- This topic has 29 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 13 years, 5 months ago by
.
-
Posts
-
-
I want to get a new blood glucose meter, not because I’m unhappy with my existing one but fancy a new gadget! The Accu-Check Aviva Nano is catching my eye, but to be honest it’s because it comes with a finger pricker that can hold 6 lancets, which can be disposed in the normal household waste instead of a sharps bin. What does everyone use, and what points are you happy/unhappy with? Sigh, the things us diabetics get excited about lol :o)
-
Cor, if only there was a website which had a load of blood glucose meter reviews…
http://www.shootuporputup.co.uk/about-us/about-our-reviews/
The best one to go for, in my view, is the FreeStyle Lite (http://www.shootuporputup.co.uk/2009/06/review-abbott-freestyle-lite/) as it’s small, sexy, accurate, has a light that lights up the test strip and is, well, just good.
I use it with a finger pricker from the Wavesense Jazz (http://www.shootuporputup.co.uk/2009/04/review-wavesense-jazz-blood-glucose-meter/) rather than the one it came with because it’s tiny and works as well as any other finger pricker (I don’t believe the hype about painless finger prickers, when it comes down to it you’re still sticking a sharpened bit of steel into your finger whichever one you use!)
The Nano (http://www.shootuporputup.co.uk/2009/06/review-roche-accu-chek-aviva-nano/) is quite a nice meter. Small and funky but they use the ugliest test strips on the market. A minor point but, hey, I can be picky if I want to!
-
@clairev I got the aviva, aviva nano and a Bayer USB. I too thought the nano would be great but I have had technical issues with them including returns. It may be isolated but I no longer trust the meter.
I switch between the aviva and the bayer at the mo. I find the bayer more sensitive than the aviva for some strange reason, but guess it is each to their own. Unfortunately I can not get either the wavesense nor the freestyle.. Boooooooo! “buggger” Booooooooo!
-
@clairev I too have the Nano and have also had to return one as it was going through batteries unusually quickly. However, for me I like it’s size and ease of use. It can’t record extra stuff other than adding a logo to your test but I’m using the DAFNE app for that now anyways.
The pricker gets top top marks however for the reasons you’ve given.
-
Ha ha, thanks Tim – what luck :o) Actually, I have the FreeStyle Lite already so maybe it’s not such a bad idea after all to stick with it. That therefore leads on to how I can replace my finger pricker, are they sold separately? I should know this after almost 20 years, but tend to stick with the one I have, an Accu check one which is so old the writing has nearly all faded off!!
Hi Mike, what do you think of the Bayer USB? Have seen them advertised and they look like a whole new concept on the tradtional meter which is great.
-
Thanks Dave, interesting that two people have had problems with the Nano!
-
Slightly related to all of this – does anyone know of a meter, or alternative testing method, that works at lower temperatures? My Nano is recommended to only be used above 6 degrees (like the Three Degrees but twice as good?).
I’m comtemplating a three peaks challenge next year and on previous, less well-controlled, long walks I’ve managed to blag it with a pre-walk test and calculations along the way. However, It would be useful to have an accurate guide when around freezing as to where I actually am.
-
The Bayer USB is an okay meter. There was a lot hype about it, but aside from a colour screen it’s not all that. It’s not bad – just not as epoch-breaking as some have claimed. In my not very humble opinion.
I used the RF version of the Bayer Contour for a few months and thought it was the worst, most inaccurate meter I’ve ever used in my puff. So I’m now a bit wary of Bayer kit. Others may well have had different, better experiences.
In terms of a new finger pricker, I would just give them a ring and see if they’ll send you one for free!
-
@seasiderdave – hmm, I’ve not heard of a meter specifically designed for the cold; could you keep it in an inside pocket and only whip it out (as it were) when you need to test?
-
@Tim – I’ve tried that before but sadly it quickly assesses the local temperature
-
-
Thanks Tim, always love a freebie
I’ve never heard of a meter especially for cold weather either…might seem like a silly idea but could be worthwhile looking on the web at sites based in cold countries like Russia??
-
-
@seasiderdave I am surprised that @tim has not made some form of bespoke meter case offer on behalf of @katie ??? Perhaps one a little puffer jacket version??
-
@clairev I’m relatively happy with the bayer usb. The strips are smaller and imagine for some fiddly.
I’ve not really run into any issues with it at all. Its plugs in my iMac which is nice I guess but the software that comes with it, as with all the others is utter tripe (disclaimer; In my humble like opinion) -
Just got the Nano rather like its size! Finger prickers I don’t do so if any one wants mine let me know? @seasider dave why don’t you ring a few reps they may even sponsor you? Good luck.
-
I’m trying so hard to gather enough enthusiasm to have an opinion on a meter, but I just can’t. It’s the one bit of diabetes kit that doesn’t excite me at all. I’ll stick with my Optium Xceed because it doesn’t offend me and changing to something else seems like a lot of effort for no reward. When it comes to meters, I’m definitely Apathetic Alison
-
@alison is the Xceed meter the one that checks for blood ketones as well?
-
@Mike Yes with the purple sticks that suck up about a pint of blood. Had mine for over a year. Pretty good, only problem is occasionally it freezes up and loses its time settings.
-
@alison – you’re soooo 20th century, man. You need to get wid us kool kidz with the latest and funkiest meters!
-
-
While I was having a look for meters on google I discovered you can get OneTouch meters for free (just google them). There are terms and conditions (i.e. you need to answer some questions once you receive the meter as it’s a free trial rather than just a giveaway) but thought people may be interested!
-
-
You’re all wrong, as usual! The bestest meter in the Whole Wide World is the Accu-Chek Mobile! Nice and chunky, quick, easy, and always ready. You can find a wonderfully written review for this excellent machine HERE
-
@Teloz – you’re obsessed man!
-
Teloz, something tells me you like that meter – hope you’re earning commission
-
I’ve been using the Accu-Chek Expert since Christmas. It has a few idiosyncracies in its setup (it’s the meter which offers pump-style bolus advice and is pretty close to the Combo handset). Once it is properly up and running though, and you’ve managed to tweak the settings to get it to give you good advice it can provide weeks of spectacularly good levels.
I *love* it.
Got it free from DSN as part of a Trial. There are a few freebies still knocking about I think.
Wrote a fairly nit picky review here: http://www.everydayupsanddowns.co.uk/2011/01/accu-chek-aviva-expert-review-one-month.html
-
@Mike – I’ve got an Expert sitting next to me (and have done for the past month) waiting for me to review! I have to confess to being quite lazy when it comes to reviewing stuff…
Anyway, I think it’s a brilliant bit of kit and would suggest everyone on MDI goes and reads Mike’s review (that is, until my review eventually goes up
) -
Easy peasy @Tim send the meter to me and I’ll review
-
-
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.