Accu-Chek Compass Software Review

Accu-Chek Compass software is one part of Roche Diagnostics blood glucose management system. The other parts include an Accu-Chek meter, a cable and your desktop or laptop computer.

Measuring your blood sugar and writing it manually into a log book is better than doing nothing at all but what's really needed is visual feedback that creates meaningful information out of the jumble of readings that pile up in your  meter. That's where glucose management software comes in.

With blood glucose management software like Accu-Chek Compass, you can display graphs and reports such as blood sugar trend, daily and weekly average readings, hypoglycemic reports, and target range reports.

You can also display and print a one page summary report  with all this information and then share it with your endocrinologist or other diabetes care-givers.

What's more, you can automatically download all your readings to Accu-Chek Compass instead of entering them manually. Of course, to do this you need Accu-Chek's infrared or serial cable for your particular meter.

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Accu-Chek Compass supports meter downloads for the following Accu-Chek meters:

• Accu-Check Active
• Accu-Check Advantage
• Accu-Check Advantage Complete
• Accu-Check Aviva
• Accu-Check Comfort
• Accu-Check Compact
• Accu-Check Compact Plus
• Accu-Check Complete
• Accu-Check Go
• Accu-Check Integra
• Accu-Check Performa
• Accu-Check Pocket Compass
• Accu-Check Sensor
• Accu-Check Sensor Complete
• AccuSoft Advantage
• AccuSoft Advantage Complete
• Accutrend Sensor
• Accutrend Sensor Complete
• Glucotrend Premium

Naturally, you can always enter readings manually for those times when it makes more sense, but the true value in the program (in my opinion) is that it allows you to free up some time by automating this task much of the time.

For example, when you're away from home and one go, all you need to do is take your readings which are then stored in your meter. When you get back home, you simply connect to the desktop and download your results. Quick and no need for any typing.

And if you have the infrared option on your meter, you can simply set it up and point your meter at the Accu-Chek infrared cable interface and download it wirelessly. Very handy if you have the Accu-Chek Compact or Aviva meters like I do.

I've used this software for a little more than a year now and find it very good.

I like the way it's organized and I particularly like the meter download for my Accu-Chek Compact Plus via wireless infrared. People who own Accu-Chek meters will like the fact that it handles multiple meters. This allows you to have a "Home" meter and a "Work" meter for example. All the readings are merged and seamless this way making it vary convenient.

Of particular use are the printed reports. The trend graph report  will quickly tell you if your treatment is working or not. This is vital if you expect to make any progress with your diabetes treatment and get better.

The one-page summary report includes the trend graph, the average day graph and target range pie chart. This should be printed and shared with your diabetes professionals. It will help them to better see what is what is happening with your diabetes and adjust your medications as required. Dietary habits such as meal times can be adjusted as well.

For all of it's good points there are a few things that could be done better. For example:

1. There's no Windows Vista support. Why? I'm not sure but I hope that Roche has plans to add it soon. With millions of Vista users, it only makes sense to have it.
2. There is no way to track insulin doses which help Type 1 diabetics like me to calculate insulin sensitivity. This is crucial for Type 1s because it helps them to calculate how much insulin to inject based on their carb ratio and other factors.
3. There is no dietary information such as carbohydrate values for different foods. This would be handy and is especially useful for all diabetes patients.

Of course, I could go on and criticize other aspects of the Accu-Check Compass software but the fact is that this software does work very well for what it was intended to do. It's just a way to easily download readings and produce essential reports.

In a way, this is good because Compass will be easier to use for beginners who need a simple way to get into managing their blood sugar.

The price for Accu-Chek Compass is $29.95 at the time of this writing and you'll also need a meter cable or infrared cable in order to download meter readings.

For a complete overview and virtual tour of what's inside the software visit the:

 Accu-Chek Compass Demo (*Requires Flash)

Bottom Line:

Rating: 6/10

Accu-Chek Compass glucose management software is a pretty good program for Accu-Chek users to get into the habit of tracking and managing their own blood sugar.

It effectively organizes the essential information the diabetic and health care professionals need in order to better understand the patient's blood sugar situation and adjust therapies as needed.

It's not without it's short-comings though, and in my opinion should only be considered for the novice diabetic. More advanced users will want more I'm sure.

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Understanding Glucose and Insulin

Diabetes is all about the interaction of glucose and insulin in your body. But what do you really know about these 2 important elements and how they function?

A better basic understanding will make diabetes treatment seem less mysterious and ultimately lead to better health.

Glucose:

Glucose is one of many types of sugars, but it happens to be the particular sugar found in your blood that provides instant energy. Sugar is a carbohydrate, one of the three sources of energy in your body,together with protein and fat.

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Insulin:

Insulin is a chemical known as a hormone, meaning that it's made in an organ, which in this case is the pancreas, and carried around the body in the bloodstream. The function of insulin is to act as a key to the "door" in each cell of the body that opens to allow glucose in. However, not every cell requires insulin to get its glucose; some cells and organs take up glucose without using insulin. These include

--The brain
--Nerve fibres
--Red blood cells
--The retinas of the eyes
--The kidneys
--Blood vessels

The insulin-producing and insulin-storing pancreas cells, called B or beta cells, are found in groups called islets of Langerhans throughout the pancreas.

Other cells present in the islets of Langerhans include A cells, which produce glucagon, a hormone that's very important to patients with diabetes because it raises blood glucose when it gets too low; and D cells, which make somatostatin, a hormone that blocks the secretion of other hormones but doesn't have a use in diabetes because it causes high blood glucose.

In people who don't have diabetes, the presence of insulin helps control the conversion of glucose into energy in the body. People with diabetes, however, experience triggering events that lead to a lack of insulin in the body, which in turn leads to having uncontrolled glucose.

Conclusion:

Glucose and insulin need to be balanced in order to avoid diabetic complications and achieve optimal health. Frequent testing with a reliable glucose meter and inexpensive glucose test strips will help you to monitor your blood sugar and adjust your insulin doses to match the changing demands of your body.

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High Blood Glucose -3 Reasons For Morning Highs

High blood glucose levels in the morning can really throw your diabetes therapy off track and there's good cause to be concerned. If you sleep for eight hours with high levels of blood sugar, then for at least one third of your life, diabetes will cause damage to your system. This is clearly unacceptable for the concerned patient and care-giver.

