User reviews on Glucose meters

[jimmys devoted]

EAch diabetic has their favorite meter or meters. User reviews often work better than company reviews on efficacy and overall satisfaction on the units.
I will begin with reviews on my units.

[jimmys devoted]

I like this one. I got it through the precision webiste trtdup for my old QID which was not that accurate.
The new Xtra is equal to lab values. It has a backlight, lightweight and uses a tiny amount of blood. Its also shockproof, as i found out when I dropped it.
I am planning on making a neoprense shock case for it. Yo can get the pattern for it later.

It has high low and oncec i figure out how to make it work it has testing alarms as well.

I highly reccomend this one for anyone just srating out, or wants simple functions and is active. Throw in your car n its real wallet case, places for cash, Id strips, credit cards.
The only drawback on this is that is doesnt have aplace for a syringe or insulin. But you can fit it in if you shift things a bit.

;)

[jimmys devoted]

Jand J One touch Profile is my original and trusted friend. Though it takes a bit more blood than other units is accurate to lab values.
Its not as lightweight or portable. So its eally a stay at home minilab.
I dont think they are making it anymore, whichis a shame because its such a work horse.

[Serra]

I'm not sure what makes a good meter, I'm not concerned with super accuracy, just accurate enough. I'm not sure what makes a good meter, I'm not concerned with super accuracy, just accurate enough.

I’m currently using a Freestyle Flash, it is very small and the test strips don’t cost a buck each. There may be a better meter, but I like this one.

[Dusty]

I use 2 Ascensia contour meters and a Accu-chek advantage. I like both styles. The contour takes less time and a smaller sample than the accu-chek which is nice on the road. The accu-chek is the one I grab for testing at home, although it does read about 10-12 points higher than the contours.

[jimmys devoted]

I just got a free meter froom Dlife it had only 5 strips. But I tried it, not bad really. It reads a bit differently than my Xtra. I would trust them both.
What I did find a bit disturbing was that it didnbt read well in a chill.

[Serra]

I just got a free meter froom Dlife it had only 5 strips. But I tried it, not bad really. It reads a bit differently than my Xtra. I would trust them both.
What I did find a bit disturbing was that it didnbt read well in a chill.

You mean it was hard to get a reading or what? Normally when it is cooler, there is less blood near the surface, so it would be harder.

[jimmys devoted]

I hadno problem getting ablood sample,, Imean theunit had error radings that it couldnt function in below 55 degrees.
I put the strip in. I had my Xtra on teh kitchen table as well..
I poked took ablod sample which flowed very nicely and when i stuck the strip in the unit of teh ascensi it came up with an error reading: out of temperature range.. the xtra worked just fine.

some are temperature sensative.........

[bra]

I just got a free meter froom Dlife it had only 5 strips. But I tried it, not bad really. It reads a bit differently than my Xtra. I would trust them both.
What I did find a bit disturbing was that it didnbt read well in a chill.

Hi, do you have a referral link where I could sign up for one of these, or is it worth considering on the price of the testing strips?

We are down to our last few strips and are going to buy new meter or maybe just new strips. Not sure yet.

[Dusty]

Here's a couple links that you can sign up for a free meter.

http://www.bayermeters.com/
choose contour upgrade at bottom of page and fill out the info.

Another is

https://forms.bd.com/diabetes/pc228/index.sp

If you don't have any luck with either of these I have a extra contour or a onestep ultra2 I can send you.

[Belfrybat]

I have two meters. Therasense Freestyle and a HEB In Control. Both take a very small sample and will test on forearm as well as fingers. They test within a couple of points of each other. The In Control uses a control chip rather than having to set the control number and use a solution to verify (thus wasting a strip). For both, the strips cost less than 50 cents each, which was a consideration for me. If you live in Texas you can get a free meter at HEB when you buy a pack of 50 strips. Not a bad deal at all.

I purchased the Freestyle from American Diabetes Wholesale (http://www.americandiabeteswholesale.com), since the price was the best I could find, and free shipping to boot!

