Best value blood sugar monitor?

One of the joys of having paid for insurance all your life is being
told that your needs, when they arise, are not covered. :-)

That's what happened me when I was recently diagnosed as a new
diabetic: the insurance company used by my HMO told me that "supplies",
specifically testing strips, are not covered.

Therefore, I'd appreciate your opinion on which monitor is the best
value overall: small blood sample, alternate testing sites (are they
reliable), and most cost effective strips?

I am sure I shall return for much more guidance, but this is what I
need to know right away. Thanks.

Be interested in name of HMO since I have had many HMO's thru the years and
I have never denied.

"RPS" <rps@null.void> wrote in message
news:300720071630057512%rps@null.void...
> One of the joys of having paid for insurance all your life is being
> told that your needs, when they arise, are not covered. :-)
>
> That's what happened me when I was recently diagnosed as a new
> diabetic: the insurance company used by my HMO told me that "supplies",
> specifically testing strips, are not covered.
>
> Therefore, I'd appreciate your opinion on which monitor is the best
> value overall: small blood sample, alternate testing sites (are they
> reliable), and most cost effective strips?
>
> I am sure I shall return for much more guidance, but this is what I
> need to know right away. Thanks.

"RPS" <rps@null.void> wrote in message
news:300720071630057512%rps@null.void...
> One of the joys of having paid for insurance all your life is being
> told that your needs, when they arise, are not covered. :-)
>
> That's what happened me when I was recently diagnosed as a new
> diabetic: the insurance company used by my HMO told me that "supplies",
> specifically testing strips, are not covered.
>
> Therefore, I'd appreciate your opinion on which monitor is the best
> value overall: small blood sample, alternate testing sites (are they
> reliable), and most cost effective strips?
>
> I am sure I shall return for much more guidance, but this is what I
> need to know right away. Thanks.

Just curious... What state are you in? I believe in most states they have
to cover them, if a prescription is written.

As for the alternate testing sites, they are not as accurate as the
fingertip.

I believe the Walmart brand is the cheapest in terms of strips and possibly
the cost of the meter, but I can't say for sure since my insurance covers
them.

Donald Sessler <sloopokespam@opto.net> wrote:

: Be interested in name of HMO since I have had many HMO's thru the
: years and I have never denied.

"University of Chicago Health Plan", basically run at their hospital
complex.

To be fair, I was only denied by CVS and by the 800 number at the back
of my "drug plan" card (never had to use it so far); I haven't yet gone
to all the desks at the university and argued with them. :-)

Whatever happens at that end, it is in my own interest to figure out
which company provides the best value in glucose monitoring.

"RPS" <rps@null.void> wrote in message
news:300720071630057512%rps@null.void...
>
> ....I was recently diagnosed as a new
> diabetic: the insurance company used by my HMO told me that "supplies",
> specifically testing strips, are not covered.
>

Ask up the food chain, don't just take the word of the first person you talk
to.
If it's a group policy through your work, ask the HR/benefits person about
it.
Find out if perhaps supplies are covered under some different provision than
whatever you tried.
It's the strips, not the meter, that cost the real money so don't worry too
much about the cost of the meter itself -- besides, meters can often be had
for free or nearly so.
Check with any state insurance regulators if diabetes supplies are required
to be covered.
bj

Julie Bove <juliebove@verizon.net> wrote:

: Just curious... What state are you in? I believe in most states
: they have to cover them, if a prescription is written.

Illinois...this is a health plan administered by University of Chicago,
imaginatively called "University of Chicago Health Plan". :-)

I did have a prescription but was told by pharmacy as well as the 800
number at the back of the prescription drug card sent me by the
university that "supplies" were not covered.

bj <bjones44@bellatlantic.net> wrote:

: Ask up the food chain, don't just take the word of the first person
: you talk to. If it's a group policy through your work, ask the HR/benefits
: person about it. Find out if perhaps supplies are covered under some
: different provision than whatever you tried.

I intend to do this soon. I have never needed any care really, just
paid insurance, :-) so I signed up for whatever most people here seem
to choose. It is likely that another plan would suit me better. I'll
definitely research this.

But these are the moments when you feel like outsourcing the whole
health care industry. Our country has done such a lousy job.

By a rough estimates, I have paid into the system for 20+ years, asking
almost nothing in return. Yet the first time I have a need, they
shamelessly tell me it is "not covered".

I'm using a one touch UltraMini put out by J&J. I'd google that name and get
their web site with the 800 number. Call and speak to a rep.My guess is that
they will be more than glad to send you a free one. I don't pay for stripes
so can't help there.
Meters are like Razors. They can afford to give out the meters since their
money is made on strips/razor blades.

