements either in a new thread or in this one, then bombard the mfrs with emails demanding improvements!! :D

Subby

10-03-2009, 10:03 AM

Azz I think you're right about it being a bad idea teaching convicts, because I figure they had nothing better to do all day everyday than practice their cricket. Herein lay the seeds of future humiliation... ;)

osaugen

10-03-2009, 10:34 AM

I have moved from OneTouch Ultra to WaveSense KeyNote and am currently testing the WaveSense Presto which is reputed to be a better meter. The problem with all of the glucometers on the market today is that +/- 20 percent accuracy is woefully inadequate and downright dangerous for anyone trying to stay at tight control. If a reading of 60 mg/dl is actually 48, hypoglycemia is waiting to occur. The FDA is considering strenghtening the standards and I have written to my senators asking them to back this process. Since I started using the Dexcom Seven-Plus CGM I have ignored any and all software that's used with the meters. The statistical data that comes from 280-plus readings in 24 hours is an enormous improvement over the sporadic data one gets from the glucometers

Bethanne

10-06-2009, 09:09 AM

I"m a fan of the One Touch. I've used Accucheck in the past and had no problems with it... now, I have a ReliOn as back up, but stick to my One Touch that is linked to my pump. I love this feature, and am almost ashamed that I've had my pump for 6 years but only started using my meter with it in the last 2 months. :P

:)

htown484

10-06-2009, 10:16 AM

I use a onetouch ultra 2 and an ultra mini. I love the ultra mini, I just stick it in my pocket and go.

imac

10-06-2009, 04:51 PM

I use a onetouch ultra 2 and an ultra mini. I love the ultra mini, I just stick it in my pocket and go.

I use an accu-chek performa because they sent it to me for free.

foxl

10-06-2009, 06:03 PM

I use an accu-chek performa because they sent it to me for free.

heh, heh, heh. First one is always free ... watch the strip costs though!

I was so confused in the hospital ... and the CDE who gave me the spiel had no idea. Best thing is to call your insurance co. and use what they have the best copay on!

yanki01

10-06-2009, 08:36 PM

One Touch Ultra Smart at home & One Tough Mini at work. get the strips on eBay, crazy cheaper online.

erik316

10-06-2009, 10:47 PM

I have a Bayer Contour I was given at the hospital that I like alot. The only problem with having no insurance and being off work with doctors orders the strips are way out of my league until i get approved for the states medical card. So now I am using some no name meter the local clinic gave me because thats what they have and the strips I can get for just a small donation.

DwnbutNotOut

10-07-2009, 01:24 PM

I'm just wondering what type of Meter most of you guys prefer. If you have a preference, why?

I use the OneTouch Ultra2 just because it's the brand I'd heard of and the pharmacist suggested. I'm looking into getting an Ultra Mini as well for work since it uses the same type of test strips and lancets.

I would be curious if others like a certain one significantly more though. :)

Hey Family, I am knewly diagnosed w/ Diabetes and am looking for some help.
I was diagnosed on last Thursday, I had blood work done and my sugar was 600, they put me on IV for like 8hrs about 3 bags of fluid. They got my sugar down to 470 and released me to come back on Monday.
Monday it was 600 again after blood work they got it dwn to like 420ish, more IV's:(
Tuesday i woke up took my own BS 302 went to doctor 4 hrs later bloodwork says 323 more IV's:(
They got it down to 265 via my 1Touch Ultra 2. I went home ate my 1st meal of the day w/ meds373, add insulin mild 30 min brisk walk 294. After dinner "bowl of cheerios" 374 add insulin.
10/7/09
This morning woke up 235 add insulin, ate cheerios w/meds 30min walk,recheck 2 hrs its 322?:(

MEDS:
Metformin 500mg 1tab 2x day
Glipizide 2x 5mg tabs 2x day (30min b4 morning and eve meal)
Lisinopril 10mg 1 tab a day

yanki01

10-07-2009, 08:44 PM

Hey Family, I am knewly diagnosed w/ Diabetes and am looking for some help.
I was diagnosed on last Thursday, I had blood work done and my sugar was 600, they put me on IV for like 8hrs about 3 bags of fluid. They got my sugar down to 470 and released me to come back on Monday.
Monday it was 600 again after blood work they got it dwn to like 420ish, more IV's:(
Tuesday i woke up took my own BS 302 went to doctor 4 hrs later bloodwork says 323 more IV's:(
They got it down to 265 via my 1Touch Ultra 2. I went home ate my 1st meal of the day w/ meds373, add insulin mild 30 min brisk walk 294. After dinner "bowl of cheerios" 374 add insulin.
10/7/09
This morning woke up 235 add insulin, ate cheerios w/meds 30min walk,recheck 2 hrs its 322?:(

