Diabetic Live

The Accu-Chek brand by Roche Diagnostics is a popular one amongst diabetics who need to monitor their blood glucose level on a daily basis. There are a number of Accu-Chek models available and one such popular one is the Accu-Chek Active. The Accu-Chek Active glucose meter has many wonderful features and the following will discuss some of these features as well as pros and cons associated with this type of glucose meter.

Product Characteristics
The Accu-Chek Active glucose meter provides the tester with the option of flexible dosing with regard to doing so in or out of the meter, multiple testing site options, quick results in 5 seconds and 200-test memory capacity. In addition, one can create 7 and 14-day averages with their stored results as well as download the information onto their PC. This lightweight glucose meter also has a lancet device which promotes the least painful testing scenario as it prevents movement from side to side which can hurt the skin at the contact site. Also, the lancet device has a Comfort Dial which offers various depth settings where the user can choose a depth setting desirable for their testing needs.

Pros of the Accu-Chek Active Glucose Meter
One of the beneficial aspects is the ability to test with the strip either in the meter or outside of it. As testing with the strip in the meter can sometimes be cumbersome, having the option to apply the blood droplet to the strip while it is unattached to the glucose meter is a good thing to have. This attribute of the Accu-Chek Active glucose meter is highly appreciated by many testers.

Another positive aspect of the Accu-Chek Active glucose monitoring system is the accompanying lancet device. Since this lancet device provides practically pain-free testing and has a Comfort Dial to choose the best injection depth, it is a good choice for some glucose level testers. Having a top-notch lancet device will make the overall glucose meter that much better.

The multiple testing site capabilities of the Accu-Chek Active also make it a good choice. Since many individuals like to have other testing site options to prevent soreness encountered by some who test in the same area all the time, the Active model which has this feature is highly recommended, especially for those who opt for multiple testing sites.

Cons of the Accu-Chek Active Glucose Meter
As for the cons associated with the Accu-Chek Active glucose meter, the small memory size of the meter itself may be a bad feature for some. This glucose meter stores only 200 results which is large for some but small for others, especially those who like to leave their results on their test for a while and not have to download the information on a constant basis.

Another aspect which is not beneficial is the lack of a no coding feature. No coding features allow the user to simply pick up their test and use it without having to enter in any coding information. Some of the newer glucose meters offer this function these days and it is quite an attractive one to have.

The Bottom Line
When determining if this is the right type of glucose meter for you, it is important to determine what features you are looking for in a glucose monitoring system. If you are interested in a meter which has an average memory size, good lancet device and multiple test site options, then the Accu-Chek Active is for you and a great buy at approximately $20 retail. On the other hand, if you require no coding features and a larger memory size, then perhaps looking at other Accu-Chek meters or other brands of meters is the best plan.

The Accu-Chek Compact Plus glucose meter manufactured by Roche Diagnostics contains a variety of favorable features which are sure to please most individuals who use this type of glucose meter. A relatively new glucose monitoring system, the Accu-Chek Compact Plus has technologically advanced features which are supposed to make glucose testing a snap.

Product Characteristics
The Accu-Chek Compact Plus has many wonderful features. Some of the more highly talked about ones include the existence of a preloaded drum for no strip handling, a no coding feature, detachable lancet device, 5-second results and alternate test site options. This particular glucose meter has a 300-value memory which stores time and date information as well as various averages in order for you to compare your past testing results with one another. You can also download the information onto your PC by using the Accu-Chek Compass software.

Pros of the Accu-Chek Compact Plus Glucose Meter
There are quite a few pros associated with the Accu-Chek Compact Plus blood glucose meter. One beneficial aspect is the no strip handling feature. Due to the fact that this glucose meter has a preloaded drum, you do not have to be concerned with loading individual strips each and every time you have to obtain glucose level results. The drum consists of 17 strips which gives you quite a few tests before having to refill.