[jimmys devoted]

Ok so I was looking at the newest products for diabetics.. hence the chocolate and what do I see.. but GLUCOBOY
an addone for gameboy.gameboy advance. it hooks into the game port and well,, It plays a little game.......
I want one..................

http://www.engadget.com/2004/10/26/glucoboy-brings-blood-sugar-monitoring-to-gameboy/

[bra]

Thank you for these. I signed up for both websites. The one looks like the meter we have and I hope we get some coupons for the strips.


The other one has given me a coupon for a meter to present at the pharmacy. It doesnt expire until May 2007 and I saved it as a PDF as my printer is down to very little juice right now.

Thanks for the share. Bless you!

[bra]

Thank you so much for the reply. I got a hold of your links in another thread and I am very greatful for them. There is another thread on this board for a free meter and if you sign up you get the Holiday cookbook guide in pdf format. Highly recommend and appreciate.

[annadannadanna]

I had a TrueTrack meter and it tested similar to what the tests at the doctor's office were.

I bought a FreeStyle Flash because it offered more alternate sites and needed a smaller sample, but it's consistently testing 10-13 points below the TrueTrack.

That really confused me, but on another thread here, I saw that someone mentioned that different lots of test strips test differently. That makes sense, I guess. When I did the control test, the result was in the range it was supposed to be, but it was at the low end of the range.

I'm really interested in what others have experience with the FreeStyle. A friend of mine (Type 2) said she had heard that it was more accurate than most and found that to be true for her. Maybe I just have a low-reading batch of test strips?

[Serra]

Given the prices of the two test strips are roughly the same, it doesn't really matter which meter you use. Use the one you feel better about.

For me, a 10 point difference in readings doesn't really make that much difference. Being type II, 10 points isn't a problem. I suspect that type I people might need a great accuracy, as they can have problems if they get too low, but for me, its more about monitoring it to make sure its in range day to day.

I suspect that different batches of strips are different as well. I noticed that the instructions for testing the Freestyle meter said that when it was within 10 of the test sample, it was fine.

[jimmys devoted]

I had the original freestyle and upgraded to the Xtra. Its agreat meter. But I had gotten some of those phoney strips... I will make sure when I purchase I get tested packs from teh company.
I like the Xtra alot. It matches lab results. Its cold intolerant though.
My old freestyles still work and I wouldnt trade those in or my Profile.

[LISALISA333]

Thank you for these. I signed up for both websites. The one looks like the meter we have and I hope we get some coupons for the strips.


The other one has given me a coupon for a meter to present at the pharmacy. It doesnt expire until May 2007 and I saved it as a PDF as my printer is down to very little juice right now.

Thanks for the share. Bless you!

Could i have the links ??????

[Reviewer]

You can find some links to free OneTouch Ultra 2 meters at Ways to get free diabetic supplies (http://free-glucose-meter.com/free-diabetic-supplies-usa.html) (see Way #3).

Also (If Dusty allows) :) I'd like to add there:

Here's a couple links that you can sign up for a free meter.

http://www.bayermeters.com/
choose contour upgrade at bottom of page and fill out the info.


Unfortunately, the link //forms.bd.com/diabetes/pc228/index.sp doesn't work...

[stel2006]

Guys, it's really not so important what type of meter you use; it's however important to test it regularly by comparing with accurate lab values; they should indicate values that vary +/- 20% compared to lab values; however, 20% is a bit too much, don't you think:p? I'll give you an example:

Lab value: 120 mg/dL random (which is pretty good)
Meter: 144 mg/dL, which is +20% but not that good!!!

Lab value: 65 mg/dL (which can rapidly go down to 40-50 if you don't eat)
Meter value: 78 mg/dL which is + 20% (you may feel confortable with this value!!!!)

So you see how important is to have and accurate meter. However, never use Accu Chek Aviva:eek:; I used it and it gives falsely increased values most of time:mad:!!!!