"RPS" <rps@null.void> wrote in message
news:300720072035267829%rps@null.void...
> Julie Bove <juliebove@verizon.net> wrote:
>
> : Just curious... What state are you in? I believe in most states
> : they have to cover them, if a prescription is written.
>
> Illinois...this is a health plan administered by University of Chicago,
> imaginatively called "University of Chicago Health Plan". :-)
>
> I did have a prescription but was told by pharmacy as well as the 800
> number at the back of the prescription drug card sent me by the
> university that "supplies" were not covered.

"RPS" <rps@null.void> wrote in message
news:300720071946170884%rps@null.void...
> Donald Sessler <sloopokespam@opto.net> wrote:
>
> : Be interested in name of HMO since I have had many HMO's thru the
> : years and I have never denied.
>
> "University of Chicago Health Plan", basically run at their hospital
> complex.
>
> To be fair, I was only denied by CVS and by the 800 number at the back
> of my "drug plan" card (never had to use it so far); I haven't yet gone
> to all the desks at the university and argued with them. :-)
>
> Whatever happens at that end, it is in my own interest to figure out
> which company provides the best value in glucose monitoring.

Perhaps they do not cover prescriptions from CVS? I have to go to certain
pharmacies. Or perhaps you have to get them through mail order?

"bj" <bjones44@bellatlantic.net> wrote in message
news:OHvri.8241$FO1.197@trnddc05...
> "RPS" <rps@null.void> wrote in message
> news:300720071630057512%rps@null.void...
>>
>> ....I was recently diagnosed as a new
>> diabetic: the insurance company used by my HMO told me that "supplies",
>> specifically testing strips, are not covered.
>>
>
> Ask up the food chain, don't just take the word of the first person you
> talk to.
> If it's a group policy through your work, ask the HR/benefits person about
> it.
> Find out if perhaps supplies are covered under some different provision
> than whatever you tried.
> It's the strips, not the meter, that cost the real money so don't worry
> too much about the cost of the meter itself -- besides, meters can often
> be had for free or nearly so.
> Check with any state insurance regulators if diabetes supplies are
> required to be covered.

There is a meter currently for sale on drugstore.com that has a $50 rebate.
The meter itself was something like $70.

"RPS" <rps@null.void> wrote in message
news:300720072044169632%rps@null.void...
> bj <bjones44@bellatlantic.net> wrote:
>
> : Ask up the food chain, don't just take the word of the first person
> : you talk to. If it's a group policy through your work, ask the
> HR/benefits
> : person about it. Find out if perhaps supplies are covered under some
> : different provision than whatever you tried.
>
> I intend to do this soon. I have never needed any care really, just
> paid insurance, :-) so I signed up for whatever most people here seem
> to choose. It is likely that another plan would suit me better. I'll
> definitely research this.
>
> But these are the moments when you feel like outsourcing the whole
> health care industry. Our country has done such a lousy job.
>
> By a rough estimates, I have paid into the system for 20+ years, asking
> almost nothing in return. Yet the first time I have a need, they
> shamelessly tell me it is "not covered".

It's not likely that another plan would take you, now that you have
diabetes. Often they won't cover pre-existing conditions.

Julie Bove <juliebove@verizon.net> wrote:

: Perhaps they do not cover prescriptions from CVS? I have to go
: to certain pharmacies. Or perhaps you have to get them through
: mail order?

When the CVS clerk said my supplies weren't covered, that's what I
thought, maybe it is just the CVS. But then I called the 800 number,
without any reference to CVS, and the person there said my "plan"
doesn't cover them. It was night time and I had to leave on a trip the
next morning, but now I have to track down the "plan" people at our
end.

While I'll do that, I must say this experience makes me feel tempted
to research "outsourcing" my routine care. I travel abroad a few time a
year and it would be easy as well as cost-effective to work with a
foreign doctor/hospital for normal monitoring of my health, leaving
only emergencies to our insurance run world here.

"RPS" <rps@null.void> wrote in message
news:300720072044169632%rps@null.void...

> I have never needed any care really, just paid insurance, :-)
>
Didn't they explain to you that that's the was the way it's supposed to be?
You have to read the fine print.

John

Julie Bove <juliebove@verizon.net> wrote:

: There is a meter currently for sale on drugstore.com that has
: a $50 rebate. The meter itself was something like $70.

As many have pointed out, cost of the meter is hardly an issue.
It is the strips OP needs to research.