Another positive attribute of the Accu-Chek Compact Plus is the no coding feature. With glucose meters that have this favorable feature, the user does not have to pre-enter information into the meter prior to testing. Although the coding can be done quickly, especially by those who are experts in the area of glucose testing, eliminating the need for this feature will save time overall and get the test over and done with in a speedy fashion.

The detachable lancet device is also a good thing to have in your glucose meter. The Accu-Chek Compact Plus has a detachable device such as this one which allows one to test with it attached or unattached to the meter. The Softclix Plus lancet device by Accu-Chek makes testing easier by providing one with the option of collecting the blood sample without it being attached to the meter.

Cons of the Accu-Chek Compact Plus Glucose Meter
With the pros of this glucose meter being duly noted, it is also important to discuss the cons associated with the Accu-Chek Compact Plus as well. Some may find the lower memory level to be unsatisfactory to them. This particular meter has a 300-test result memory which is large enough in general however some may require a greater memory in order to have their results stored longer. Those who do not wish to remove the data as often may find that a 300-memory capacity is not large enough for their taste.

The lack of individual testing strips may be a con for some who are searching for a glucose meter. Although the new test drum is innovative and technologically advanced it may turn some people off, especially those who are wary of something new and different from their usual testing method. Some people prefer to still use the individual testing strips and for that group of individuals the testing drum may in fact be a less than favorable feature.

The Bottom Line
For those who are searching for a newer type of glucose meter that has a no coding feature and preloaded drum, the Accu-Chek Compact Plus might just be the perfect choice. The price is right as well, costing only about $32 retail. Some individuals may prefer a more inclusive glucose meter which has a larger memory capacity and additional features. For this group of individuals, shopping around a bit more for a glucose meter in keeping with their needs might be in their best interest.

The FreeStyle Freedom glucose meter manufactured by Abbott Diabetes Care promotes ease of reading and ease of handling components. This glucose meter is made by a well-known name in the diabetes care field and has many wonderful components which are designed to make procuring blood glucose level results easy as can be. The following will describe some of the product characteristics along with some pros and cons which may go along with the use of the FreeStyle Freedom glucose meter.

Product Characteristics
The FreeStyle Freedom glucose meter is a glucose monitoring system which has many favorable attributes. This particular meter has an easy to read display screen, ergonomic design for easy handling, 5-second test results, ability to reapply the blood sample within one minute of previous testing and programmable alarms. In addition, this glucose meter allows for alternate testing sites which enable the individual to use sites other than their finger for constant testing. The FreeStyle Freedom stores up to 250 prior test results and has an automatic shut off component which will aid in saving battery life should one forget to shut down their glucose meter after testing. It also requires an extremely small sample size of 0.3 microliters which makes for less painful and less prolonged testing.

Pros of the FreeStyle Freedom Glucose Meter
One of the pros of the FreeStyle Freedom glucose meter is the quick test results which users can achieve by using this type of glucose monitoring system. The 5-second test results allow for individuals to simply test and go. Since many are on a time schedule these days having a quick glucose meter is extremely beneficial.

The price is another favorable attribute of the FreeStyle Freedom glucose meter. Selling for approximately $25 retail this particular glucose meter offers quite a bit for a great price. This all-inclusive meter is well worth the price.

In addition, the FreeStyle Freedom glucose meter has a good memory capacity to it. Storing up to 250 test results allows the users to keep their information on their glucose meter and transfer it over to hard copy when they get the next available chance to do so. A good memory capacity is a nice attribute of a glucose meter.

Cons of the FreeStyle Freedom Glucose Meter
There seem to be very little negative aspects to the FreeStyle Freedom glucose meter. If any have to be mentioned perhaps the simple feature aspect can be mentioned. Although this meter has all of the necessary functions it may not have all of the components which some other glucose monitoring systems contain. Therefore, those individuals who may desire an all-inclusive glucose meter may find the FreeStyle Freedom meter lacking in some regards.

An additional less than favorable aspect for some may be the memory capacity. Although listed previously as a beneficial attribute, some may find that they need a larger memory capacity for their glucose meter. As some glucose meters are available with 350-test result memory capacity, the 250-result memory of the FreeStyle Freedom may not be enough for certain users.

