Diabetic Live

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.

This product can be confusing to some patients because while Bayer manufactures this meter you cannot buy it from the Bayer site. In most cases the actual unit is offered free of charge or at low-cost to diabetic patients while Bayer concentrates on selling models through their website that are uniquely separated from the Elite XL.

It would be unfair to call the Ascensia Elite XL Glucose Meter an inferior product simply because it is offered at no or little cost. This glucose meter is stylish, lightweight and offers a few benefits that have garnered it many fans.

Statistics

•    Requires a smaller blood sample than many other brands of glucose meters.
•    Testing strips are less expensive than competitors resulting in lower overall costs for testing.
•    Allows for multiple testing sites.
•    The testing strips actually draw blood into the strip creating a sense of convenience and anxiety relief to the patient.
•    The unit holds up to 100 readings.
•    Provides a 14 and 30-day average for comparison.
•    The unit is activated when the test strip is inserted.
•    Contains no buttons.
•    Compatible with Glucofacts PC software.

Pros
This unit has become popular with many simply because it appears ‘no-frilled’. There are no menu options to sort through and no complicated procedures to endure prior to testing. You simply insert the testing strip and the unit turns on. You administer the lance and allow the testing strip to sip up the exact amount of blood needed for the test. The low cost of testing supplies makes this a popular model and the potential no-cost access to the meter is also a pleasing aspect to the Ascensia Elite XL Glucose Meter. Many users also like the fact that this meter is approved for multiple site testing. This can be important to those who may have issues related to sensitive hands. Results generally take 30 seconds.

Cons
The very things that make this meter a positive alternative for some diabetics makes it less advantageous to others. The Ascensia Elite XL Glucose Meter cannot hold a large number of tests and the unit may not appear to be comprehensive as other meters on the market today.

Bottom Line
The idea of an entry-level meter generally has the end user feeling as if the product is somehow interior. It is true there are other units that provide additional tools that can prove helpful to diabetics, but the Ascensia Elite XL Glucose Meter has proven remarkably dependable with a good track record for accuracy in testing. The low cost of operation make this an option worth looking at especially if money is a primary consideration.

If you have a child who is a diabetic the Ascensia Elite XL Glucose Meter may be a solid choice simply because it may be less expensive to replace if needed and the meter allows for multiple site locations for testing so the hands will not always be required for accurate testing and the sip-in sample testing procedure makes it virtually error-proof to take accurate blood testing.

This is a fairly basic unit offered by LifeScan. It required coding, but supplies test results within 5 seconds with a minimal blood sample. It is highly regarded by physicians and often recommended for its accuracy and ease of use.

The role of a blood glucose meter is to not simply track test results, but provide information that can alter the immediate way you manage your diabetes. The OneTouch Select Glucose Meter makes this extremely possible.

• Statistics
  Three buttons (up, down and OK) allow you to access all menu items
• Set up is made simple through a highly illustrative set up guide that comes with the unit and can also be accessed online
• Easy battery replacement
• Unit can be tested for accuracy
• Uses just a speck of blood
• Accurate results in 5 seconds
• 350-test memory
• Automatic 30-, 14- and 7-day averages
• Alternate site testing includes fingertip, forearm or palm
• Test strips are covered at the lowest co-pay by more health plans than any other test strip
• Three year warranty
• English or Spanish language options (Source: Lifescan.com)

Pros
A simple interface allows users to enjoy the benefits of a comprehensive diabetic glucose meter in a basic handheld design. Nothing looks of acts overly complicated here. Simple blue, white and black make up the color scheme of a somewhat unassuming device. In fact it may look a little bit like a cell phone. The testing is easy using one of the least invasive and easy to use lancets available. Many health insurance companies readily accept the purchase of a OneTouch Select Glucose Meter as part of their health insurance plan. A low co-pay for test strips makes it possible to see extensive savings in relation to ongoing testing.

Cons
Honestly there isn’t a lot to complain about in relation to this device. The battery door is easy to remove for battery replacement. Perhaps the biggest concern might be in relation to what you need the device to do. If it is simply providing your most current data this may be more meter than you need. If you require complex graphing and tracking of data it might not be enough.

Bottom Line
The LifeScan site suggests, “OneTouch® Blood Glucose Meters are accurate, convenient and can make blood glucose testing less painful. That’s because we listen to customers and use this information to improve our products so people with diabetes can live a life without limits. In fact, OneTouch is the number one recommended brand by health care professionals. Whether you just need a test result, or you need more information to help you manage your diabetes, there’s a OneTouch Blood Glucose Monitoring System that’s right for you.”

While the above is obviously written in a tone that suggests advertising the OneTouch Select Glucose Meter remains one of the preferred meters of physicians who work with diabetics. There are many choices in meters, but the One Touch Select Glucose Meter blends style with comfort and accuracy to provide a combination that is satisfying to most users.

The OneTouch UltraLink Glucose Meter is designed specifically for those who use the MiniMed Paradigm insulin pump. The blood testing sends results wirelessly to the insulin pump and automatically adjusts the insulin dosage level.

This meter also provides multiple diagnostic capabilities that can allow the user to develop comprehensive strategies for managing their diabetes.

Statistics

•    While you can turn the unit off manually it will shut off on its own in two minutes of final use
•    Simple to replace AAA batteries in an easy open compartment on the back of the unit
•    Because of its wireless technology this unit will need battery replacement in just over 200 tests
•    Offers alternate site testing with one of the most comfortable to use lancets available
•    The memory capacity is 500 tests
•    The testing sample is 1.0 microliters
•    Test results available within 5 seconds
•    Three-year warranty
•    Coding is required
•    Operates with specific diabetic software for tracking

Pros
The company that makes OneTouch is LifeScan. Johnson and Johnson own this company and their commitment to diabetes management is well regarded in the diabetic community. The flexibility of the lancet for this monitor has a growing list of fans that appreciate its ability to test without tearing the skin and allows for multiple depth points. For the simple act of freedom this meter is a positive choice, especially for those who require adjustments to an insulin pump. This monitor speaks to the pump and readjusts your insulin dose following each test. The blood sample is slightly larger than some, but up to 70% less than others. Test results are significantly less than many meters.

Cons
Batteries will need replacing more often than other units. The unit is not backlit for low light conditions. Would not make a suitable monitor for a diabetic who does not use an insulin pump. May provide more bells and whistles than you need in a glucose meter.

Bottom Line
The OneTouch UltraLink Glucose Meter is designed very specifically to interact with a companion insulin pump. The unit will still take blood glucose tests without a pump, but it may be a waste of technology and money to use it without the pump. In other words if you do not use an insulin pump you do not need this glucose meter.

As medical science continues to expand possibilities meters like the UltraLink may be more common. Essentially you may find blood glucose meters that not only test, but also provide additional resources. They may ultimately talk wirelessly to your computer or send data to your primary care physician to aid in long-term care. They might be able to alert a loved one if the blood sugar levels are dangerously high or low to allow someone to check on you.

A recent news report indicates an insulin pump could be embedded under the skin and a blood glucose meter could effectively tell the pump when to send more insulin into the blood system. This ‘artificial pancreas’ would rely heavily on blood glucose testing combined with the on-board insulin pump.

The OneTouch UltraLink Glucose Meter is just one example of where glucose meters are heading in terms of providing better management options to diabetics.