Accu_Chek Meters

gettingby · #1 (**permalink**) 10-02-2004, 07:53 PM

Does anyone on here use an Accu-Chek meter? If so, which one is better? My insurance company will pay 80% of my testing supplies if I use their preferred meter(Accu-Chek). Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks!!!!!!!
Cin

lgvincent · #2 (**permalink**) 10-02-2004, 08:30 PM

I've used the Accu-Chek Advantage and the Accu-Chek Complete meters. I like them both but I prefer the Complete because it has memory for 1,000 entries, a back light, trend analysis, graphing capability, the ability to enter when insulin is taken as well as the amount, the ability to enter when you eat and the amount of carbohydrates in the meal, the ability to record things like when you exercise and how long (in 15 minute increments), and when you have insulin reactions. You can also have messages scroll along the bottom of the screen to remind you of things like, "check your feet daily", and the ability to add your on personal comments, like "all the girls want me!".

You also get a data cable which will allow you to connect your meter to a computer and the Accu-Chek Compass software (I can send you both if you should need them). I recently sent the Advantage meter to a friend and can't remember if it can be hooked up to the computer or not. I do know it stores the last 100 blood glucose tests.

I like the Complete because of all its features but it is expensive. I think the last time I saw one in the store it was around $120.00. I was able to by mine at Wal-Mart some time back when they had it on sale for $80.00. It seems like I got a rebate of about $60.00 since I didn't pay the regular price for it.

Roche offers a rebate of $25.00 and a trade-in allowance of $50.00 if you send in a meter made by another company. I can send you a rebate coupon if you should have need of one.

Strips tend to cost around $75.00 for a box of 100 Comfort Curve strips and $80.00 for a box of 100 of the older style strip that takes the blood on top of the strip.

lgvincent · #3 (**permalink**) 10-02-2004, 08:33 PM

They make some other meters, like the Accu-Chek Simplicity (I think that may be the name) but I'm afraid I don't know the first thing about them.

gettingby · #4 (**permalink**) 10-02-2004, 08:35 PM

Thanks Lowell. I may end up taking you up on some of your offers. "All the girls want me". LMAO
Cin

lgvincent · #5 (**permalink**) 10-02-2004, 08:44 PM

They have some meters with lower priced strips so you may want to wait to hear from some other members first. I'm not sure how much the strips for the Simplicity (or something like that) meter are but I think they are a lot lower in price.

MarkMunday · #6 (**permalink**) 10-02-2004, 11:57 PM

I use the Accuchek Advantage meter. It stores up to 480 test results. Results can be uploaded to a PC via a cable and analysed using the Compass software.

Unlike with the Complete, you are not able to enter additional information that relates to test results, like insulin injected, food eaten, exercise etc. This information can only be entered on the PC. Info like this is essential so that you can analyse the results afterwards and make appropriate decisions. But, of course, I never get around to entering it on the computer. Inputting the info directly into the meter is a lot more convenient. And I am considering upgrading to the Complete.

Cheers,

Mark

lgvincent · #7 (**permalink**) 10-03-2004, 08:52 AM

Oh, so they've increased the memory in the Advantage and made it possible to connect with a computer. I had the older model.

Dewey · #8 (**permalink**) 10-03-2004, 10:10 PM

I've never personally used the Accu-Check meters, but the Active seems pretty interesting. I do know that the endo's office has that big one that uses the Comfort Curve strips.

A couple of things to definitely research are prices and availability of strips. Although the insurance may cover 80%, you'll want to find some that are easy to obtain and that are readily available at 24 hour places (like Walgreen's), should you run low in the middle of the night and need some in a pinch. <I've done this one...lol

> Please keep us posted on what you find in the way of meter and strip availability, and good luck on it.

Funnygrl · #9 (**permalink**) 10-04-2004, 06:11 PM

I like the active. It is light, has a small sample, and a fast test time.

gettingby · #10 (**permalink**) 10-05-2004, 09:54 PM

Thanks for the replies. Going to DR. tomorrow. Will let you know what we decide.
Cin

lgvincent · #11 (**permalink**) 10-10-2004, 01:24 PM

What meter did you decide on?

buzzborne · #12 (**permalink**) 10-10-2004, 04:14 PM

This may be a bit late... but i use the accu-check compac meter, i really like it, its small, holds many readings, and has the time and date so you know when you tested etc, the only down side is that it only holds 17 strips per drum....

What meter did you go for in the end?

gettingby · #13 (**permalink**) 10-10-2004, 07:16 PM

To update: My dr and I haven't made a decision yet but we are leaning toward the Accu-Chek Active. It is better suited to my lifestyle. Now, just waiting to see what ins. says. Ugh!!!!!!!!!!

Dewey · #14 (**permalink**) 10-18-2004, 11:15 PM

Hey Cin,

Keep us posted on which one you decide to go with. If it is the Active, maybe other users would like to hear what your experiences are with it.