The Bottom Line
When all is said and done, the FreeStyle Freedom is a great buy. If you are looking for an above average glucose meter with more than enough functions, quick testing time, good memory capacity and easy handling components, then the FreeStyle Freedom is the way to go. The inexpensive price tag is another reason to buy this model as you really get a lot for your money. For those who may need a bit more functions and greater memory capacity, there are other models available on the consumer market which might be more suitable. With that said, the FreeStyle Freedom is certainly not lacking in many areas.

If you are searching for a basic and simple functioning type of glucose meter, the OneTouch Basic glucose meter by LifeScan might be the perfect one to choose. This brand of meter performs general tasks necessary to monitoring blood glucose level and is easy to use. Reviewing the following product characteristics along with some pros and cons may help you to determine if this particular model of blood glucose meter is right for you.

Product Characteristics
The basic premise of the OneTouch Basic glucose monitoring system is ease of use. This particular model has a large screen which is easy to read, basic functioning skills which are easy to learn, produces test results in 45 seconds and contains a 75-result memory capacity with date and time. This is the perfect type of glucose monitoring system for those who want to keep it simple and get their blood glucose level results without all of the extra bells and whistles which some of the other glucose meters on the consumer market contain these days.

Pros of the OneTouch Basic Glucose Meter
Perhaps one of the number one pros associated with the LifeScan OneTouch Basic glucose meter is the ease of use. Since this model has basic functioning capabilities it is easy to use as well as easy to learn how to use it. The glucose meter will perform the blood glucose level test, register results and store 75 previous results for your reference. A glucose meter which is easy to use is quite favorable amongst diabetics who simply want to monitor their blood glucose level and not have to do much more than that.

The easy to read display is another beneficial aspect of the OneTouch Basic glucose meter. The large screen does not feature a lot of different numbers and symbols. This is a good thing for those who are confused by too much information on the glucose meter screen. It is easy to read and displays the pertinent figures necessary for those who just want to monitor their blood glucose level and not too much else.

Cons of the OneTouch Basic Glucose Meter
There are also some cons associated with the OneTouch Basic glucose meter. Some may find the simplicity of this meter to not be in keeping with their blood glucose monitoring needs. Some testers want their glucose meter to display a wide array of information and not just the basic glucose level readings. For those who want a more high tech type of glucose monitoring system, the OneTouch Basic glucose meter might not be the best model for them.

Another con of the OneTouch Basic glucose meter relates to the memory capacity of the monitoring system. Since this model only holds 75 prior test results, the individual who uses it will have to remove the data from their meter on a much more frequent basis than with some of the other types of glucose meters. This can be burdensome for those who like to store their data for a while longer and not have to constantly remove the data to a hard copy as frequently as they will have to do with this one.

The time it takes to register test results may be another negative aspect to users. Since many blood glucose meters these days will register results in 5 seconds, having one which takes 45 seconds to produce results as the OneTouch Basic does may be a con for certain individuals. Those who test on the run will find that the extra 40-second testing time may be burdensome and not conducive to a good glucose meter for their needs.

The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that if you are searching for a basic glucose meter which simply registers results without all of the flair of some other blood glucose meter models, then the OneTouch Basic will do the trick just fine. This model costs approximately $58 which is reasonable for a blood glucose monitoring system which will be used on a daily basis. For those who may want a more inclusive blood glucose monitoring system which has speedier test results and larger memory capacity, choosing a different model might be the best bet.

The OneTouch SureStep glucose meter by LifeScan is advertised as being the perfect glucose monitoring system for those who want an easy to read and easy to use blood glucose monitor. This particular glucose meter walks individuals through the steps to producing exact blood glucose level results and does not overwhelm users with too much information and too many function buttons.