Morning levels are susceptible to being high and may seem uncontrollable. However, more often than not, it's that most of us fail to understand why morning sugars can become high.

In order to help you get better control over diabetes, here are 3 reasons that blood sugars can measure high at rise-time.

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Reason # 1
During sleep, your blood sugar may decrease as a result of the amount of insulin you took that day, and the hormones, such as glucagon, that raise blood glucose may be secreted, resulting in high blood glucose in the morning. This action is called the Somogyi effect which is named after the doctor who first described it.

Some mornings, your blood glucose may be low if it didn't get low enough to trigger hormone secretion, whereas other mornings it may be high.

If you fail to understand that the main trigger is actually too much insulin and not too little, you may increase your insulin and make the situation worse.

Before increasing insulin at bedtime, do a blood glucose test in the middle of the night. If the level is low, you're in all probability experiencing the Somogyi effect, and you should decrease, NOT increase, the amount of long-acting insulin you give inject at bedtime.

Reason # 2
Another trigger of high blood glucose may be the "dawn phenomenon" which is caused by secretion of too much growth hormone during the night. By morning, it will raise your blood glucose to high levels. If your morning blood sugar levels are consistently high, nighttime long-acting insulin usually takes care of this problem and provides more normal morning blood glucose readings.

Reason # 3
Another possible reason for a morning high, not related to either of the previously mentioned circumstances, is that the insulin used at bedtime did not work long enough to keep the blood glucose from rising overnight. Older forms of insulin such as NPH tend to fall short in this manner, whereas newer long-acting insulin like Glargine and Detemir don't.

Conclusion:
High blood glucose levels in the morning must be avoided if you want to diminish detrimental effects and improve overall glucose control. Consider the 3 reasons given here to determine which of them may be giving you a problem, then take corrective action based on your findings.

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Accurate Blood Glucose Measurement Video

Accurate blood glucose measurement is at the heart of any good diabetes management therapy.

As the video above shows, using your glucose meter correctly will ensure accurate blood glucose measurement.

Home testing units are roughly accurate to within 15-20 percent, but the FDA does does not require ANY level of accuracy in order for a glucose meter to be approved for home use. This margin is acceptable for everyday use since, dosage of insulin will not vary that much within this range.

However, it's clear that you must rely on HbA1C tests as the true measurement of the success of your diabetes program. No matter which meter you choose or how you test, you should never rely on home tests to completely guide your overall course of action.

There are many variables that can affect the accuracy of your readings including, temperature, altitude, time of testing, testing site, meter choice and freshness of test strips.

Here are the most important factors affecting performance.

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Hematocrit:

Hematocrit is the measure of red blood cells in the blood. Patients with higher hematocrit values will generally test lower for blood glucose than patients with normal hematocrit. Patients with lower hematocrit values will test higher. If you know that you have abnormal hematocrit values you should talk over its possible effect on glucose testing (and A1C testing) with your health professional. Anemia and Sickle Cell Anemia are two conditions that bear upon hematocrit values.

Other Substances:

Numerous other substances may interfere with your testing process. These include uric acid (a natural substance in the body that can be denser in some people with diabetes), glutathione (an "anti-oxidant" also called "GSH"), and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). You should check the package insert for each meter to find what substances might affect its testing accuracy, and discuss your concerns with your diabetes caregiver.

Altitude, Temperature, and Humidity:

Altitude, room temperature, and humidity can cause irregular effects on glucose results. Check the meter and test strip box insert for information on these issues. Store and handle the meter and test strips according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Third-Party Test Strips:

Third-party or "generic glucose reagent strips" are test strips produced as a less expensive option than the strips that the original maker intended the meter to be used with. They're commonly developed by replicating the original strips.

While these strips may work on the meter listed on the package, they could look like strips used for other meters. Make certain the test strip you use is correctly matched with your glucose meter.

Occasionally manufacturers modify their meters and their test strips. These alterations are not always conveyed to the third-party strip manufacturers. This can make third-party strips incompatible with your meter without your knowledge. Differences can involve the amount, type or concentration of the chemicals (called "reagents") on the test strip, or the actual size and shape of the strip itself. Meters are responsive to these features of test strips and may not work well or consistently if they're not correct for a meter. If you're doubtful whether or not a certain test strip will work with your meter, contact the manufacturer of your glucose meter.

Performance Goals for Glucose Meters

Deciding performance criteria for glucose meters has been debatable and difficult. Despite efforts in the late 1970s and 1980s by both FDA and CDC, no universally recognised standards or testing methods have been formulated for the measurement of glucose. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recently held a standards conference and is researching the possibility of developing a standard reference material for whole blood.

The ADA has recommended accuracy goals twice over the past twenty years, once in 1986 (target accuracy of +/- 15%) and once in 1993 (target accuracy of +/- 5%) No company that manufactures glucose meters has developed a cost-efficient system to meet these goals. A number of alternative standards have been suggested by national standards organizations in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. An international standard ISO DIS 15197 is currently under development that recommends accuracy of +/- 20 mg/dl (1.11 mmol/l) for glucose values under 100 mg/dl (5.56 mmol/l) and +/- 20% for higher glucose values.

While information on glucose meters continues to show varying performance, the newest generations of meters are less complicated to use and more precise than older models. Improvements in the chemical, mechanical, and software components of glucose meters are continuing to help with the management of diabetes.

Conclusion:

Accurate blood glucose measurement is best achieved by testing yourself in the correct manner. These tests are adequate for day to day therapy but should not be relied upon as the ultimate measure of the success of your diabetes program.

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Glucose Meter Comparison Chart

This glucose meter comparison chart will help you select the meter that's best for you.

You can compare the FreeStyle, Precision Xtra, Contour, TrueTrack, OneTouch and Accu-Chek line of meters. Click on links for individual meters to read my review and rating.

