Brands of Diabetic Meters and Test Strips
The chronic disease of diabetes affects many Americans. Statistically, the growth of diabetes is at near epidemic proportions. Studies show that over six percent of America's population is estimated to be affected by the disease. Healthcare authorities agree that these circumstances demand urgent attention, yet all are unclear on the exact reason for the increase.
Treatment Required
Diabetes mellitus is a very serious disease that requires immediate and constant attention. Many people do not even realize they have diabetes until their symptoms become severe. Without proper treatment and management you can suffer harmful consequences. With proper care, however, you can lead a normal and fulfilled life. By taking care of yourself in the early stages, you may prevent more serious health issues later. Self-monitoring devices make it easier for diabetics to monitor and manage their disease from the comforts of home. You can decide if this is something that will suit your personal needs.
A diabetic does not have the ability to utilize the glucose in their food for energy. Therefore, it builds up in their bloodstream where it can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. After being diagnosed with diabetes you will have to take personal responsibility for your care and management with the counsel of your healthcare provider. In some cases there is a caregiver provided to monitor ones needs.
When a person is diagnosed with diabetes their healthcare provider will be inform them of the type or stage they suffer from. Then the doctor will prescribe treatment that is proper for that condition. Some people are able to treat their condition with oral medicines or diet while others require more complicated measures. There is no cure for diabetes, but with proper monitoring and control of glucose a person can have an ordinary and fulfilling quality of life.
Diabetes Glucose Meters
Self-monitoring blood glucose is now easier and more accurate than ever with the improved technology of portable blood glucose meters. Portable glucose meters are battery operated devices that measure blood glucose levels. They work by reading small blood sample from a disposable test strip. The glucose test strip is placed inside the meter and the meter measures the amount of glucose in your blood. Some meters measure how much electricity can pass through a sample. Other meters measure the reflection of light from the sample. The end result will be displayed as a number.
Choosing A Meter
There are several factors to consider when choosing a blood glucose meter. The first thing you want to do is find a meter that will manage our diabetes so that you can enjoy your life. This is a personal decision based on your lifestyle needs at home, school, work, or play. It is a proven fact that diabetics who use self-monitoring devices tend to stay healthier. Your healthcare provider can inform you of how often your blood glucose levels need to be tested.
Meters will vary in many ways. When choosing a meter you will want to consider the following:
- The amount of blood needed for testing
- The speed of testing
- The size of the meter
- The meter's ability to store test results in memory
- The cost of the meter and supplies
Brand Comparison
Next you will want to compare brands Below is a list of brands and information to assist you in your decision.
MediSense - Optium
The Optium is designed not to begin testing until there is enough blood on the test strip. This reduces errors and test strip waste. The Optium allows you to test from your forearm or your fingertip. It features the TrueMeasure™ test strip technology that makes testing more accurate. This advanced technology reduces the effects of substances such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and vitamin C to provide a glucose specific test result. The Optium requires a blood sample size of 0.6 micro liters and provides a test result in five seconds. It features an easy to read display, 450 test result memory with weekly and monthly averaging, and downloads to a data management program on your personal computer.
MediSense - Precision Xtra
The Precision Xtra was designed to make advanced diabetes management simple. It also features the benefits of the TrueMeasure™ test strip technology. The Precision Xtra is a small meter that requires a blood sample size of 0.6 micro liters. Test results are produced in five seconds. The Precision Xtra stores 450 test results, has the capability of testing blood ketone, and is downloadable to your personal computer.
TheraSense - FreeStyle Flash
The FreeStyle Flash is ideal for people who are on the go. The carrying case is designed so that the meter does not have to be removed for testing. The FreeStyle Flash test strip requires the smallest blood sample in the world of 0.3 micro liters. It will produce a test result in seven seconds. The FreeStyle Flash has four programmable patient reminder alarms, stores 250 test results with a 14-day result average, and downloads on your personal computer.
TheraSense - FreeStyle Freedom
The FreeStyle Freedom features alternative site testing on your fingertip, hand, upper arm, forearm, calf, or thigh. It has a large easy to read display, comfortable easy to hold shape, and easy to use FreeStyle test strips. The freestyle Freedom requires a blood sample of 0.3 micro liters and produces results in five seconds. It also has four programmable patient reminder alarms, stores 250 test results with a 14-day result average, and downloads on your personal computer.
TheraSense - FreeStyle Lite
The FreeStyle Lite features alternate site testing on your fingertip, hand, upper arm, forearm, calf, or thigh, and no strip coding is necessary! Get accurate glucose test results within 5-seconds on the large easy to read display. FreeStyle Lite glucose test strips. It's small, convenient size makes it the perfect meter for someone on the go. It also has four programmable patient reminder alarms, stores 400 test results, provides results in 7, 14 and 30 day!