[Serra]

Guys, it's really not so important what type of meter you use; it's however important to test it regularly by comparing with accurate lab values; they should indicate values that vary +/- 20% compared to lab values; however, 20% is a bit too much, don't you think:p?

That is a very broad and sweeping statement, that may not be accurate in some cases. For me specifically, +/-20% isn't really an issue. I have never had a low blood sugar incident and likely never will on my current plan/meds. I'm more worried about my bs being too high, so the difference between 150 and 180 doesn't really matter, its still too high.

So, I'll agree that a meter needs to have its accuracy checked and for those who have hypoglycemic issues, accuracy is critical. For many Type IIs, that simply isn't the case.

Worth thinking about though.

[stel2006]

That is a very broad and sweeping statement, that may not be accurate in some cases. For me specifically, +/-20% isn't really an issue. I have never had a low blood sugar incident and likely never will on my current plan/meds. I'm more worried about my bs being too high, so the difference between 150 and 180 doesn't really matter, its still too high.

So, I'll agree that a meter needs to have its accuracy checked and for those who have hypoglycemic issues, accuracy is critical. For many Type IIs, that simply isn't the case.

Worth thinking about though.

Some people with type 2DM may have low blood sugar episodes even with the best plan/meds; remember Serra, your body is not able to control the use of sugars as in a non-diabetic person, so you may develop severely low blood sugar levels;

however, in a well-controlled diabetic, your liver is the one to rapidly response to low blood sugar by releasing sugar from its stores; and the hormone that stimulates the liver to do that is Adrenaline (read on the net); this hormone acts in seconds and the liver responds in seconds too;

but how about a poorly controlled DM2:confused: (according to the medical sites, a person with DM is said to be in poor control of his/her disease if he/she has blood sugar values way bigger than the recommended values by doctors / DM specialists)? I read on sites that such a person is no longer capable to adequately control his/her blood sugar levels or to respond in timely manner to low blood sugar (they say that because of too high blood sugar levels, the mechanism of response to low blood sugar are severely impaired); So, if you have too high blood sugar levels, you may develop low blood sugar and even coma; that is why it's so important to keep your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible.

Here is the definition given by my doc of "poorly controlled DM":

1. Blood sugar readings too high:

Morning: 130 mg/dL or more
Random: 140 mg/dL or more
2 hrs after starting eating: 140 mg/dL or more

2. DM-related complications:

- frequent infections (some can be quite serious)
- eye damage and even blindness
- nerve damage (start to feel initially burns, pains, needles in your hands and feet then you end up filling them numb)
- kidney damage (can't handle teh body waste and you cannot make water anymore)
- heart damage (heart attack, chest pain with exercise, shortness of breath with exercise or at rest)
- vessel damage (in limbs it can lead to limb loss)
- fat liver (and eventually liver failure - as my doc said, this can be lethal)
- cholesterol levels too high (total cholesterol 200 and more; bad cholesterol / LDL 120 and more; good cholesterol/HDL less than 40; TG (???) 150 and more) - don't ask me to much abt these values; I just say what my doc has told me;

3. continues to smoke / drink heavily or take illicit drugs:mad:

4. eats lots of salt (salty food; extra salt added to food): more than 4-6 g/day

Hope it helped a bit:D.

[paulr]

I'm a relatively new comer to the practrice of glucose metering and daily testing. I began withn the One Touch Ultra series and due to insurance recommendations have become a use of the Bayer Ascencia Contour testing kit. I called Bayer directly and they sent me two complete testing kits free of charge. Can't beat that price. I keep one in my office and one that travels with me.

I'm new enough to the process to really appreciate the information and news I'm reading in this forum. Thanks for your support and practical information. Candy Bar anyone? OOps!. Not now anyway.

paulr

[Serra]

The thing to remember about testing is that the cost of the meter shouldn't be considered at all. Its really the supplies that matter. Find the cheapest supplies for a meter that you trust and use that.

Also, normally, meters can be purchased for free. They don't mind giving them away because they will make it back in supplies.