Manufacturer	Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.	Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.	Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
Meter	FreeStyle Freedom	FreeStyle Flash	Precision Xtra
Technology	Coulometry	Coulometry	Electro chemical
Battery	3-volt Li CR 2032 (1)	3-volt Li CR 2032 (1)	AAA (2)
Strips	Freestyle 50s & 100s	Freestyle 50s & 100s	Precision Xtra 50s & 100s
Testing Time/ Sample Size	5 sec/0.3 uL	7 sec/0.3 uL	5 sec/0.6 uL
Alternate Site Testing	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cleaning Required	No	No	No
Meter Calibration	Manual	Manual	Automatic—Smart Chip
Download Capability/ Memory	Yes/250	Yes/250	Yes/450
Software	Precision Link 2.6	Precision Link 2.6	Precision Link 2.6
Strip Shelf-Life (after opening)	Date on vial	Date on vial	Date on foil packet
Features	Virtually pain-free testing. Largest numeric display of any leading meter makes it easy to read. Ergonomic design makes it easy to hold. 4 programmable alarms. 14-day result average. 60-second sample reapplication time.	Backlit display. 4 daily alarms. Free data cable via mail-in offer. Unaffected by differences in oxygen or high levels of interfering substances. Can fill strip from either side. Can reapply sample for up to 60 seconds.	True Measure Technology. Blood glucose and blood ketone testing. Simple, easy-to-use, easy-to-read meter. New Smart Chip calibration, 5-second blood reapplication time. Strip technology designed to minimize effects on common interfering substances.
Contact Info/Support	1-888-522-5226 24h/7d/week Spanish	1-888-522-5226 24h/7d/week Spanish	1-800-527-3339 24h/7d/week 140-plus languages

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Manufacturer	Bayer	Bayer	Home Diagnostics
Meter	Breeze 2	Contour	TrueTrack Smart System
Technology	Electro chemical	Electro chemical	Biosensor
Battery	3-volt Li (1)	3-volt Li (2)	CR 2032 (1)
Strips	Breeze 2 50s & 100s (Ascensia Autodisc will work in Breeze 2 meter)	Contour 50s & 100s (Ascensia MICROFILL will work in CONTOUR meter)	True Track 50s & 100s
Testing Time/ Sample Size	5 sec countdown/1 uL	5 sec/ 0.6 uL	10 sec/1 uL
Alternate Site Testing	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cleaning Required	No	No	No
Meter Calibration	Automatic	Automatic	Check strip
Download Capability/ Memory	Yes/420	Yes/480	Yes/365
Software	WinGLUCOFACTS	WinGLUCOFACTS	thesmartchoice.com
Strip Shelf-Life (after opening)	Date on foil packet	6 months	3 months
Features	No coding required. Automatically draws blood into strips. Automatic underfill detection. 10-test disc. No individual test strip holding. Received Ease-of-Use Commendation from the Arthritis Foundation. Breeze 2 test strips will only work with Breeze 2 meter.	No coding required. Quick & easy pre/post meal test markings with post-meal test reminder alarm. Automatic hematocrit correction, underfill detection, control marking & temperature control ensure accuracy. 7-day Hi/Lo Test Result summary.	Chip coding capillary action. Audible test strip fill detection.
Contact Info/Support	1-800-348-8100 24h/7d/week Spanish	1-800-348-8100 24h/7d/week Spanish	1-800-342-7226 24h/7d/week Spanish

Manufacturer	Home Diagnostics	Home Diagnostics	LifeScan, Inc.
Meter	Sidekick	Prestige	OneTouch® Ultra®2
Technology	Electro chemical	Reflectance	Biosensor
Battery	Built into meter and never needs to be changed	AAA	3-volt Li CR2032 (2)
Strips	Comes with 50 TrueTrack test strips	Prestige 50s & 100s	OneTouch® Ultra® 25s, 50s & 100s
Testing Time/ Sample Size	5 sec/1 uL	10-50 sec/4 uL	5 sec/1 uL
Alternate Site Testing	Yes	No	Yes
Cleaning Required	No	Yes	No
Meter Calibration	Automatic	Check strip	Check strip
Download Capability/ Memory	No	Yes/365	Yes/500
Software	No	www.thesmartchoice.com	OneTouch® Diabetes Management Software (DMS)
Strip Shelf-Life (after opening)	120 days	3 months	3 months
Features	Disposable after 50 tests. Vial of 50 test strips with built-in meter. Great second meter for the gym, work, school, babysitters, etc.	Easy-to-read screen. Large easy-to-handle test strips.	Meter can flag results as before or after meal. Flagged results are automatically stored as before- or after-meal averages. Includes Simple Start™ Diabetes + Food 20-minute DVD and booklet.
Contact Info/Support	1-800-342-7226 24h/7d/week Spanish	1-866-IQ METER or 1-800-342-7226 24h/7d/week Spanish	1-800-227-8862 24h/7d/week Spanish 1-800-381-7226

Manufacturer	Lifescan, Inc.	Lifescan, Inc.	Lifescan, Inc.
Meter	OneTouch® Ultra®	OneTouch® UltraSmart®	OneTouch® UltraMini®
Technology	Electro chemical	Electro chemical	Electro chemical
Battery	3-volt Li	AAA (2)	3-volt Li CR 2032 (1)
Strips	OneTouch® Ultra® 25s, 50s & 100s	OneTouch® Ultra® 25s, 50s & 100s	OneTouch® Ultra® 25s, 50s & 100s
Testing Time/ Sample Size	5 sec/1 uL	5 sec/1 uL	5 sec/1 uL
Alternate Site Testing	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cleaning Required	No	No	No
Meter Calibration	Check strip	Check strip	Check strip
Download Capability/ Memory	Yes/150	Yes/>3000	No/50
Software	OneTouch® Diabetes Management Software (DMS)	OneTouch® Diabetes Management Software (DMS)	N/A
Strip Shelf-Life (after opening)	3 months	3 months	3 months
Features	Easy-to-read screen. Small meter size. Fast test time. Includes Simple Start™ educational booklet.	Input daily activities. Chart, graph and track trends. Meter size is small. Automatically organizes before- and after-meal results. Backlight. Fast test time. Includes Simple Start™ Diabetes + Insulin educational booklet.	Small, lightweight, and easy to handle. Large, easy-to-read display and fast test time. Simple three-step testing. Includes Simple Start™ educational booklet.
Contact Info/Support	1-800-227-8862 24h/7d/week Spanish: 1-800-381-7226	1-800-227-8862 24h/7d/week Spanish: 1-800-381-7226	1-800-227-8862 24h/7d/week Spanish: 1-800-381-7226