MEDS:
Metformin 500mg 1tab 2x day
Glipizide 2x 5mg tabs 2x day (30min b4 morning and eve meal)
Lisinopril 10mg 1 tab a day
i would try to stay away from carbs for a little while untill you can control your sugar levels. kinda sad they released you with sugars at 470. stick with salads and water for a little while and see how you come out. are you drinking diet sodas or non-sugared drinks?

DwnbutNotOut

10-07-2009, 09:02 PM

i would try to stay away from carbs for a little while untill you can control your sugar levels. kinda sad they released you with sugars at 470. stick with salads and water for a little while and see how you come out. are you drinking diet sodas or non-sugared drinks?

Thanks for the info yanki01, yeah i kinda stumbled onto tht deduction.
11:35
i woke up, i ate cereal had meds+insulin and ran for 30min it was 322
1:32pm
it was 322 i think i had a sip of diet soda"DIET GINGERALE"
438pm
it was 332
713pm
b4 my meal, took meds+insulin 257. Had salad w/ chckn
958pm chkn aftr meal it was 276, which is good considering the past spikes have bn 85-100 jumps.
On my way to 100 BABY!!

Linda27406

10-08-2009, 09:27 AM

I started out with the Accucheck Advantage...was very unhappy with the amount of blood it required to test. (used the accucheck confort curve strips) I have since purchased the Freestyle Lite and am delighted with it. It only requires a tiny bit of blood and is a very fast read. Seems accurate.

reefedjib

10-08-2009, 09:36 AM

foxl

10-08-2009, 09:37 AM

Well, from the votes it looks like OneTouch Ultra takes the prize! They must be making a TON of money on us. 2nd place: Accucheck, 3rd place: Freestyle.

I had an Accucheck, but I didn't care for it very much. I like my UltraSmart!

I suspect it has to do with their negotiating skills, for insurance contracts. I LIKE mine, don't get me wrong ... but my copay was HALF the cost of any other meter!

reefedjib

10-08-2009, 09:39 AM

I suspect it has to do with their negotiating skills, for insurance contracts. I LIKE mine, don't get me wrong ... but my copay was HALF the cost of any other meter!

I was an idiot and payed full price for mine. Oh well, it's just money and it was a one time charge. It's the strips where they make the cash: the old Gillette model. Insurance pays for my strips.

foxl

10-08-2009, 09:56 AM

I was an idiot and payed full price for mine. Oh well, it's just money and it was a one time charge. It's the strips where they make the cash: the old Gillette model. Insurance pays for my strips.

I meant copay for the strips ... of course! I bought my Ultra-mini meter on a free coupon online. Gillette model ... VERY good point!

yanki01

10-08-2009, 10:32 AM

buy strips on eBay. i bought a set of 100 strips for $40 shipped.

Granny Shanny

10-08-2009, 11:41 AM

buy strips on eBay. i bought a set of 100 strips for $40 shipped.

And I buy 100 strips at Walmart for $39 . . . carry 'em out the door with me.

MCS

10-08-2009, 01:38 PM

I use the relion brand side kick from wal-mart, 50 tests through the whole thing away. $19.95 meter and 50 strips.

Bull

10-08-2009, 08:46 PM

I use the FreeStyle Freedom Lite 'Cause that's what the Doc gave me and the strips are covered pretty good by my Ins.
But I put a batman sticker on it. (A 42 year old man with a Batman Meter LOL)

cdngoose

10-11-2009, 03:23 PM

yanki01

10-19-2009, 02:13 PM

And I buy 100 strips at Walmart for $39 . . . carry 'em out the door with me.
lucky to have good insurance.

cherokee_psh

10-19-2009, 05:02 PM

I started out with Freesyle in 2004 because that is what the diabetes educator provided. It works great....abbott send a new mete free of charge and give $$$ off my strips every month. Between insurance and $$$ off....makes them free.

gary.keith

10-30-2009, 08:44 PM

I started with a Freestyle Lite given to me by some lady at the hospital where I was dxed. Found out when I was discharged and needed supplies immediately that none of the supplies were covered by Medicare. CVS charged me $230 for 300 test strips! I didn't have a clue what a reasonable price was at that time. Thanks to DF I do now, and I don't do business with CVS anymore.