Prodigy Talking Diabetes Meter Kit
The Prodigy is an affordable talking diabetes meter. The Prodigy test strip requires a blood sample of 0.6 micro liters and produces results in six seconds. The Prodigy will store 450 test results and will download to your personal computer.
Nova Max
The Nova Max Blood Glucose Monitoring System requires a blood sample of 0.3 micro liters and produces results in five seconds. Both the BD test strips or Nova Max Testing Strips are designed specifically for this monitoring device. It will store 400 test results and offers alternate site testing for added comfort.
Accu-Chek Active
The Active requires a blood sample size of 1 micro liter and provides test results in five seconds. The Accu-Chek Active test strips are touchable and easy to use. It features alternate site testing, stores 200 test results, and is downloadable to your personal computer.
Accu-Chek Advantage
The Advantage requires a blood sample size of 4 micro liters and provides test results in twenty-six seconds. The Comfort Curve test strips have a unique curve to fit your finger for easier blood application. It stores 450 test results and is downloadable to your personal computer.
Accu-Chek Aviva
The Aviva test strip requires a blood sample size of 0.6 micro liters and provides test results in five seconds. It features alternate site testing, stores 500 test results, and is downloadable to your personal computer.
Accu-Check - Compact
The Compact provides test results in seven seconds. The Compact test strips requires a blood sample size of 1.5 micro liters. It features alternate site testing, stores 100 test results, and is downloadable to your personal computer. The Compact Test Strip Drum holds 17 test strips.
Ascensia Breeze
The Breeze features an easy load AUTODISC that holds ten test strips. It requires very little blood and stores 100 test results. The Breeze offers alternate site testing on the finger, palm, forearm, thigh, abdomen, etc. It is downloadable to your personal computer.
Ascensia Contour
The Contour adjusts automatically for variables that can affect accuracy. The Contour test strips are convenient and easy to use. It requires a blood sample size of 0.6 micro liters and produces test results in 15 seconds. The Contour stores 240 test results and is downloadable to your personal computer. It offers alternate site testing on the finger, palm, forearm, thigh, or abdomen.
Manufacturers
Another important factor to weigh in when choosing a diabetes meter is the manufacturer. You want to buy a meter from a company that is dedicated to providing top quality products to its customers. Listed below you will find some background information on a few reputable companies that manufacture diabetes meters.
Abbott Laboratories
Abbott is a global health care company that has been established for over 100 years. They are also responsible for brands such as FreeStyle and MediSense. Abott highly motivated to find new medicines, technologies, and health management techniques to improve the lifestyle of a diabetic. It is more than just their job it is their daily goal to help their customers live enjoyable and healthy lives.
Roche
Roche has been established for over 100 years and is a well-known name among consumers. They work hard to discover and develop diabetic healthcare solutions to enhance quality of life. The two units of operation at Roche are pharmaceuticals and diagnostics.
Read more about Roche/Accu-Chek testing technologies
Bayer
Bayer is a well-known name among consumers and is responsible for many firsts in diabetes healthcare. In 1964, they developed the first dry reagent blood sugar test that enabled people to monitor blood sugar levels from their own home. Bayer under the former name of Miles introduced the first portable blood glucose meter.
Bayer is dedicated to improve and enhance the diabetic's quality of life through diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Today, it is a world leader in diabetes innovations.
Glucose Meter Training
Each glucose meter works a little differently and you need to be familiar with how it works in order to accurately read your results. First you should read the instructions included with your glucometer. You may also want to get with your healthcare provider to see if training is available through a diabetes educator.
It would be a good idea to take your meter to your physician at you next scheduled check-up and test the results of your glucometer against the physician's lab results to ensure your meter is working properly. If problems are detected then you may need to contact the manufacturer.
An Important Side Note
It is very important that you wash and dry your hands thoroughly before and after testing. You may also choose to prep the area that will be used to draw the blood sample with alcohol. There are several factors that could impair the accuracy of your test if your hands are unclean or wet. Be sure to check instruction guide for conditions that could interfere with readings.
New Technology
One of the biggest research projects is to find the most noninvasive glucose meter. Everyone hates to have his or her finger pricked. Researchers are working on a pain free infrared spectroscopy. This device will measure the glucose levels by directing a light onto the surface of the skin
Take Control of Your Health
The main goal for a glucose meter is that it will track your glucose levels over time, assist you in making day to day decisions for glucose management, help you recognize emergency situations, and educate you on how to manage your blood glucose levels.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes it is important that you begin immediately to take care of yourself. Educate yourself to find out your options in treatment, diet and lifestyle. Be diligent in taking your medicines and monitoring your blood glucose levels.
It is impertinent that you listen to your doctor, follow his or her advice and become responsible for your own health. Having diabetes may seem to be overwhelming at times, but it does not have to control your life. If you determine to take proper care of yourself then your life can be normal, happy, active and rewarding.
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