Manufacturer	Roche	Roche	Roche
Meter	Accu-Chek Aviva	Accu-Chek Advantage	Accu-Chek Compact Plus
Technology	Electro chemical	Electro chemical	Reflectance
Battery	3-volt Li (1) CR2032	3-volt Li (3) CR2032	AAA (2)
Strips	Accu-Chek Aviva 50s & 100s	Accu-Chek Comfort Curve 50s & 100s	Accu-Chek Compact Drums 51s & 102s
Testing Time/ Sample Size	5 sec/0.6 uL	25 sec/4-10 uL	5 sec/1.5 uL
Alternate Site Testing	Yes	No	Yes
Cleaning Required	No	No	Yes
Meter Calibration	Code Key	Code Key	Automatic
Download Capability/ Memory	Yes/500	Yes/480	Yes/300
Software	Compass/ Camit Pro	Compass/ Camit Pro	Compass/ Camit Pro
Strip Shelf-Life (after opening)	Date on vial	Date on vial	Date on vial
Features	Wide-mouth test strips for easier blood application. Touchable test strip. Preset time and date with battery back-up. Comes with Accu-Chek Multiclix Lancing Device.	Curved strip guides finger to target area for easier blood application. Bold, easy-to-read display. Easily used by the patient with visual or dexterity issues.	All-in-one convenience with no strip handling. The one with the drum. Simple to use for the patient with physical or dexterity issues. No coding. Lancet device can be attached or detached from meter.
Contact Info/Support	1-800-858-8072 24h/7d/week Many languages	1-800-858-8072 24h/7d/week Many languages	1-800-858-8072 24h/7d/ week Many languages

Save 30 to 70 percent on test strips available from StripsForLess.com

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5 Essential Blood Sugar Testing Tips

Blood sugar testing is essential for all people with diabetes because blood sugar level can't be precisely determined by symptoms alone.  This applies equally to both Type 1 and Type II diabetes.

For patients who take insulin, self-testing provides more exact dosage adjustments.  There's no prescribed recommendation for testing frequency for those with type 2 diabetes who are on oral medication or who control their diabetes through diet and exercise only. However, the American Diabetes Association does state that self-monitoring of blood sugar may be advantageous in order to achieve blood glucose targets.

Regular blood sugar testing can help you:

• Interpret how food, exercise, illness, and other factors impact your blood sugar levels
  
• Improve your blood glucose control by utilizing what you've learned to your diabetes care plan
  
• Track how well your diabetes care program is working and make knowledgeable treatment decisions with your health care team
  
• Keep blood sugars in range.

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For diabetics to properly check their blood glucose levels, they'll require the following supplies and equipment:

1. A glucose meter
2. Alcohol pads
3. Sterile finger lancets
4. Sterile test strips

At this time, glucose meters supply the whole set of tools for the diabetic to use. Different glucose meters have various prices and capabilities.

If in doubt, it's advisable for the diabetic to check with his or her doctor who can recommend a specific type and brand for the diabetic's use.

Different models of glucose meters cater to the unique needs of individual patients. Some are smaller and more portable, have more memory, etc.

But be aware that every added feature comes with an additional price tacked onto it. A physician can help you decide which meter is perfect for you.

Before actually taking a self-test, the diabetic MUST follow these 5 essential steps:

1. Wash your hands carefully and completely with soap and water.
2. Wipe the area to be pricked with an alcohol swab
3. Using a fresh, sterile lancet, prick the finger-tip
4. Position a droplet of blood onto the tip of the sterile test strip
5. Follow the glucose meter instructions carefully to ensure proper testing and checking.

It's beneficial for the diabetic patient to keep a notebook or a log to monitor his or her glucose levels at varied times of the day or week. The minimum number of times per day you test should be provided to you by your doctor. Blood sugar testing can be a dreadful experience for the diabetic to undergo due to the pricking involved.

Follow these tips to make the pricking more pain-free:

1. Don't prick the tip of the finger. Fingertips are sensitive by nature, so this is really painful. Instead, prick the side of the finger. Another thing to consider... only prick fingers. Never prick your toes. Not only is this awkward, but it will also increase the likelihood of infection.

2. Don't ever squeeze your fingers if the blood refused to come out. Let the blood come out naturally. If it does not, let gravity do its work. Never force the issue. Ask your doctor what you can do to encourage sufficient blood flow.

3. Don't prick the same digit every time. This will stress the area out making that particular finger tender and sore

4. Don't use the same finger lancet again and again. This is unsanitary and unbelievably idiotic. Bacteria have already concentrated in the expended lancet. Recycling the same lancet promotes infection.

Additionally, keep your testing supplies at room temperature and check the expiration date of your testing supplies to ensure that your test strips remain accurate.

Remember that artificially influencing readings by exercising more just before taking a reading will just create inaccurate results that will eventually undermine your treatment and cause you to lose your health due to lack of overall control. Don't play games with your health. Blindness and amputation is waiting for you if you do.

Conclusion:

Research studies indicate that daily blood sugar testing, up to 4 times or more, is a good way to learn how to better control your blood glucose and the only way to measure the effectiveness of your meal plan, physical activity and medications.
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Use Correct Glucose Test Strip FDA Warns

Glucose test strip choices are important for correct operation of your glucose meter. Just because strips of one type of meter will fit into another model, doesn't mean that they are compatible. They may appear to work but your readings could be way off.

In June, 2008 the FDA reported that some patients were using LifeScan OneTouch test strips with their Abbott Precision Xtra glucometers which in turn caused false and misleading low blood sugar readings. These meters are from 2 entirely different companies and should never have been used this way.

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False low readings give patients the impression that their diabetes is in check when it's really not. This could lead to unnecessary blindness, neuropathy, amputations, kidney, heart problems and other diabetic complications.

Make sure you read the owners manual that comes with your meter. ONLY use the glucose test strips recommended for that particular make and model.

Also, if you personally know of anyone engaged in this practice, urge them to stop IMMEDIATELY!

Glucose test strips are designed and manufactured to only work with the makes and models of glucose test meters specified in your owner's manual. So take care to follow this advice to the letter or suffer the consequences.

