I have prediabetes. No meds, just diet and exercise. My prescription plan changed the first of July and now I have a choice of test strips. I am currently using an Accu-Chek Advantage meter as my previous prescription plan would only cover Accu-Chek test strips. My new prescription plan also covers One Touch Ultra strips. I was given a One Touch Ultra meter when I saw a diabetes educator. My question is: Which meter would you say is a more accurate meter? I know the One Touch Ultra is faster, but I am looking for accuracy in testing not in the time it takes for results. Would it even be advisable to change meters now? I have been using the Accu-Chek for over 1 1/2 years. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.

From what I understand everything made now is reliable and accurate. The differences are more the bells and whistles that you prefer like speed, size of sample, and whether you use strips or barrels of strips.

Im all about the tiny sample size and speed but when it comes down to it, many times the insurance company decides. If you have special circumstances, your insurance company will cover whatever meter your doc recommends w/ a prior authorization form.

I agree with Al...they're all about equally accurate...just depends on your preferences.

For those of us who test 6-10 times a day, speed is very important. If you're only testing two to three times a day, it may not matter.

Both Accucheck and One Touch make good meters.

Ruth

I agree with Al...they're all about equally accurate...just depends on your preferences.

For those of us who test 6-10 times a day, speed and sample size are very important. If you're only testing two to three times a day, it may not matter.

Both Accucheck and One Touch make good meters.

Ruth

I am in the process of trying to figure out which glucometer I should get. My insurance will not pay for any of the meters, but will pay for any of the test strips (go figure). I picked up an Ascensia Breeze meter yesterday, and the pharmacist said I could return it if it was not what I wanted. I am trying to figure out if I made the right choice.

Believe it or not, my doctor is not recommending that I do any testing now at all. He prescribed the meter because I asked him to, just because I want to try to understand how everything works in my body.

Anyhow, I was diagnosed in June with an A1C of 10.

Since then, I have lost about 35 pounds and my last lab test came back with a glucose level of 99. That was an hour after lunch.

Getting back to the meter...Consumer Reports just did a report on them in the August issue. They rank the Ascensia Breeze fairly low on their scale. They seem to really like the One-Touch Ultra and UltraSmart. I will not be using the meter with a computer. They also like the BD Logic and the FreeStyle Flash. One of their issues with the Ascensia Breeze seems to be that it takes 30 seconds to get the result, which seems like a comparitively long time. Others seem to do it in 10 seconds or less. Still, if that is the only issue, I can wait since I will only be using it a few times a week.

Any further thoughts on any other meters out there would be really helpful.

Thanks much.

Jay,
If your insurance doesn't pay for the meter, then I would get the best meter for all circumstances. Even if you're not testing frequently now, you may be in the future, and you don't want to have to buy another meter at that point because of the 30-second issue.

I used the One Touch Ultra for several years before switching to the BD Link monitor. The only reason I switched is that I'm a pumper, and the BD link communicates directly with my Paradigm pump. Both the One Touch Ultra and the Ultra Smart are excellent meters and require a very small droplet of blood and give results in 5 seconds.

Prior to using the One Touch, I used to use the Accucheck Advantage, but it was so long ago that I can't remember any details, other than the fact that I liked it at that time!

Ruth

Most offices have meters to give out. If not you can go to many websites and print out a coupon for a free one. Find out which strips your insurance will cover and get the meter for free. The pharmacy sometimes has a special where you buy the strips and get the meter for free but most the meter companies have these coupons.

You have diabetes you need a meter period. If your doc doesnt think a 10 a1c is serious RUN to a new doc. I think its awesome you have lost the 35lbs. You definitely need a meter to see what your numbers are even if youve lost the weight. You can randomly test fastings (1st thing in the am) and 2hr after a meal... With the meter, you can see what foods affect you in what way. You are a diabetic...hopefully controlled by diet & exercise. Even if you get perfect numbers for a week, testing randomly a couple times a week will keep you knowledgeable about your disease and remind you of this meal related issue!

My personal favorite is the freestlye flash because its so little and needs a tiny sample. Definitely get or keep a meter handy for testing.

Yes, my doctor does think this is a serious problem, and that I will be on Metformin for the rest of my life. My doctor's perspective is that he felt it was too early in the process for me to bother with constant testing. I am not certain when he thinks I should start, but he will be doing another A1C in October, so I suppose I will know more then.

I agree with you that I want to see the real effects of some of these foods on my blood sugar. I guess his primary concern was to try to get things stabilized first and then move on from there.

Anyhow, I will check out the One-Touch and return the Ascensia. I agree that the 30 seconds is probably going to drive me nuts if I have to start doing more frequent tests.