Product Characteristics
The OneTouch SureStep glucose meter has various product characteristics which all tend to add up to an easy to use glucose monitoring system. This particular model has a single button testing feature, big display screen, large testing application area, easy blood sample application, easy to read results and 150-test memory with date and time features. In addition, one who uses the OneTouch SureStep will receive results in approximately 15 seconds and the data stored in the glucose meter memory can be viewed in terms of 14 and 30-day test averages. Another wonderful aspect of this glucose meter is that results can be downloaded to your PC for easy storing.

Pros of the OneTouch SureStep Glucose Meter
One of the main pros concerning the OneTouch SureStep glucose meter is the application method. With the extra large application area and confirmation dot on the meter, it makes it much more likely that the user will register accurate results on the first try thereby eliminating the need for more testing which can make the site area sore after a while.

Another positive aspect surrounding this model of glucose meter is the large display screen. This makes the results easy to see which is a wonderful aspect for many users. The figures which appear on the screen are large, clear and easy to read.

The OneTouch SureStep glucose meter also has download capabilities which make transferring information to one’s PC an easy feat. Rather than having to write down the past blood glucose levels in a record keeping book, one can simply connect a few cords and transfer the data quickly and efficiently onto the computer.

Cons of the OneTouch SureStep Glucose Meter
Some users may find a few less than favorable aspects about the OneTouch SureStep glucose meter. This model meter has a 150-test memory capacity which is good for some yet may not be as inclusive for others. Since many glucose meters have 300+ test result memory capacities, the 150-test result capacity might be too small a number for some users who like to have more results stored on their meter for a longer period of time.

In addition, the OneTouch SureStep glucose meter might be too simplistic for some users. Many of the newer blood glucose monitoring systems have a lot more function capabilities and can do more than simply register blood glucose level results. For those who want their glucose meter to do more than read blood glucose levels, choosing a different model might be a better plan.

The Bottom Line
When determining whether this type of glucose meter is right for you, think about what you require in a blood glucose meter. If you are looking for an easy to read glucose meter with relatively quick testing results and average memory capacity, then the OneTouch SureStep glucose meter might work fine for you. This type of test may run around $100 retail, however it may be available for less through some glucose meter retailers. For those who may crave a bit more with regard to their blood glucose monitoring system, there are other glucose meters for sale which have a bit more functions and capabilities than this particular meter. If you are not worried about testing correctly as you have mastered the blood sample application method, then the OneTouch SureStep glucose meter might not be a necessary requirement for you as it is often chosen by those who have had a hard time registering proper blood sample results with other meters in the past.

New Innovations In Blood Glucose Monitoring – Being able to monitor blood sugar levels is critical for any individual with diabetes; or any one caring for someone with diabetes.  Although blood sugar levels can be easily monitored from home, the method of pricking fingers can get pretty irritating.  Especially when you take into to consideration the frequency that is needed in order to effectively monitor blood sugar levels. There is also the inability for some individuals with diabetes, typically children, to know whether or not their blood sugar level is serious enough to warrant immediate attention.  However, as technology improves so does the devices and methods for monitoring blood sugar levels.   The following products are mostly still in the research and development stages, but may be available in a few years.

One concept in the works is the ability to use contact lenses in order to monitor blood sugar levels.  Using, thin plastic sensors that would be placed inside contact lenses, an individual would be able to monitor blood sugar without pricking their fingers.  The sensors within the contact lenses would change colors in order to reflect the changes in the body’s blood sugar levels.  The lenses would even be able to be worn by individuals who do not need contact lenses.

Another new development is the smart tattoo.  Like the eye sensors, these tattoos would change color when an individual’s blood sugar became too low.  The smart tattoo would use tiny polymer beads, instead of ink.  Unlike the contact lenses, the smart tattoo may be more than 2-4 years away, since it has not been tested on humans yet.

Under the skin sensors are also in the works, and may be available within the next 5 years.  These sensors would be placed under the skin; so, an individual with diabetes would be able to simply wave their arms in front of a blood glucose reader.  This technology is similar to the sensors placed in plastic tags of merchandise within the retail industry.