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Glucose Meter Top Picks - CBS Video

*** Commercials play first

CBS Video Aug.2008 -- Consumer Reports' Health Editor Ronni Sandroff recommends to Harry Smith the best blood pressure, diabetes and other medical home monitoring kits.

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FreeStyle Glucose Meters -- What makes them better?

FreeStyle glucose meters are manufactured by Abbott Diabetes Care. They make and sell the FreeStyle Flash, FreeStyle Freedom, FreeStyle Lite and Precision Xtra models of glucose monitors.

With so many different makes and models of glucose test meters, why should you be interested in FreeStyle brand meters over other brands?

Small Test Samples:

Their line of meters boasts the tiniest blood samples with only 0.3 microlitres of blood required for an accurate reading. This makes these glucometers the best for diabetics who hate having to squeeze their finger tips in order to pry out more blood for a sample. Mothers of diabetics will really appreciate this feature if they have young children that get upset when they apply pressure to their small finger tips during testing. The flyspeck-sized samples mean less pain, speedier tests and less hassle for mom.

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Speedy Results:

All FreeStyle glucose meters display results within 5 seconds except for the FreeStyle Flash which takes 7 seconds. This makes them among the fastest meters in the marketplace. Speedier tests mean less toe-tapping while awaiting test results.

Accuracy:

Freestyle glucose meters are one of the few meters that use the enzyme "Glucose Dehydrogenase" to measure sugar in a blood sample. This differs from the widely used "Glucose Oxidase" which requires oxygen to create a reaction. Oxygen contamination can interfere with measurement but FreeStyle glucose monitors overcome this problem and are more accurate as a result.  Greater accuracy translates into tighter glucose control and eventually better health.

Alternate Site Testing:

All Freestyle monitors allow alternate site testing which results in little or no pain. Glucose testing on arms or thighs can be much more pain-free than continually pricking your fingers to get a blood sample. Diabetics employed in an office understand how dreadful it can be to tap on a computer keyboard after pricking your finger tips many times. Alternate site testing reduces or rules out this problem.

Customer Service:

Abbott Diabetes Care is second to none. Reps are warm and accommodating and do everything conceivable to solve any problem you may have. Recently, my Freestyle Lite fell down a staircase and refused to work. I called Abbott to see if I could somehow get a discount on a new meter. I was pleasantly surprised when the rep sent me a brand-new FreeStyle Lite meter at no charge. It arrived 2nd day air and I was able to quickly resume testing. All at completely no cost to me.

If you join Abbott's "Friends For Life" program you get a Lifetime Warranty, Free Lifetime Meter Upgrades, a Welcome kit and more. All at no charge. This could offset the higher cost of the test strips but then again, most meter companies I've dealt with have very good customer service as well. Not surprising given that there's a lot of money to be made selling glucose test strips.

If they're such good meters, why would I avoid them? Why doesn't everyone use them?

High Cost Strips:

The cost of FreeStyle strips averages 80 to 86 cents per strip, putting them at the upper range for pricing of glucose test strips. If insurance doesn't cover your supplies this may put the cost of testing out of your reach.

You can try reducing this cost by shopping for bargains on websites like http://StripsForLess.com. They offer discounts of 30 to 70 percent, but be sure to read their buying guide before you commit to a purchase. It could help you avoid severe health problems.

Conclusion:

FreeStyle glucose meters use the smallest blood samples and are "child friendly" as a result. They have a high cost of testing but their exceptional customer care offsets this cost to some degree. They have better accuracy than most meters due to their different engineering. If you have problems or pain in testing, these are meters you should consider. But the high cost of tests might prohibit frequent testing required for tight glucose control and optimal health. If cost is a problem you might want to opt for a TrueTrack glucose meter instead.

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Accu-Chek Meter Infrared Cable

The Accu-Chek Meter Infrared Cable gives users a way for Accu-Chek Compact Plus and Aviva meters to connect wirelessly to desktop and laptop computers equipped with suitable glucose management software such as Accu-Chek Compass software. This accessory cable, makes the job possible.

It has a 9-pin serial connector which only works on older laptops and most desktops. If you have a newer USB-only laptop or desktop computer, you'll also need a USB to serial adapter to make the connection.

I have a USB-only laptop and when I received the unit from Roche, there were no drivers that came with it for Windows XP and USB, so installing the infrared cable required some hunting for a USB to Serial Driver driver. Not sure about Windows Vista users require but Windows 98 users will need to download drivers for the Tekram iRMate 210 available on the Tekram website.

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Users with serial cables should be able to use the infrared cable with the Accu-Check compass software right out of the box. I wish Roche would make it easier for users by including a simple setup program that would detect what the type of setup the user has and do an automatic installation.

Once the unit is connected and drivers are installed, using it is a breeze from within the Accu-Chek Compass software. Just press 2 buttons on your meter and select the correct meter from the list within the software.

Compatible Meters:

• Accu-Check Aviva
• Accu-Check Compact
• Accu-Chek Compact Plus
• Accu-Check Go
• Accu-Chek Active
• Accu-Chek Pocket Compass Diabetes Care Software for Palm Devices
• Other Accu-Chek Meters equipped with IR Key (separate purchase)

I highly recommend this accessory because it allows you to use diabetes management software which should (in my opinion) come standard for computer users. Good diabetes software will produce graphs and charts that will really enable you to get a better handle on the state of your health and should help you and your physician work out better treatment. Over the long run, this will reduce the affects of low blood sugar and could delay or prevent the onset of complications such as neuropathy, blindness, kidney failure, heart disease and amputations related to diabetes.

Over the last 3 months alone, I have taken my own HbA1C average from 6.8 to 6.2 by properly adjusting my carbs, insulin and exercise based on charts and graphs. That's well below the minimum of 7.0 and I'm currently working on a target A1C of 5.9.  That's what it's all about as far as I'm concerned.

The cable will cost you around $29.95 if you order it online from Roche. I received mine free from Roche customer care by explaining that I purchased my Compact Plus meter ONLY because I was told by the retailer that I could download my readings directly to my laptop computer. The rep asked me for the serial number of my glucometer and shipped the cable AND the Accu-Chek Compass diabetes management software by express post. I received it within 3 days. Roche customer service is second to none in this respect and you may have a similar experience if you call them.

