The FreeStyle InsuLinx blood glucose monitor from Abbott borrows from insulin pump technology to include a mealtime insulin calculator for suggested bolus insulin injection doses.
The InsuLinx is a touchscreen, user friendly blood glucose meter which, in addition to its insulin dose calculator, can also serve as a useful logbook of your blood glucose readings, insulin doses and your carbohydrate intake.
FreeStyle InsuLinx features
As well including a bolus calculator, the InsuLinx also has:
- Easy to use touch screen
- An automated logbook
- Personalization preferences such as the ability to connect it via a USB to your computer so it can be personalized with a photo of your choice
- The FreeStyle InsuLinx easily guides you with weekly messages and pre- and post-meal markers, which is useful if you are new to diabetes
- Data can be uploaded to Abbott’s FreeStyle Auto-Assist Software for analysis
When using the InsuLinx, there is butterfly style sensor that slots in at the bottom and contains the blood channel.
Results are instant and the InsuLinx will ask questions in order to help calculate your suggested dose.
InsuLinx calculates your carb to insulin ratio
The FreeStyle InsuLinx isn’t available from just any pharmacy or clinic but is provided by your diabetes specialist nurse, who will be able to enter your carbohydrate to insulin ratio into the meter for correct usage.
This information enables you to use the FreeStyle InsuLinx’s standout feature, its ability to suggest insulin doses.
The meter takes the following information into account to suggest a dose:
- Your carbohydrate to insulin ratio
- Your current blood glucose level
- The amount of carbohydrate you are having
- Whether you have active insulin in your body – you must input your insulin doses to ensure this part of the calculation gets accounted for
Use of the InsuLinx may be slightly tricky for those who are new to diabetes but the guide facilities are in place to help you with this.
As a whole, the FreeStyle InsuLinx takes meter technology to the next level, as it isn’t just for blood testing.
If this is something that you may be interested i, speak to your diabetes specialist nurse to get on board. The InsuLinx is a no coding meter with a 165 days memory based on an average of 3 tests and 3 insulin logs per day. The battery life lasts for 3,000 tests.
Data can be downloaded using Abbott’s FreeStyle Auto-Assist Health Management System. Contact Abbott Diabetes Care to request the data cable.
Technical specification
The InsuLinx is a no coding meter with a 165 days memory based on an average of 3 tests and 3 insulin logs per day. The battery life lasts for 3,000 tests.
- Blood sample size: 0.3 microlitres
- Memory: Up to 165 days – assuming average of 3 tests and 3 insulin logs per day
- Batteries: Three CR 2032 3V lithium batteries, two of which are replaceable
- Battery life: Up to 3,000 tests
- Dimensions: 60 x 95 x 15 mm
- Weight: 59 to 66g including batteries
- Measurement range: 1.1 to 27.8 mmol/L (20 to 500 mg/dL)
- Haematocrit: 15% to 65%
Operating ranges
- Operating temperature: 4° to 40° C (40 to 104°F)
- Humidity: 5% to 90% (non-condensing)
- Altitude: Up to 3,048m above sea level
Storage ranges
- Storage temperature: –20° to 60° C (-4 to 140 °F)
