Diabetic Live

Glucose meters come in many different styles ranging anywhere from larger, multifaceted monitoring systems to small yet basic models. No matter what type of glucose level monitoring system one is looking for, they are sure to find the perfect one for their diabetic monitoring needs amongst the ones available on the consumer market today. One of the newer, more innovative models is the OneTouch UltraMini glucose meter by LifeScan. This particular meter has quite a bit of inclusions in addition to a nice compact size.

Product Characteristics
The OneTouch UltraMini is first and foremost a compact blood glucose testing alternative to some of its larger counterparts. The small size of this particular meter is one of the most attractive benefits surrounding it. Other product characteristics of the OneTouch UltraMini include five-second test results, simple three-step method, vibrant color options, 50-test memory, large screen and easy navigation capabilities. This is the perfect glucose meter for those who like a compact size and easy to use components.

Pros of the OneTouch UltraMini Glucose Meter
One of the major pros to this particular glucose meter is the small size dimensions. The OneTouch UltraMini is so compact that it can easily fit into one’s pocket. Since many individuals rarely sit around the house day in and day out, having a small testing meter which they can take everywhere with them is a wonderful attribute. Another beneficial aspect of the OneTouch UltraMini is the wide array of colors which you can choose from when buying this brand of blood glucose monitoring system. From light blue to vibrant purple, there is a range of colors from which to choose your favorite one.

The OneTouch UltraMini glucose meter is also a complete system in and of itself. When you purchase this testing kit you receive everything you need to get your blood glucose level results on a daily basis. This is a nice component as other glucose meters may require you to purchase extra accessories in order to make the meter work to its best ability. In addition, this glucose meter is quite inexpensive, costing approximately $20 retail, which is a definite pro for some. Lastly, this product boasts ease of use as there are not too many components to it which are difficult to understand or navigate through when completing your daily testing.

Cons of the OneTouch UltraMini Glucose Meter
Although this type of glucose meter is favored by many, there are some potentially negative aspects surrounding it. One of the less favorable aspects of the OneTouch Ultra Mini is the fact that it only has a 50-test memory. This can be a negative aspect for those who like to keep track of their daily test results yet don’t have a chance to transfer them from the glucose meter to a hard copy on a frequent basis. The less memory space a glucose meter has the more often one will have to transfer the results in order to make room for new test results. This can be a negative factor for some.

An additional less than satisfactory aspect for some individuals who use glucose meters is the simplicity of this meter. Some individuals like their glucose monitoring systems to contain all of the bells and whistles. Therefore, this particular model may be lacking in the complexity field as it is somewhat of a basic type of glucose meter.

The Bottom Line
If you are searching for a glucose meter which is small in size, inexpensive, performs basic functions, is colorful in nature and has reasonably quick testing time, then the OneTouch UltraMini might just be the perfect choice. Should you require something a bit more in depth with regard to testing functions and memory size, then perhaps a different model of glucose meter may be better for you and your blood glucose testing needs.

LifeScan is a company which specializes in glucose meters. Among their various glucose meter products is the OneTouch Ultra2 glucose meter. The OneTouch Ultra2 Glucose Meter has many favorable traits which make it a favorite amongst diabetic individuals.

Product Characteristics
One of the main product characteristics which LifeScan promotes with regard to the OneTouch Ultra2 is the top notch tracking capabilities with regard to how food affects one’s blood sugar level. This particular glucose meter has many different features which allow individuals to flag results based upon their food intake and see how the food they eat as well as the portion size impacts their blood sugar level. Other product characteristics of the OneTouch Ultra2 include small blood sample size, simple and easy to use features, 5-second results, download capabilities, 500-result memory and small size.

Pros of the OneTouch Ultra2 Glucose Meter
One of the beneficial aspects and unique features of the OneTouch Ultra2 glucose meter is the food and blood sugar level comparison mode. This particular glucose level monitoring system allows individuals to see how the food they eat determines their blood sugar level. Functions such as pre-meal testing, post-meal testing and effect of food portion size all provide useful results to the tester. The results can help the individual to alter their food intake and choose a healthier diet which will keep their glucose level within target range.

