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Choosing a blood glucose meter

1980amyk

1980amyk

Member
Messages
12
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Good morning,

I was diagnosed with T1 in January and was given a Freestyle Optium Neo meter from my diabetic nurse, I haven't been happy with it as the finger pricker keeps coming apart- I've had 3 with the same problem. I have to physically hold it together as I prick my finger and also recently I've been getting error readings therefore wasting test strips and time especially if I am feeling unwell and suspecting a hypo. I test about 6 times a day, maybe more if I'm doing high cardio exercise.
What meters do people recommend (unfortunately the libre is out of the question due to price) I have spoken to a nurse at my GP practice but they didn't offer any guidance.
Also has anyone experienced any problems getting their prescriptions changed at GP practice to accommodate a change of meter?
Many thanks in advance.
 
The error your encountering is probably due to a lack of blood going into the strip. On my GlucomenLX plus meter it's E-4 or something. It happens when I kind of miss the strip and it only takes some of the blood that it's meant to. The associated finger pricker I had no problems with and had been using it for over two years.

Currently, I'm using the Freestyle Libre - but when driving or double checking Libre readouts - I use the Dario Smart Meter. It's TINY and integrates with your smart phone via the headphone jack. For me, it's size it's the game changers as I no longer require a bulky pouch to carry my finger pricker, reader and test strip pot. The good news, it's cheap at £14.95 for the device and x50 strips. The better news, is that lancets and strips are available on the NHS (providing you live in the UK of course). As long as your new chosen meter doesn't incur an increase in cost for strips, etc - then you should be fine getting your prescription changed.

There are many, many readers on the market so google searching will give you plenty reviews and the like.

Good luck,
Grant
 
@1980amyk Hi there - it sounds like it's more an issue with the finger pricker you are using than your meter, you can ring up freestyle and ask for a new finger pricker, tell them about the issues with your testing as they do offer a range of types ?

If you did want to change your meter then it's what is available in your trust, as this is what they would stock test strip wise, so best to go back to your nurse again on this point.
 
1980amyk said:
What meters do people recommend (unfortunately the libre is out of the question due to price) I have spoken to a nurse at my GP practice but they didn't offer any guidance.
Click to expand...

You would need to ask your DSN (if under the care of a hospital clinic) but the Accu-Chek Aviva Expert is a great meter, it has a built-in bolus calculator which should help if you struggle to work out your bolus doses at meal-times, it has to be pre-programmed before use so this usually involves the help of a DSN.

But all the Accu-Chek meters are good, especially as they have a finger pricking device that contains a drum that has 6 lancets, can also recommend the Contour Next USB meter.
 
You can also go on the bayer website and order a couple of there meters from them as I am using a bayer contour next usb meter from them but the one I got before that was the contour next XT meter which is just as good for you to use but the usb meter allows you to add your insulin and carbs into it and has a rechargeable battery inside it and you can get the plug for it off them for free but your dsn will be able to advise you best
 
Most companies will send you a free meter with ten or so test strips and their finger pricker. I use the Freestyle mini finger pricker with my Glucomen Areo (which is okay but not brilliant).
 
I have an AccuChek Mobile and I like it because it has an attached finger pricker with 5 lancets preloaded, and also it takes cartridges of 50 test strips so you don't have to fiddle about with those. I also got a good quality free case for it.

My back up meter is a Freestyle Lite - basic but light and simple to use. Yes, the finger pricker is a bit flimsy but it's been ok so far and I do use it a lot.
 
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