For children, there is a video in the works.  One of the first of these games will be Gluco Boy ® which is a glucose meter.  In order to reward children for maintaining good blood sugar levels, Gluco Boy will unlock special games.  Although there may be others in the future that will work with the various gaming system.  Gluco Boy must be used with a Nintendo Game Boy ® system.

There is one new technology that is available now, and that is the wireless blood glucose monitoring device.  Although it has yet to garner mainstream attention, this device is really making a splash within the medical community.  This device uses cell phone networks to send blood glucose data straight to an individual’s doctor.  The information would go straight to their PDA, and the doctor would instantly know whether or not a patient’s situation requires immediate attention.  This new technology has been implemented in a few hospitals, and is typically designed for individuals with Type I diabetes.

And, the FDA has approved a Gluco Watch.  This watch would use painless sensors on the skin to measure blood sugar levels every 20 minutes.  The watch can perform this with pricking the skin or drawing any blood.  Although the Gluco watch has only been approved for adult use, there is great confidence that the technology will only improve, and a children’s version will be developed soon.

Monitoring blood glucose levels is critical for any individual with diabetes.  But unfortunately the methods can be a bit of a hassle, especially for those who are constantly on the go.  Luckily, there is new technology on the horizon that will help people with diabetes live happy, healthier lives.

Abbott Global provides the FreeStyle Freedom Lite glucose meter. Users appreciate the large displays and compact design offered by FreeStyle. Programs offered by FreeStyle may make the choice even easier for some.

Statistics

•    The blood sample size for the Freedom Lite is the smallest we have ever reviewed.
•    Meter storage allows for a significant variable in acceptable temperature (-4 to 104 F)
•    Features a lifetime warranty.
•    Can hold up to 400 tests.
•    The battery can produce up to 1,000 test results.
•    Coding is not required.

Pros
As you may have detected from the statistics list above one of the key benefits to the FreeStyle Freedom Lite glucose meter is that it is currently the world best meter for the least amount of blood required for the testing process. The storage capacity for tests is not the best in the world, but surpasses many other meters. Battery life is very good although there are some that can provide up to 2,000 tests. The value of no required coding is worth a lot to many diabetics as well. This is also a very light meter making it easy to carry and store.

Cons
It is possible the FreeStyle Freedom Lite exceeds your need. There are many other meters that can offer similar results if you don’t need extensive storage of testing data or if temperature isn’t an issue for unit storage (i.e. a mild climate). If you don’t mind coding then you may not need the Freestyle Freedom Lite. On the other hand it may not provide enough of these options for your needs either. It all depends on what you see as important in your testing equipment.

Bottom Line
Like other manufacturers Abbott Global has created a website specifically for users of the FreeStyle Freedom Lite. This includes benefits such as articles related to diabetes. You can “Ask the Expert” to gain better understanding of issues related to diabetes. There is a Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator to help you with weight management goals. You will also find a diabetes dictionary featuring a glossary of terms related to the disease. The site also offers ways to increase the level of activity you engage in on a daily basis in an effort to lower your weight and provide a better glucose balance within your body.

You can also join the FreeStyle Promise program that claims to offer a $600 annual savings on testing supplies along with, “Live access to… Certified Diabetes Educators, Registered Nurses and Registered Dietitians, plus other valuable resources to make ongoing diabetes monitoring and management easy.”

Unless you live in an area where the offer is prohibited by law you can also receive a FreeStyle Freedom Lite glucose meter at no cost when you become a member of this free program. There are certain legal restrictions that you will need to consider. For instance if your blood testing equipment is paid for in whole or in part by insurance (private or federal) you will not qualify for testing supply savings when you enroll in the program.

The Freedom Lite does not have a backlight so you will need to test in a well-lit area. The design is compact and the results seem consistent. The buttons are larger than some meters and a color-coded port makes it easier to see where to place testing strips.

Abbott Global provides the FreeStyle Lite glucose meter. Users appreciate the large displays and compact design offered by FreeStyle. Enhanced features make this a solid choice for some diabetics.