I spoke with someone at Liberty Mutual who got me setup with a One Touch Ultra Mini (black, I'm so boring) and all the supplies I need. Medicare covers the meter, test strips and lancets 100%!

Oh, CVS also told me my insurance didn't fully cover my Novolog and Lantus pens and charged me roughly the same price as the strips, $230 per box of pens. Now I'm getting them from Liberty and they're fully covered.

Go figure!

networkguy

10-30-2009, 11:18 PM

I was RX'd in 1966, and my first meter was a one touch in the eighties that requires a quart of blood per test lol. I used it until I found the freestyle about 7 years ago, and stuck with it ever since due to the small amount of blood it uses and fast test results.

Im on a pod now, so use the Freestyle meter in the PDA.

Searchy

10-31-2009, 09:02 PM

I don't do business with CVS anymore.

I was looking for a sharps container cause I have a child in the house,~19 at cvs. ~2 at Walmart .... go figure is right.

cyberus

10-31-2009, 09:55 PM

I was looking for a sharps container cause I have a child in the house,~19 at cvs. ~2 at Walmart .... go figure is right.

Not to defend CVS since I've never been to one but when it comes to sharps containers 2 boxes that look alike may not actually BE alike, the $2 one may be for just the container, you figure out how to dispose of it, the $19 one may have a UPS box and label so it can be shipped and disposed of properly.

Dougster

11-02-2009, 01:48 PM

Hi,

Actually I have two meters, the OneTouch UltraSmart and a OneTouch Ultra2. I keep the Ultra2 for my "go bag" which comes with me when I leave home, and the UltraSmart sits near my computer. (Did I mention I like gadgets?).

I have noticed that the UltraSmart has a little more "slop" in the opening for the test strips. Sometimes when I out one in, the meter doesn't start right up. Works fine when I reinsert the strip.

I have check both meters against each other, and they average about less that 5% difference. (New sample for each off same digit within moments, as well as off same drop from a deeper prick.)

Be well and happy!

A comfortably numb,
Dougster

Searchy

11-02-2009, 02:34 PM

They were both the BD Home Sharps containers.

I'm really doubting they were different.

Searchy

11-02-2009, 02:49 PM

Hmmm maybe they were.
Oh well .. guess I look dumb ;)

plattb1

11-02-2009, 02:59 PM

I don't do business with Wal-Mart. Ever. For anything.

They have the worst environmental record of any retailer in the US & close to the worst for how they treat their employees ... and vendors ... etc.

For some people, their own personal bottom line is the most important thing to consider in their purchasing. For me, the only way to show a retailer that you don't approve of their practices is with your purchase power. So, I haven't been in a Wal-Mart in more than five years. Anywhere. For anything.

And, for the record, I LOVE my local CVS Pharmacy! They have bent over backward to be helpful to me. I buy all my prescription meds & D supplies from them, but I price-check periodically. I am not on Medicare yet. Most of the time, I get vitamins from Walgreen's & occasionally find good deals from drugstore.com.

yanki01

11-02-2009, 05:19 PM

nice to know, but unfourtanely im sure they're not hurting with their profit.

plattb1

11-02-2009, 07:10 PM

nice to know, but unfourtanely im sure they're not hurting with their profit.

I'm sure you're right. But, I figure one person can only do what one person can do. I vote with my principles & spend my little bit of money the same way.

Jimbo205

11-19-2009, 04:20 PM

My High Deductible Medical plan has 100% coverage for test strips and insulin. I currently have a year's supply of Freestyle Test Strips (with codes) that I was using with my Deltec CoZmo and CoZmonitor.

Currently using Freestyle Freedom glucometer.

Hoping to continue to use these strips with future Omnipod.

I too have collected various glucometers since 10/31/1993 (Halloween). One Touch, etc.

Just for the performance of strips, I have always liked the One Touch and the way you could see the drop of blood fill up the strip. With Freestyle, you cannot. You just wait to hear a beep.

jenet

11-20-2009, 03:50 PM

I used to love (and still miss) my One Touch Ultrasmart. About 3 years ago, I was forced by my insurance plan to choose something else, and the choices were limited if I wanted a reasonable co-pay. I was told the AccuCheck Aviva was the closest match they had to my no-longer-approved Ultrasmart.

I have an AccuCheck Aviva as that is what insurance will pay for. Ultrasmart test strips would be considered a Level 3 "negotiated" (i.e. very near retail) priced item.