Another pro to purchasing the OneTouch Ultra2 glucose meter is that one who does so will get an extremely generous memory size. This glucose meter can store up to 500 results which is one of the largest memory sizes amongst all glucose meters on the market today. The large memory size allows individuals to store their results on the glucose meter for a longer period of time and then download the information onto their PC when they have the chance to do so.

The simple nature of the OneTouch Ultra2 is another pro in the eyes of some individuals. For those who test with these glucose meters and may not be extremely technologically savvy, having a glucose meter which performs simple operations to produce glucose level results and nothing more is highly desirable and a definite pro.

Cons of the OneTouch Ultra2 Glucose Meter
As for cons which can be cited alongside of this particular testing meter, the simplicity which was mentioned as a favorable aspect in the pros section can also be a con for some. Certain individuals may prefer their glucose meter to contain multifaceted features which are inclusive in nature. It is this group of individuals which may feel as if the OneTouch Ultra2 is too simple for their tastes.

In addition, the OneTouch Ultra2 may contain features which are deemed unnecessary by some. The food function features which are one of the main components of this glucose meter may not be a desirable function to individuals who simply want the meter to measure blood glucose levels without showing them how their food intake makes their blood sugar react.

The Bottom Line
The OneTouch Ultra2 glucose meter contains a unique feature revolving around the food intake and how it affects blood sugar. This is quite original as not too many other glucose meters on the market go into this facet of glucose monitoring as the OneTouch Ultra2 does. In this case, if you are searching for a facet such as this, then the OneTouch Ultra2 might be perfect for you. In addition, the 500-result memory is extremely favorable and this will come in handy for many users. On the other hand, if you find that the food options are unnecessary or the overall components too simple for your tastes, it might be in your best interest to check out other glucose meter products more tailored towards your needs.

With the wide array of glucose meters on the consumer market these days, it may be difficult to determine which one is the best one to buy. LifeScan manufactures the OneTouch brand of glucose meter which has various models within it. One of the primary OneTouch glucose meters is the OneTouch Ultra. This product contains many of the characteristics which one could want in a glucose monitoring system.

Product Characteristics
The OneTouch Ultra glucose meter contains many wonderful product features. This particular glucose test provides 5-second test results, small specimen requirements, forearm testing option, 150-result memory and easy to read display screen. Although one of the more basic models offered by LifeScan, the OneTouch Ultra glucose monitoring system contains all of the necessary features for registering blood glucose level results.

Pros of the OneTouch Ultra Glucose Meter
One of the pros associated with the OneTouch Ultra is the 5-second test results feature. Since many individuals test on the go, speedy results are a necessity. The 5-second results attribute is an extremely favorable one as the results are displayed in a timely fashion. Another positive aspect of the OneTouch Ultra glucose meter is the forearm testing option. This provides a favorable change for those who are tired of testing on their finger and feel sore from doing so. By having the option of testing on the forearm, users can give their finger a rest and then switch back to doing so when they feel like it.

Another pro to this type of glucose meter is the easy to read display screen. On this screen one will be able to review their test results, symbols, messages and more. Having a screen which is easy to read and navigate through will make a world of a difference in the end as it helps to make reading and understanding the information easy as can be.

Cons of the OneTouch Ultra Glucose Meter
There are some negative aspects which some would cite in conjunction with the OneTouch Ultra glucose meter. One con related to this glucose meter is the lack of a no coding function. Many of the newer glucose meters available today have a no coding feature where you don’t have to manually enter information prior to collecting blood glucose level information. With the OneTouch Ultra, the user will have to use a coding function before they can take the test which makes it a bit timelier than one which has a no coding feature.