Thanks for the info about the Bayer Ascencia Contour. I'm currently using the One Touch Ultra, but I just did a price check and the test strips have gone up from $50.00 a box of 100 to $73.00 (on 9/18/2007), so when my current supply of testing material goes down, I'll be changing over.

The Ultra test strips are about $25.00 a box more now. Its worth price checking. Thanks for the info.

[stel2006]

I'm a relatively new comer to the practrice of glucose metering and daily testing. I began withn the One Touch Ultra series and due to insurance recommendations have become a use of the Bayer Ascencia Contour testing kit. I called Bayer directly and they sent me two complete testing kits free of charge. Can't beat that price. I keep one in my office and one that travels with me.

I'm new enough to the process to really appreciate the information and news I'm reading in this forum. Thanks for your support and practical information. Candy Bar anyone? OOps!. Not now anyway.

paulr

It does not count too much what type of meter you have, they all work based on the same principle of testing your blood sugar levels. Here are some truly annoying facts abt these meters:

1. they can show false values sometimes; in fact, even the best meter shows relatively accurate values in only 85-90% of cases;

2. the meter functioning depends on many factors:

-temperature (if it's too cold or too hot outside, you get false readings)
-humidity (it affects the reading portion of the meter; again, false values)
- storage conditions (dust can deposit on the reading piece and you get false values)
- the battery strength (if the battery is low, you get false values)
- the strips you use; if the strips are not good, you get false values

3. the meters always test the whole blood, not the plasma sugar as labs do; plasma values are 12% higher than whole blood values

I have tested so far the following meters:

Accu Chek Go, Aviva, Compact
One Tocuh Ultra (values expressed in mmol; you have to multiply the reading by 18 to get mg/dL)
Prestige IQ

With the exception of Accu Chek Aviva that gave abnormally high values, the other meters showed almost similar values with a difference of 1-10 mg/dL between readings; So, I definitely don't recommend Accu Chek Aviva !!!!

The cheapest and the most satisfactorily accurate meter is Prestige IQ; It works as One Touch Basic; and it gives pretty accurate readings; Besides, the meter costs $ 9 and the 50 strip box costs $ 17; if you order from this site, it costs you $ 34 with shipping fee

Remember this:

you have to test your meter regularly (once every 2-4 weeks) with lab values regardless of the meter you use; some meters get faulty without notice!!!! also if you find very high/low values despite no symptoms of very low/high blood sugar levels;

Also remember to simply wash your hands / fingers with tap water only and dry them thoroughly before testing your blood sugar levels; avoid medical alcohol to disinfect your testing area or soaps containing too much fats or sugars;

Hope it helped a bit

[Serra]

I just got my brand new and FREE Contour meter in the mail today. Don't buy meters! There are plenty of places to get them free. Then go to American Diabetes Wholesale to get your test strips, you can't get them cheaper!

[stel2006]

I just got my brand new and FREE Contour meter in the mail today. Don't buy meters! There are plenty of places to get them free. Then go to American Diabetes Wholesale to get your test strips, you can't get them cheaper!

Serra,

It is true that getting a free meter is an attractive idea, but rememeber this: most companies offer you a free meter to "catch" you so you will buy strips from them;); and the strips they usually offer with the "free" meter cost a lot:eek:; for eg: One Touch Ultra 2 - you can buy the meter free of charge if you buy 150-200 strips that cost you $ 140 :eek:!!!.

On the other hand, Prestige IQ: the meter costs $ 9 and 50 strips cost $ 17; that means that the meter and 200 strips cost you $ 77 without taxes. And the accuracy of this meter is pretty impressive!!!

So, I will leave you to decide if it is really worth paying more on strips with a free meter.