Statistics

•    The blood sample size for the Freedom Lite is the smallest we have ever reviewed.
•    Backlit and also provides a light for testing portal for easy use in low-light situations. This meter even provides a small light to illuminate test area in low-light scenarios.
•    Alternate testing sites can be used with this meter except in cases of low blood sugar (finger is suggested in all such cases).
•    Four daily reminder alarms are available.
•    Is interactive with an Abbot developed computer program to track diabetes. Connects to you computer via cable.
•    Meter storage allows for a significant variable in acceptable temperature (-4 to104 F)
•    Features a lifetime warranty.
•    Can hold up to 400 tests.
•    The battery can produce up to 500 test results.
•    Coding is not required.

Pros
The FreeStyle Lite Glucose Meter is a more feature rich edition of the FreeStyle Freedom Lite from Abbott Global. It’s lightweight design and its ability to adapt to multiple environments makes it a choice many are comfortable with. The backlighting and test strip portal illumination are a favorite feature for many diabetics.

Cons
While the backlighting can be a benefit it also consumes up to twice the available energy reserves. This means that batteries will need replacing more often. Where the FreeStyle Lite can produce up to 500 test results the FreeStyle Freedom Lite can produce up to 1,000 test results (this model features no backlighting).

Bottom Line
The FreeStyle Lite Glucose Meter works in conjuction with the Abbot developed Co-Pilot software. Company information states, “The CoPilot™ Health Management System is a versatile tool that allows people with diabetes, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals to take a more informed role in
managing diabetes by acting as a data management tool. The CoPilot system tracks diabetes related health information, and provides graphs, charts and reports that can help both patients and healthcare professionals evaluate needs and options for a diabetes health management program.

“The CoPilot Health Management System (“the CoPilot system”) allows you to upload recorded test results from supported Abbott Diabetes Care blood glucose monitoring systems. The CoPilot system also allows you to record information about insulin, ketones, medications, meals, exercise, state of health, medical exams, lab results, as well as general notes.

“The CoPilot system displays trends and patterns in glucose readings, carbohydrate intake, insulin dosage, and other diabetes-related factors.”

You can also join the FreeStyle Promise program that offers a $600 annual savings on testing supplies along with, “Live access to… Certified Diabetes Educators, Registered Nurses and Registered Dietitians, plus other valuable resources to make ongoing diabetes monitoring and management easy.”

There are certain legal restrictions that you will need to consider. For instance if your blood testing equipment is paid for in whole or in part by insurance (private or federal) you will not qualify for testing supply savings when you enroll in the program.

The Ascensia Breeze Glucose Meter is very similar to the Dex 2, but provides a design style that may prove more favorable for those looking for comfort in a hand held blood glucose monitor.

If coding is an issue then the Bayer developed Breeze provides a no-coding way to get the testing results you need.

Statistics

• Operation made easy for virtually all patients regardless of age, dexterity or vision capabilities
• Designed to provide stability in tabletop testing
• Error detection is automatic ensuring greater accuracy
• Display is easy to read
• Accurate results with small blood sample
• Stores up to 100 tests.
• Each button performs a single function making it easy for patients to use
• Instructions provided with clear illustration for easy start up.
• Compatible with the Ascensia WinGlucofacts PC software encouraging comprehensive diabetes management
• Multiple site testing including the finger, forearm, palm, abdomen and thigh. Consult your healthcare professional for appropriate sites

Pros
Some patients simply enjoy the act of reloading the test strips. They find it very convenient to use the testing wheel of ten strips as opposed to reloading every time they need to retest. The lancet used generally provides as positive an experience as can be had with glucose testing. The size and shape of the Ascensia Breeze Glucose Meter is both appealing and functional.

Cons
The opening for the testing wheel can be problematic for individuals with vision problems or arthritis. This issue can be overcome, but it may mar your initial use of the glucose meter. Alternate testing sites require a separate lancet that will need to be purchased separately from the original Ascensia Breeze Glucose Meter kit. While this is considered by many to be one of the better meters on the market today the extra lancet purchase and slightly complex method of installing the testing wheel may cause disappointment or frustration in some users.

