Insulin timers/counters for pens

I've been nosing around a little for a little device that will keep track of when I last injected, and seeing if it's suitable for me. I am usually meticulous about logging things, but when things get hectic I sometimes end up logging my entry in mySugr but can't remember if I actually injected for it or not (the log comes before the injection). These seem to be really useful and allowing me to compare the counter and the log entry to see where I'm at.

Now the products I found are these two so far:

Timesulin https://timesulin.com/
Insulcheck http://www.eu.insulcheck.com/

Does anyone around here use these? Has it been useful to you? What prompted you to get them?

Both are reasonably priced for what they do, but I'm a little hesitant about using a cap because I'm not confident I'll be able to rely on that one as much as I would on a device that resets the timer only when you actually inject. I'm also not happy with the fact that you can't replace batteries in the Timesulin cap and have to dispose and repurchase - that hurts the wallet and environment in my opinion.

So I'm really leaning towards the Insulcheck, but other than a few instructional videos and glowing testimonials on both sites I haven't found an awful lot of reviews. If anyone uses either of these (or knows of another one that's UK/EUR based for shipping) I'm curious to know why you picked that particular one and how it works for you!

tim2000s said:

As you use NovoRapid, you could just get a NovoPen Echo and use Penfill Cartridges. These have the timer and memory built into the pen.

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I didn't know that! I'll have to see if my DSN can prescribe this, but I will assume for now she doesn't - I asked about cartridge pens before and she said they generally don't prescribe these especially when the Flexpen works well for someone most of the time. I'm seeing her again in June and get some more info though, that sounds super handy.

db89 said:

I've not used any addons to the pens but I use a Novopen Echo for my bolus pen which has a memory built into the pen (in the plunger) that remembers your last dose delivered if it's a possible alternative for you? The main reason I got it was for the option of half units to be a bit more precise but it is still quite a useful feature.

Environmentally, it's got to be better than disposable pens and it's supposed to last 4 years I think but also doesn't have a replaceable battery.

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I'm going to look into this. Playing it safe and assuming for now this isn't an option for me, if it isn't I'll at least have a plan B with the Insulcheck. Thanks!

tim2000s said:

Tell your DSN to get stuffed if she says that. I don't know of anywhere that doesn't allow you to use NovoPen Echos, and fundamentally, until someone includes a memory function in flexpens, they are way better!

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Man, as far as 'choices' go in this country I don't have a lot of good things to tell. I was almost forced on Victoza against my will when I wanted insulin (because obviously my beta-cells were failing hard), and I asked for a pen with half units and was denied when I was finally given insulin, so.... not holding my breath on this.

satindoll said:

I was prescribed one Novo Pen Echo when I went onto Novo Rapid, I asked for and was refused another for my Insulatard so I brought one myself from Amazon, they are cheaper on ebay but I don't do ebay, love them no more wondering when or how many units given........reassurance as and when needed.......job done.

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I'd still have to get cartridges prescribed so if they don't give me the pen, they won't give the cartridges lol. But thank you for the tip!

pinewood said:

I've been using Timesulin following a couple of occasions where I forgot whether or not I took my Lantus. It's very handy but not all that reliable; I find they generally only last about 7-10 months and then need replacing.

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That's what bothers me the most. That's 20 pounds a pop, whereas the Insulcheck is 30 euros per attachment and has replaceable batteries and will last years...