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.

 

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

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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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