Bottom Line
If you are an individual who loves to visit gadget websites and enjoys figuring out how to make new purchases work to the best of their ability you will likely be highly satisfied with a Ascensia Breeze Glucose Meter. This meter does provide comprehensive and trusted results while offering convenience in the long-term.

On the other hand if you are seeking something very simple that will provide results without an extended learning curve you may want to look at the Ascensia Dex 2 or Elite XL. Bayer products have a solid history of quality so any review that may seem negative is likely linked to issues related to presentation or design preferences.

About Bayer: Bayer HealthCare Diabetes Care is a leader in diabetes monitoring systems and other products and services that simplify life for people with diabetes and healthcare professionals.

In the U.S., only Bayer makes available a complete line of single and multi-testing blood glucose meters (BGM) including the BREEZE®2 and CONTOUR® systems, both with No Coding™ technology, and no interference with common substances such as maltose. Minimizing the impact from many external variants helps to ensure accuracy of test results. Bayer is the only leading diabetes care company to offer hand-held, portable monitoring of A1C (glycated hemoglobin), an important indicator of long-term blood sugar control. Products include the A1CNow+® for healthcare professionals and the A1CNow™® SELFCHECK monitor for home use. (Source: Bayer)

The Ascensia DEX 2 Glucose Meter provides a sense of convenience with a 10-strip cartridge for systematic blood testing without the need to continually change strips. It is manufactured by Bayer and is often offered at no cost by companies who tie the freebie to testing supplies.

Unlike the Ascensia Elite XL this meter provides more features, buttons and averages to help you gauge your diabetic management.

Statistics

•    Cover slide for display protection
•    Codes automatically
•    100 blood sugar readings can be stored
•    A test strip that draws the blood into the strip automatically
•    Compatible with specific diabetic tracking software
•    Test results available in 30 seconds
•    10-strip cartridge located inside the meter
•    Blood volume between 2.5 and 3.5 microliters
•    Each test strip cartridge is automatic calibrated.
•    Five-year warranty
•    14-day average, plus average at 6:00 AM, 12:00 noon, 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM
•    Uses two standard watch batteries for power offering approximately 1,000 tests between battery changes
•    Is rated for testing in sites other than the finger
•    Will let you know if it didn’t get enough blood for a sample

Pros
This unit combines both cost effectiveness with a feature rich interface. The end result is a well-developed meter that provides significant data along with the convenience most diabetics want in their testing equipment. The use of the 10-strip cartridge that automatically draws blood into the strip for testing are features that many diabetics will like and adds to the convenience of using this blood glucose meter.

Cons
Beyond the fact that it looks a little like the Tricorder from Star Trek this product seems a little bulky for the preferred hand-held models currently available. The unit will fit in your hand, but the bulge on either side created by the testing wheel may not be personally preferred. The amount of blood (2.5 microliters or more) is more than five times what the best meters require for testing and it may prove difficult for some diabetics to draw the larger sample. Secondarily there are many new meters on the market that offer testing times that are much shorter than the 30 seconds offered by the Ascensia DEX 2 Glucose Meter.

Bottom Line
The Ascensia DEX 2 Glucose Meter seems to be viewed as a solid choice, but not perhaps ranked among the most preferred blood glucose meters. Many users enjoy the benefits of this meter, but may wish for a model that requires less blood per sample. They may like the alternate site testing capabilities, but may wish the unit were more compact.

There is nothing wrong with the Ascensia DEX 2 Glucose Meter and many patients are entirely satisfied with the testing process. However, if a user migrates from a meter that requires a smaller blood sample they may not be happy with this unit. If you have trouble drawing a large sample then this unit may not be a good match.

Perhaps the trouble with this unit is it is not an entry-level device and it is not a high-end unit. It may be perfect as a graduated step, but less acceptable for diabetics who have experienced a top-end meter.