Another less than favorable aspect regarding the OneTouch Ultra glucose meter is the small memory size. This particular model of glucose monitoring system only stores 150 of the past test results whereas many other glucose meters available for sale provide 300+ results in the memory capacity. The low memory level may turn some individuals off and prevent them from buying this particular type of glucose meter.
The Bottom Line

The OneTouch Ultra glucose meter is made by a well-known company in the diabetes care arena. Because this is a LifeScan product, people will often purchase the OneTouch products as it is a good product overall and made by a reputable company. This particular glucose meter is perfect for individuals who want a simple testing method with quick results and the ability to use their glucose meter on their forearm. If a no coding feature and larger memory is more in keeping with one’s needs when it comes to a glucose meter product, then looking further for a more inclusive meter might be a good choice. On the other hand, the OneTouch Ultra glucose meter is a more than adequate glucose monitoring system and reasonably priced for approximately $79 retail.

The Accu-Chek Aviva glucose meter by Roche Diagnostics is a blood sugar level monitoring system which has many beneficial components to it. In addition to being manufactured by a well-known name in the diabetes care industry, the Accu-Chek Aviva has many features which diabetics would look for in a blood glucose meter.

Product Characteristics
One of the main touted characteristics of the Accu-Chek Aviva glucose meter is the ability to accept wide testing strips for a more accurate result every time. The company cites that approximately 97% of testers will fill the strip completely on the first try thereby eliminating the need for multiple testing tries and reducing the pain associated with glucose level testing. Other product characteristics of the Accu-Chek Aviva include small blood sample (.06 microliters), least painful lancet device available, multiple testing site capabilities, 5-second test results, 500-test memory capacity and downloadable qualities.

Pros of the Accu-Chek Aviva Glucose Meter
The Accu-Chek Aviva glucose meter has quite a few pros associated with the product. One of the main pros is that this particular test enables testers to get accurate results pretty much every time they use it due to the wide mouth strips which are used with the Accu-Chek Aviva glucose meter. It is the strip which attracts the blood droplet quickly and fully thereby eliminating the need to do the test over again.

Another positive aspect to the Accu-Chek Aviva glucose meter is the 500-test memory. This is an extremely generous amount of memory capacity and one can keep gaining test results and not have to remove the results on a daily basis. The convenience of a large memory capacity will be appreciated by many testers who like to remove the data but not on too frequent a basis.

The existence of a least painful lancet device with this particular glucose meter will also be appreciated by those who use it. The Accu-Chek Aviva uses the Multiclix lancet device which has been shown to be the least painful amongst other devices of this type. In addition those who use this glucose monitoring system have the option of testing from various sites on the body which allows them to give different parts of the body a rest from constant testing.

Cons of the Accu-Chek Aviva Glucose Meter
One of the less desirable features of the Accu-Chek Aviva glucose meter is the absence of a no coding feature. Newer types of glucose meters are adding a no coding feature which allows individuals to start testing right away without having to enter information into the system. Since many individuals are in a hurry to get the test done and over with, having this no coding feature, which is absent with the Accu-Chek Aviva, may be a necessity for some who perform glucose level tests.

The size may be another issue for some glucose meter purchasers. The dimensions of the Accu-Chek Aviva are approximately 3.7″H x 2.0″W x 0.9″D which is not too large, however there are other glucose meters on the consumer market today which are smaller in size. Therefore, those who buy these systems and have to carry them around everywhere will often desire a smaller type of glucose meter.

The Bottom Line
When all is said and done, the Accu-Chek Aviva by Roche Diagnostics is a good purchase. Retailing for approximately $64, this is a great deal considering all that you get for it. Items such accepting accurate wide mouth testing strips, 500-test memory, 5-second testing time and the option of using the test on multiple areas on the body are just a few of the reasons why glucose testers should choose this model. Although there is a lack of a no coding feature with the Accu-Chek Aviva, if this does not bother you then the Aviva might just be a good choice for you.

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.