On Mon, 30 Jul 2007 21:29:54 +0000, RPS wrote:

> One of the joys of having paid for insurance all your life is being
> told that your needs, when they arise, are not covered. :-)
>
> That's what happened me when I was recently diagnosed as a new
> diabetic: the insurance company used by my HMO told me that "supplies",
> specifically testing strips, are not covered.
>
> Therefore, I'd appreciate your opinion on which monitor is the best
> value overall: small blood sample, alternate testing sites (are they
> reliable), and most cost effective strips?
>
> I am sure I shall return for much more guidance, but this is what I
> need to know right away. Thanks.

1) as far as I can determine there is no major difference in accuracy from
meter to meter.

2) most modern meters use quite small samples.

3) you should be able to get a meter for free or very little expense. The
cost is in the strips. The Walgreen's strips go for $50/100 - the others
that they sell run around $100/100. I believe that WalMart may have house
brand strips for a bit less.

RPS <rps@null.void> wrote:

: While I'll do that, I must say this experience makes me feel tempted
: to research "outsourcing" my routine care. I travel abroad a few time a
: year and it would be easy as well as cost-effective to work with a
: foreign doctor/hospital for normal monitoring of my health...

Fresh test strips have a long shelf life and you should be able to
purchase them on your trips abroad if they are available at
significant savings (they probably are). I am sure you realize that
the meter being a one-time expense doesn't matter.

Julie Bove <juliebove@verizon.net> wrote:

: It's not likely that another plan would take you, now that
: you have diabetes. Often they won't cover pre-existing
: conditions.

I think OP should find out if he can switch from one plan to
another within the same HMO. That need not be out of the
question.

"AlexZ" <alexz@no.spam> wrote in message
news:300720072129121381%alexz@no.spam...
> Julie Bove <juliebove@verizon.net> wrote:
>
> : There is a meter currently for sale on drugstore.com that has
> : a $50 rebate. The meter itself was something like $70.
>
> As many have pointed out, cost of the meter is hardly an issue.
> It is the strips OP needs to research.

Um... I know that. I believe I was the first one to respond to him.

ray <ray@zianet.com> wrote:

: 3) you should be able to get a meter for free or very little expense.
: The cost is in the strips. The Walgreen's strips go for $50/100 -
: the others that they sell run around $100/100. I believe that
: WalMart may have house brand strips for a bit less.

One genius of our health care companies is that they sell the same
products much more cheaply to foreigners! Another is that while
denying coverage to one person, they give enough spares to others
to sell on eBay.

Simple economics suggests that we should learn to reimport such
items from abroad. Test strips have long a shelf life and are perfect
candidates for that. I think a determined shopper can buy them for
15-20 cents each, about 1/3 of the lowest US costs. A good friend
gets his this way.

On Mon, 30 Jul 2007 20:31:02 -0600, ray wrote:
> 2) most modern meters use quite small samples.
>
> 3) you should be able to get a meter for free or very little expense.
> The cost is in the strips. The Walgreen's strips go for $50/100 - the
> others that they sell run around $100/100. I believe that WalMart may
> have house brand strips for a bit less.

$40 / 100 shipped, for Home Aide Diagnostics, at americandiabeteswholesale.com.
It's 0.7 sample size, fine for me. 1.0 for my Walgreens special ('TrueTrack')
was a bit more than I liked, but this one is fine.

>As for the alternate testing sites, they are not as accurate as the
>fingertip.

Can you point to a reference somewhere that supports this? I've
researched this a couple of times and all I've ever been able to come
up with is that changes in blood sugar register faster at the
fingertips, but as for overall accuracy the difference between forearm
testing and fingertip testing is statistically irrelevant. Would
definitely be interested in any supporting evidence either way, things
on the net I can read the better.

On Mon, 30 Jul 2007 21:29:12 -0500, AlexZ <alexz@no.spam> wrote:

>Julie Bove <juliebove@verizon.net> wrote:
>
>: There is a meter currently for sale on drugstore.com that has
>: a $50 rebate. The meter itself was something like $70.
>
>As many have pointed out, cost of the meter is hardly an issue.
>It is the strips OP needs to research.

N my opinion the meter are perfectly adequate for their intended use.

The meter are given away if a person will investigates.

The strip cost is typical for gross excess costs of medical
items based or pay or die.

Non technical people seem to expect too much from any
device.

I doubt if the cost situation will ever change.

Only a fool will to manage diabetes with a blindfold on.

But as one tech said tome "why get the data, they don't know what it
means.

I took exception to that statement. MHD and ASD has a pretty good
track record on that issue.

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http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups
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<guys@consolidated.net> wrote:

: But as one tech said tome "why get the data, they don't know
: what it means.