(*1-800-858-8072 US and 1 800 363-7949 Can.)

Technorati Tags: Infrared,Cable,Accu-Chek,Meter,Accessories,Software

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TrueTrack Glucose Meter

 

TrueTrack glucose meters are affordable diabetic testing devices manufactured by Home Diagnostics.

I'm always looking for less expensive ways to test my blood sugar and this is a meter that has lowered my costs around 30 percent.

I've been using it for around a month for my home tests and I find roughly the same accuracy of testing as my other, more expensive test meters.

Flash Video Tour (opens in a new window)

 

TrueTrack User Manual (*requires Adobe Acrobat)

Features:

Pros:

1. Lower Cost of Test Strips

The main thing that attracted me to this meter most is the lower cost of testing supplies. 30 percent is a good savings and I wish this would become a trend with meter manufacturers as a whole. Locally I pay around $60 for 100 strips as compared to $87 per 100 for my Compact Plus. In this respect, Home Diagnostics is ahead of the curve.

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2. Small blood sample needed

Testing strips use only 1 micro-litre of blood. The capillary action of the strip is clearly visible and I like how easily it soaks up the sample. In this way, it's superior to the other meters I own.

3. Fast results

The meter needs 10 seconds for test results to appear and also detects if insufficient blood has been applied . This is only half as fast as the Accu-Chek Aviva but is still pretty speedy.

4. Small and lightweight

The compact form factor fits easily into your palm and hardly weighs anything. It comfortably fits into your pocket and also comes with a handy carrying pouch that houses the meter, lancet device test log and other supplies.

Cons:

1. Individual Test Strips and Lancet Device

I don't like fumbling with individual test strips which can get lost and give bad results if not handled properly. A separate lancing device is okay but it's just something else that can get lost if it's not attached to the meter like it is on the Accu-Chek Compact Plus. While the meter is small and portable, the discreet components just make it a little clumsy without a belt mounted carrying case.

2. Dim LCD Display and Recessed Buttons

The display is fairly large and easy to read in a well lit room but doesn't lend itself well to visually impaired diabetics. The low-profile buttons on the top side of the meter could be a little more pronounced in my opinion, so that they can be used by feeling them. If vision is a problem for you, you probably need a meter like the Accu-Chek Compact Plus.

3. Skimpy Data Storage

The 365-test memory stores only around 2 months readings (based on 5 tests per day) along with date and time. A minimum amount of readings should be 500 or around 3 months worth which is usually the same time period as an HbA1c test.

4. Data Connectivity  Costs Extra 

Data management is accomplished via computer cable compatible with TrueTrack software. The cable is a separate purchase.

Considering the importance of charts and graphs for a proper diabetic care program, this should be provided either free or at very low cost in my opinion.

Why do meter makers make computer connection a separate option? It should come standard in this day and age of computers and the Internet.

5. Button Cell Batteries

I'm not a fan of button cell. I prefer either standard "AAA" or "AA" batteries. They're cheaper and easier to replace.

6. Code Chips

Code chips allow for variances that can occur when manufacturing test strips. It means that if you somehow lose your code chip, you won't be able to use your test strips from that batch. It shouldn't normally be a problem but the possibility just makes it likely that eventually it will be a problem for someone.

Bottom Line:

Rating:  7.5/10

The TrueTrack glucose meter is great for home blood sugar testing.

Test strips are less expensive than most meters and this makes it a good choice to have around even if you already own a better meter.

I use the TrueTrack at home and then use my Accu-Check Compact Plus meter when I'm on the road or away from home because of the convenience of the integrated lancet device and 17 strip test drums. This way I have both cheap test supplies and convenience.

The meter itself is fairly average and don't expect any extra niceties. It's just a simple, low cost test meter which is great if you need to save money and get the job done.

Technorati Tags: TrueTrack,Home Diagnostics,Glucose,Meter,Diabetes,Blood Sugar

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Accu-Chek Aviva Glucose Meter

The Accu-Check Aviva glucose meter is a popular measuring device made by Roche Diagnostics.

I've used this meter for over 2 years, so I'm very familiar with its pros and cons.

It features a compact profile that fits easily into the palm of any sized hand and sure grip that's important, especially for people with less nimble hands like the elderly.

Flash Product Tour (opens in a new window)

Aviva User Manual (*requires Adobe Acrobat)

Features:

Pros:

1. Small blood sample needed

Over many tests, measuring blood sugar can become painful if you need to test frequently. Anything that will reduce the amount of finger poking necessary to get an accurate reading will help to reduce wear and tear on your finger-tips and eliminate pain.

The Accu-Check Aviva monitor requires much less blood than many other glucose meters and the wide, user-friendly test strip only needs a tiny 0.6 micro-litre drop of blood which helps make testing quick and nearly pain free.

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2. Speedy results

The advanced, accurate system technology takes only 5 seconds for the results to appear and also detects if insufficient blood has been applied . This saves unnecessary delays.

3. Excellent Lancet Device

The lancet that comes with the Aviva is a high-quality, innovative Multiclix finger pricker that allows for almost pain-free test samples. I like it so much I use it with all the other meters I own instead of the ones that come with other meters.

There's no lancet handling, and it's easily disposed of in household waste.

4. Ample Data Storage

The large 500-test memory stores more than 3 months readings (based on 5 tests per day) along with date and time. Because of this, it can be used as a reliable data backup when used in conjunction with diabetes management software.

5. Wireless Infrared Data Connectivity

Data management via infra-red (compatible with Accu-Chek software) which is a separate purchase of $39.95 plus you'll need the $19.95 Infrared cable.

6. Roche Customer Service

In my experience, Roche customer service is very attentive and and co-operative. They really strive to solve your problems in a speedy and effective way. They've been good both times that I had to use them.

Cons:

1. High Cost of Test Strips

Cost for me is $85 to $90 Canadian for 100 strips. U.S. prices are comparable. This is a big negative because the cost of the strips is really the true cost of doing blood sugar tests. This is why they can afford "Free" meter promotions and have great customer service.

Expect to pay easily over $100/month when doing 5 or more tests per day.

2. Individual Strips Are a Pain

When I first got this meter, I spilled the strips all over the floor and had to pick them up. They're a little clumsy in my opinion. Not really ideal for someone that might be impaired.