[sylsip]

I got a free tester from my Dr. The Freestyle light. Its has 5 second reading, testing from arms or legs, a back light plus if you want to keep records for your readings you can buy the tools to download ot take to the Dr to let him see your results.
I also use the One Touch ultra mini to keep in my purse when traveling. It also gives 5 second results and anywhere testing.
Sylsip aka Sylvia

[propst]

I have the Accu-Chek Aviva, and from what you all have said, it isn't consistantly accurate, plus it is too expensive for me to pay for the supplies. Does anyone know if the Home Aide Diagnostics Easy Check Meter is accurate? And do you really need to use the same brand lancet device as your meter? I don't see why it would matter if you could get one that is cheaper.

[Chris]

There are lancets out there that are universal. You can use them with just about any lancing device. I have a lancing device I use no matter what meter I am using. It has nothing to do with the meter.

[sreedharmanaswee]

Hi,
I didn't have luck with the following links. Can u send me one Glucometer which is free, so that I can use it.

Here's a couple links that you can sign up for a free meter.

http://www.bayermeters.com/
choose contour upgrade at bottom of page and fill out the info.

Another is

https://forms.bd.com/diabetes/pc228/index.sp

If you don't have any luck with either of these I have a extra contour or a onestep ultra2 I can send you.

[sreedharmanaswee]

Can I get one free for my usage

[DougJGreen]

Right now, Abbott (Freestyle), LifeScan (OneTouch), and Bayer (Contour) are offering free meters via their websites. The Bayer requires a prescription, the others don't.

Also, my experience is that the major pharmacy chains run weekly specials on various meters where you can get whichever meter is on sale for something like $10-20, and that purchase is fully refundable with a manufacturer's rebate. Last week, CVS was offering the AccuChek Aviva for $9.99 with a full rebate of the purchase price.

Since I don't have useful coverage for test strips, I ended up getting meters from ALL the major brands via these free - or free after rebate programs, and I see which strips I can get the cheapest - Right now, I'm deciding whether to standardize on the Accu Chek Aviva or the Bayer Contour.

OneTouch and Freestyle test strips seem to cost more to me (My coverage doesn't give me as good a price as I can get strips on ebay of all places).

[Serra]

I'm working my way through my Contour strips, but it looks like the are back up to about $.50 per strip. I'm likely going to switch to Prestige IQ, which are about $.33 each.

I'll continue to buy the cheapest and just get a meter if I don't have one for those specific strips.

The Contour strips are on Ebay for slightly cheaper, but I worry about the exp dates. Many ads don't have the exp dates listed. Many of those that do, expire before my current strips (which I got from ADW. a while back)

[DougJGreen]

FYI, I've been successful getting Bayer Contour strips on ebay with expiration dates out into 2010. I recently got 2 boxes with a Jan 2010 exp. date, and 3 boxes with a March 2010 exp. date.

I've generally been paying ~ $15 per box of 50, including postage for these.

I would only buy from a seller with good feedback, who lists the expiration date in the lot.

Here's my knowledgeable ebay take on what one should currently expect to pay on ebay for the strips that I've tracked (assuming expiration dates at least a year out, and a reputable seller - including postage):

OneTouch Ultra ~ $50-55 per 100

Accu Chek Advantage: ~ $30-32 per 100

Accu Chek Aviva ~ $36-40 per 100

Bayer Contour ~ $30-33 per 100

FreeStyle Lite ~ $47-50 per 100


I had been using the Accu Chek Advantage, but I'm switching because it requires too big a blood sample than is comfortable for me to consistently give. I've been using both the Accu Chek Aviva and the Bayer Contour for the past couple of weeks to decide which one I will standardize on. I eliminated the OneTouch and the Freestyle meters because of the strips cost (My Mom uses the OneTouch because her medicare provider gives her those strips for the best price - I don't have such an advantage).

In any case, if your insurance doesn't have a preferred choice where you get the supplies for a favorable cost, it pays to pick up as many of the free meters as you can, and shop around for the best deal on the strips.

[markamoos]

Keep in mind, too, that you can often obtain a new, free meter by attending a diabetes education class. At the last one I attended, the instructor was offering a variety of different brands of meters for free with a small supply of test strips. You should check with insurance (as our instructor suggested) so that the financial obligation on you is as minimal as is possible. fyi. . .