Meters

[skb]

The discussion on meters within the Fasting thread was very informative not to have its own space. Why not put it in its proper place

I believe that the FDA changed their requirements for blood glucose monitors and now they are required to be within 15% accuracy now.  I also use the Contour Next One meter and it seems to be very accurate or at least consistent.  It also needs no code but like Barbara, I can mess up the most foolproof system with the dreaded "operator error ".

I was not aware of this. It's a good thing if the error has been brought down from from the 20%

[skb]

I was surprised in working with my recent pump trainer to hear her tell me that she relies on her CGM for bolusing, however, as they can be much more inaccurate even though now FDA approved for that purpose. I test by finger stick before eating and/or if very high or low just as a guideline.

Interesting. I wonder if the CGM is not very dependable, does one have to factor in this error in the pump for dose calculations ?

[skb]

I guess meter technology has changed quite a bit in all the years that I have used them.

I started off in 2007 with an Abbott meter which was way too erratic, or so I thought. It very well might be that my numbers were running all over the place at that time.

After this I bought a Bayer Contour but I used it only for a month or so.

I then went in for an AccuChek Integra, the one which has a sealed drum of strips that rotates and brings out a strip every time it is used. Someone at a previous forum had recommended it because the strips remain sealed until used and chances of contamination and error were pretty low. This meter has a very heavy battery usage, plus the drum of strips was very expensive for my extensive testing at that time.

I then started to use the AccuChek Active as the strips are pretty inexpensive. I buy them for around $ 17 per 100. I've stayed with this meter for the longest time. It has its error margins but they follow a set pattern and the meter / strip combo is very reliable. I've found that the BG & %age error on this system are directly proportionate. The higher the BG number the higher the % error. I don't know if that is true for all meters.

I also use a One Touch Select at times when I need to cross check my number. The One Touch gives near lab readings in the range of 70 - 100, but if your number is higher the meter can become very erratic. The strips are pretty tiny and you cannot handle them without touching the reagent coated part. I think that is the problem.

I read a comparative study on meters and bought a Bionime RighTest 100 based on the suggestions in the study. This is a very good meter but has now been discontinued and the strips are no longer available.

[walkerwally1]

this article describes the new FDA guidelines for glucose meters that was apparently effective 10/2016. 
https://diatribe.org/fda-publishes-final-recommendations-blood-glucose-meter-accuracy

[Shanny]

I have always used the ReliOn meters. They don't have all the bells & whistles, but the strips are cheap. The first one I had was ReliOn Micro and the one I use now is ReliOn Confirm.

[rocky]

I also use a One Touch Select

That's the one I use and I see no need for a change. Works quite well for me.

[Tamagno]

Everything depends on your own awareness of glucose. I very, very rarely eat without a finger stick, no matter what my CGM says.

Also, a 15% error is very different bolusing for a 20 carb meal if you're glucose is 80 or 200.

I do use the AccuChek Integra, but reuse the same needle for weeks at a time.

[Shanny]

Same here - I can't remember the last time I changed the lancet!

[walkerwally1]

I test 4-5 times a day and I change my lancet about once a day.  To me they are less painful when sharp and they are too cheap to worry about. 
I tried the Relion meter and it was just not very consistent, at least the one I had.  Strip cost was the main reason I went with the Contour Next meter because I could get a very good price for them on Amazon.

[skb]

Also, a 15% error is very different bolusing for a 20 carb meal if you're glucose is 80 or 200.

Absolutely.