contour usb is it worth buying??

ams162

Well-Known Member
Messages
572
Type of diabetes
Type 1
just looking at this meter online and wondered if its worth the 24.99 price tag to get it. we have several meters at home but just liked the idea of transferring everything and being able to read all the results and spot trends easier any thoughts appreciated

anna marie
 

dib

Well-Known Member
Messages
95
Love mine, but be careful if you run windows 7 some people have experienced problems with it. I use XP sp 3 and it works fine either using software on the meter or downloading it from the website.
Good luck.
 

ams162

Well-Known Member
Messages
572
Type of diabetes
Type 1
my laptop uses xp just like the idea of being able to really read all the results easily but never bought a meter before always been given them so was abit hesitant to pay 25 quid for one if it wasnt going to be worth the money

thanks for ur help
anna marie
 

jay2506

Member
Messages
21
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I'm a bit of a reluctant tester but bought this thinking it might encourage me to test more frequently. It has worked and I do find the speed of it good. Also, because it graphs everything it's very easy to identify patterns and any problems.

I did baulk at the £25 initially but I think it's worth it.
 

ams162

Well-Known Member
Messages
572
Type of diabetes
Type 1
thanku thats 2 positive comments for the usb so i think with my next payday i shall buy the tester we already get the teststrips on perscription so that wont be a problem. i like u thought the 25 pound price tag was the bit thats putting me off when all the others have been free but if its worth it then i dont mind so much

thanks again a
anna marie
 

steamerdave

Member
Messages
7
Type of diabetes
Type 2
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Non-insulin injectable medication (incretin mimetics)
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veg
There was a promotion code on this site that lets you have it for £20.00. I bought one and it did help me get my diet on track as the graphs show the highs and lows virtually as it happens. I ignored the reports of it not working well with Windows 7 as it seemed to work for me, well for a couple of days, now it does not seem to conect with my PC so readings have to be entered manually. I cant say what its like with XP as I dont have access to a PC with that OS these days but still think its a good piece of kit. Back up with Bayer has been good as they even replaced my meter when it first would not work and it was delivered next day.
I can only say good things about it.
Dave
 

faircot

Active Member
Messages
26
I've been using Abbott's Freestyle Light for some time (Abbott will probably give you one if you phone them and tell them you'll be testing regularly). Software and cable to transfer readings to your PC can be ordered free from their site, too. It works well with Win 7 (32 & 64 Bit). Their strips cost £14 odd direct from them if you ask - they don't mention that on their website, though!

Having said that, I've just bought a Contour USB because I like the thought of having an analysis on my laptop when traveling as well as my Home PC. The Contour contains a slightly limited but functional version of Glucofacts Deluxe on board and you can start the prog from any PC the Contour is plugged into and it will read the device and not leave any trace of itself when you pull it from the computer. You can also download a version of the software from Bayer and this is more fully featured. When it's run for the first time it will offer to create a permanent database on the computer which it will subsequently read to and from. Useful for backing up your past readings. This version of the software is more fully featured than the onboard one and allows you to configure the Contour from the PC instead of its screen. Both versions works with Win 7.

I'm finding the Contour really useful. Clear and quick in operation, it allows you to see a number of analyses of your readings including trends and averages. The only downside is the cost of strips if you have to buy them yourself. £25 from Bayer or around £10 on EBay. Well recommended device though.
 

ams162

Well-Known Member
Messages
572
Type of diabetes
Type 1
hi have had a freestyle lit for ages but not keen on the meter at the mo we use the accu chek nano and love it but really like the idea of the usb and as we currently have the test strips on prescription anyway thought it might be a good meter to buy thanks for ur input

anna marie
 

Patch

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,981
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
NO. No meter is worth buying.

If you approach the manufacturer in a nice e-mail, they'll send you one for free. Just tell 'em (even if you are going to buy your own strips) that you've spoken to your GP who is happy to change your prescription to strips that match that meter.

Meter's are a loss-leader for the manufacturers. They'll throw you a £25 meter if it means they'll get paid REGULARLY for the strips (whether it's you, or the NHS that is buying them!).
 

mehdave

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Messages
344
Type of diabetes
Type 2
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Rubbish doctors who dont listen. Unclean hospitals
Good luck with getting the countour usb free. They are actually still selling it as a large loss at £25
 

searley

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Retired Moderator
Messages
1,880
Type of diabetes
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Pump
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i like the contour usb, but still prefered the wavesense jazz!

i no longer use either as i now have the Accu-chek aviva expert which i quite like
 

anna29

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Hi. does anyone know where we can get an accu-check aviva expert blood glucose n carb calculator from ? and how much are they to buy? Anna. x
 

searley

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anna29 said:
Hi. does anyone know where we can get an accu-check aviva expert blood glucose n carb calculator from ? and how much are they to buy? Anna. x

initially i contacted roche, and they gave me a price, but said they would not sell me one without getting a voucher from my diabetic specialist, then i could contact roche to purchase

i contacted my DSN, who said that she had i meter i could have, all it would cost me is an hour of my time so it can be setup properly and i can be taught how to use it

i have had the meter for 3 weeks, and it is great, its quite large as far as meters go, and sadly the strips are coded and have a little chip that is supplied with the strips, but anyone who has an aviva/aviva nano already have this

since having the meter my control has been better, probably not because it says how much insulin to take, but because i am having to count carbs to use the meter, so i am just more aware of what im eating

i like the fact it calculated corrections, and has an idea of active insulin
 

anna29

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Thanks for your replies, I have emailed roche to find out how n where to obtain one in my area. Anna.x
 

anna29

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Hi, have emailed roche asking them where n how to aquire the accu-check expert BS n carb calculator, am yet awaiting a reply ?? You would think they would want , need the buisness? Any ideas round this one? Anyone... ? Anna.
 

searley

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Retired Moderator
Messages
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anna29 said:
Hi, have emailed roche asking them where n how to aquire the accu-check expert BS n carb calculator, am yet awaiting a reply ?? You would think they would want , need the buisness? Any ideas round this one? Anyone... ? Anna.

ask your diabetic care team / nurse!