Excess strip handling can also affect your results due to fingertip residue if you accidentally touch the test end of the strip.

If you have any concerns about this, try a meter like the Accu-Chek Compact which uses strips that come in drums of 17 strips each. It makes strip handling a breeze and avoids any possibility of contamination of the strips due to handling. 

3. Dim LCD Display

Actually, the display is fairly large and easy to read in a well lit room. However, some meters are now coming with brighter LED displays that make reading much easier in a variety of lighting conditions. I'd like to see some improvement in this area.

Bottom Line:

Rating: 7/10

I like the Accu-Chek Aviva because of it's small size and fast, accurate testing.

The Multiclix finger pricker is top of the line and I wish other companies would come out with similar units of their own.

The price of the test strips is high at around $85 per 100 (at the time of writing) and I wouldn't recommend this glucose meter for anyone having financial problems.

If Roche lowered the cost of the strips to a more reasonable price I would give it an 8/10.

 

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Accu-Chek Compact Plus Updated

 

Roche recently updated the Accu-Chek Compact Plus with some additional features that really make it a much better meter.

It maintains the best features of its predecessor, while adding some much needed enhancements such as a brighter LED display, larger memory storage and a sleeker, more ergonomic design that just feels better in your hand.

Flash Product Tour (opens in a new window)

 

Compact Plus User Manual (*requires Adobe Acrobat)

 

 

 

Functionally, it's the same as the older Compact Plus so I won't repeat everything I said about the original meter.

It uses the same 17 strip drum so supplies will not cost you more.

The test memory has been expanded from 300 to 500 readings which means that you can easily store 3 months worth of data right on the meter itself.

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  One of the little niggles I found about this meter is that the lid for the test drum can be difficult to open. However, there's a simple solution. Instead of trying to lift from the case, just use your thumbnail and insert it into the crack near the testing area. Press in and gently lift up. The case should now open easily.

The biggest enhancements though, are the case re-design.

The hour-glass shape has no-slip, rubberized grips that give the meter a better likelihood of staying in your hand.

The meter buttons are now raised instead of being flush on the old meter. Vision impaired people should find this a welcome enhancement and the buttons now have a more positive click.

The large, bright LED display is easier to read and adds to the overall usability of the tester.

For such a nice meter, it's a pity that Roche downgraded the handy cold pack, insulin carry case that comes with the older meter to a plain carry bag. I suppose cost was a consideration but this new carry case just leaves you wanting something better.

There's also a lack of a clip on, cell phone style case that was an option with its older counterpart. I hope they decide to make one because I like the way I can just tote my older Compact Plus on my belt.

Bottom Line:

Rating:  9/10

I like this new meter. It's a super upgrade that should make testing easier and less of a chore. More test storage means that you can backup and display readings for around 3 months which more closely matches standard HbA1C testing intervals.

The lack of carry case options and high cost of testing supplies means I can't give it a better score and it shows that Roche still has room to make this a better meter.

Still, combined with a proper glucose management software program and frequent testing, this meter should help you stay in better health.

Technorati Tags: Compact Plus,Accu-Chek,Roche,glucose,meter,test strips

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Accu-Check Compact Plus Glucose Meter

 

 

Accu-Check Compact Plus glucose meter is another diabetic testing device manufactured by Roche Diagnostics.

Due to its convenient, all-in-one design, I favour this meter for my daily testing.

The two main features that appeal to me most are the no-nonsense strip handling and ease of blood sugar testing.

Flash Product Tour (opens in a new window)

 

Compact Plus User Manual (*requires Adobe Acrobat)

Features:

Pros:

1. Convenient, Safe Strip Handling

Excessive strip handling can cause errors due to contamination of test strips and individual strips can be somewhat tedious to handle. This is particularly true if you are elderly or handicapped which is the case for many diabetics.

The Compact Plus eliminates the fuss and makes readings less error prone by using preloaded, factory-sealed drums of 17 test strips. This means you don't have to handle the strips every single time you use the meter.

Changing drums is as simple as flipping the lid, pressing the release button, dumping the old drum and inserting a new one. Fast and simple.

The only thing I don't like about the arrangement is that the motor that operates the drum is a little noisy. But I'm guessing that it shouldn't be a problem for most people and the automated aspect of the strips more than offsets the minor annoyance.

The meter also keeps track of the strips and indicates how many are left at any given moment and the display tells you when it's time to reload a new drum.

Kudos to Roche for creating a meter that makes life a little easier for people living with diabetes.

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2. Integrated Lancet Device

This is another innovative feature of this meter. The "Softclix Plus" lancet device clips to the side of the meter so it's always there.

To test you simply press the top of the lancet, press the "M" button on the meter to produce a strip, prick your finger by depressing the top of the lancet again and then applying your blood drop to the strip. 5 seconds later, your reading is displayed.

The Softclix lancet device is one of the most gentle units I've ever used and I've never experienced any pain during testing.

 

3. Small blood sample needed

The strips will test with only 1.5 micro-litres of blood. That's about 1 micro-litre more than the Aviva, also by Roche, but I have never had an error due to an insufficient blood sample so it shouldn't be a problem for most people.

4. Speedy results

The meter requires only 5 seconds for the results to appear and also detects if insufficient blood has been applied . This can save unnecessary delays and reduce frustration.

5. Uses Standard Batteries

I'm not a fan of button cells because they can sometimes be hard to find and their life is not that great if you test a lot.

The Compact Plus uses standard "AAA" batteries that power many TV remote controls making them easy to replace and giving you good battery life.

They're cheap too, which is always good.

It's a small point, but really a nice added convenience.

5. Roche Customer Service

Roche customer care has been very attentive and and co-operative during times I've had to use them.

Cons:

1. High Cost of Test Strips

Cost for me is $87 to $97 Canadian for 102 test strips. American prices are comparable. This is a huge negative because the cost of the strips is the "hidden" cost of blood sugar testing. This is why Roche can afford so-called "Free" meter promotions and provide unpaid customer service. You've already paid for it by paying many times what it costs Roche to make test strips.

Expect to pay easily over $120/month when doing 5 or more tests per day with this meter. That's a pretty stiff fee if you don't have medical insurance.

