contour usb is it worth buying??

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.

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.

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

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.

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!).

Good luck with getting the countour usb free. They are actually still selling it as a large loss at £25

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

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

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

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Googling for this meter gives me this link. If you click the "contact us" link at the bottom of this page it will give you the option to email Accu-chek. Good luck.

http://www.accu-chek.co.uk/gb/products/ ... xpert.html

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

Click to expand...

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

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

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.

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.

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ask your diabetic care team / nurse!