2. Dim LCD Display

Actually, the display is fairly large and easy to read in a well lit room. However, the new Compact Plus now comes with a brighter LED display that makes reading much easier under adverse lighting conditions. If vision is a problem for you, you probably need the updated meter.

3. Skimpy Data Storage

The 300-test memory stores only around 2 months readings (based on 5 tests per day) along with date and time. A minimum amount of readings should be 3 months which is usually the same time period as an HbA1c test. This has been solved in the updated meter.

4. Data Connectivity  and Software Costs Extra 

Data management via infra-red (compatible with Accu-Chek software) which is a separate purchase of $39.95 plus you'll need the $19.95 Infrared cable.

Considering the importance of charts and graphs for a proper diabetic care program, this should be provided either free or at very low cost in my opinion

Bottom Line:

Rating:  8/10

The Accu-Chek Compact Plus is my second favourite meter design at the moment only being outdone by its newer counterpart, the Compact Plus II. I'm constantly looking for products that will work better for me and this meter really delivers on simplified design and operation.

The integrated, removable Softclix finger pricker is convenient to use and helps keep everything in one place.

The display is big and easy to read but has been upgraded to an LED version in the newer meter. The newer meter also has an expanded memory of 500 readings which is a great enhancement.

Accessory-wise, I like the nice leatherette case that comes with it and a free cellular style leather case is currently available on the Roche website.

The price of the test strips is high at around $87 per 100 (at the time of writing) and I feel bad that I can't recommend this great glucose meter for anyone on a tight budget.

If Roche lowered the cost of the strips to a more reasonable price I would give it an 9/10.

Technorati Tags: Compact Plus,Accu-Chek,Roche,glucose,meter,diabetes,test,strips

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Glucose Meter Basics

 

Before we get into specific glucose meters and their functions, a basic explanation of what they are, their purpose and how they work is in order.

Glucose meters are designed to estimate the amount of glucose in whole blood. If you suffer from diabetes or hypoglycemia, frequent testing MUST be a critical part of your health program. The level of glucose in your blood is crucial to your well being.

The device works by placing a small drop of your blood on a disposable testing strip. The blood is obtained by pricking your finger tip with a sharp lancet designed to be quick and painless. The blood glucose meter uses the sample on the testing strip to record and calculate the level of glucose in the blood.

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The principal health goal for diabetics should be to manage their blood sugar levels themselves on a daily basis. Since your doctor cannot always be available to advise you, you need to be the person on the front lines keeping your blood sugar within targeted limits. This is simply not possible without a portable glucose meter.

Your pancreas usually has this responsibility, but for diabetes sufferers, this is no longer possible. Manual control is required, and blood sugar meters are essential for this purpose.

Flying Blind

Without regular testing you are flying blind and will have no idea whether your medications and therapies are working or not  By maintaining close control over the amount of sugar in your blood you can, reduce the occurrence rate and severity of long-term complications from hyperglycemia and experience a reduction in the short-term, possibly life-threatening complications of hypoglycemia.

Although the operation and functions of blood glucose meters will be very similar from meter to meter, there will be some differences in the models that you are offered.

With some exceptions, glucose meters are pretty much all designed to rest neatly in the palm of your hand. They're most often powered by batteries for portability allowing you to test wherever and whenever which is important to the proper management of your sugars. It's possible that you'll need to test the level of glucose in your blood before or after every meal, or perhaps whenever you abruptly start to feel sickly for no apparent reason.

Testing Strips

Glucose test strips are disposable and can only be used for one test You need to ensure that there's a steady supply of these strips for your consumption. Glucose meters are unusable without them. Testing strips are usually made of plastic and are embedded with chemicals that cause a reaction when they come in contact with the sugar in your blood. The meter measures this reaction and displays the result as a number that represents the amount of sugar in your blood. This number is displayed as either mg/dl (milligrams per decilitre) or mmol/l (millimoles per litre). The standard for the U.S. is mg/dl and most of the rest of the world uses mmol/l.

Some meters use discs or containers instead of individual strips, which permits multiple readings from a single strip holder and results in less frequent handling of test strips. This feature is very handy and can improve the accuracy and storage life of test strips. Handling and contact with air reduces their effectiveness.

Regardless of whether you use individual strips or containers, the over-riding concern is that you have reliable access to a continuous supply for your meter.

How to Test

The amount of blood needed to take an accurate meter reading can vary between brands and models, so check with the manufacturer or supplier before you use the device.If necessary, confer with your physician or diabetes educator to be sure that you're using your meter correctly. False readings will undermine the effectiveness of your treatment.

Blood sugar can be obtained from various parts of your body. However, some parts of the body reflect changes in glucose faster than others and your doctor can help you choose the site that's best for you. Usually the finger tip is used but this is a sensitive area for some people and they may wish to try an alternate testing site . If for any reason you decide to test blood from another part of your body, make certain that you understand how long it will take for that part of the body to reflect fluctuating blood sugar levels. Advice from your doctor should ensure that you're fully informed before you start to use your meter.

Testing times required to produce a result will vary from model to model. They can be as little as 5 seconds and as long as 30 seconds. Most modern units complete the measurement in 10 seconds or less. Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure that you're fully informed about the operation of the meter. Some makes and models also require a numbered code to be entered into the meter, which is obtained from the batch of test strips that you're using. This allows your meter to fine-tune itself with the strips to ensure the accuracy of your results.

Charts and Graphs

A record of your blood sugar tests should be kept in a log book. These usually come with your meter and your doctor will no doubt ask you for it on your appointments. The log will provide a history and can indicate either a rising or falling trend. These trends will show whether your treatment is being effective or not and your physician can then recommend appropriate actions and adjust dosages of insulin of other medications.

  The use of diabetic testing software can enhance these reports even more by providing graphs and charts that will clearly show your blood sugar profile within specific time periods. In addition to regular A1C tests, they will provide a comprehensive and accurate "snap-shot" of your health.

These graphs and charts are so effective, that if you're not getting this kind of reporting, you're simply not getting the best health care that a glucose meter and your physician can provide. The better the information you can supply your doctor with, the better your treatment will be and your complications from diabetes will be greatly reduced and even avoided in many cases.

So use your glucose testing meter often and provide as much useful data as you can to share with your doctor.

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