While that may be technically true of a very complex set of
numbers, I think even non-techs can figure out which BG levels
are good or low/high for them. So monitoring is good.

I'd suggest OP should find out which strips are available to him
at the lowest cost (it is perfectly ok to source them from abroad
or Internet or whatever, as long as they are factory sealed).

Among those, choose the one needing smallest blood sample.

Finally, while not making the monitor's cost a factor in deciding
which one, try to get it for free or as little as possible. In the long
run, this will matter the least.

No one ever told me that test strips would be covered by prescription,
so I had always bought my test strips at Walmart. I looked for the
least expensive strips first, then bought the meter to match. And
I liked it so well, that I have had two of them. I have an Accu-chek
Active. The meter itself is really inexpensive at Walmart (I've seen
them there for around $20, and as low as $5 if they're on sale), and
the test strips are $27.94 for 50. However, my HMO, Blue Cross, gets
me the test strips (with a prescription), so I have to pay the co-pay,
which is $30, BUT I get a three month supply for that $30 when it used
to cost me approximately $84. I do have to use the mail order
service, meaning I have to keep tabs and see that I don't run out,
though.

And I just got a new free meter, the Ultra-Smart (the one with the
built-in logbook), whose test strips are more expensive if I bought
them through Walmart, but my HMO says that the cost for the strips
through them are the same as the old ones if I get a prescription for
those. That is, if I choose to switch. Still debating on which would
be the better one to have.

Bottom line is, tell your doctor you need a prescription. Honestly,
the lack of voluntary information from HMO's is scary sometimes.
Until someone else told me they got THEIR test strips that way, I
never knew. And my HMO certainly never voluntarily sent me any
information, even though they knew I was diabetic from the meds that
got ordered.

"RPS" <rps@null.void> wrote in message
news:300720071630057512%rps@null.void...
| One of the joys of having paid for insurance all your life is being
| told that your needs, when they arise, are not covered. :-)
|
| That's what happened me when I was recently diagnosed as a new
| diabetic: the insurance company used by my HMO told me that "supplies",
| specifically testing strips, are not covered.
|
| Therefore, I'd appreciate your opinion on which monitor is the best
| value overall: small blood sample, alternate testing sites (are they
| reliable), and most cost effective strips?
|
| I am sure I shall return for much more guidance, but this is what I
| need to know right away. Thanks.

interesting, to date there are only 4 states that don't require diabetic
supplies to be a mandatory cover under insurance policies. I don't
think Illinois is one of them. you might call your state medial office
and ask then go into your employer fully armed.

On Mon, 30 Jul 2007 21:53:19 -0500, AlexZ wrote:

> ray <ray@zianet.com> wrote:
>
> : 3) you should be able to get a meter for free or very little expense.
> : The cost is in the strips. The Walgreen's strips go for $50/100 -
> : the others that they sell run around $100/100. I believe that
> : WalMart may have house brand strips for a bit less.
>
> One genius of our health care companies is that they sell the same
> products much more cheaply to foreigners! Another is that while
> denying coverage to one person, they give enough spares to others
> to sell on eBay.
>
> Simple economics suggests that we should learn to reimport such
> items from abroad. Test strips have long a shelf life and are perfect
> candidates for that. I think a determined shopper can buy them for
> 15-20 cents each, about 1/3 of the lowest US costs. A good friend
> gets his this way.

I favor a simple 'mirror law' - they should not be able to charge us any
more than any other civilised country. So Canada, for example, has price
controls - so what - they obviously make a profit there or they would not
continue to sell there - so why should it cost us any more?

Of course another part of the problem is that with the previous
advertising ban lifted, the med companies now spend more on advertising
than on R&D.

>One of the joys of having paid for insurance all your life is being
>told that your needs, when they arise, are not covered. :-)
>
>That's what happened me when I was recently diagnosed as a new
>diabetic: the insurance company used by my HMO told me that "supplies",
>specifically testing strips, are not covered.

Insurance companies may vary as to *how* test strips are covered.
One company covered them (at, I think, 90%) under major medical,
subject to a deductible. If you asked the prescription drug plan
about them, they were NOT covered, and that plan didn't know anything
about them.

Another company handles them under the prescription drug plan. They
got kinda confused and at first I thought they would make me replace
a perfectly good and relatively new meter. Unlike prescriptions,
they are subject to the deductible, but after meeting that, the
cost is $0.

Both of the above companies are called "Blue Cross" (different employers).

On Tue, 07 Aug 2007 01:40:58 +0000, Gordon Burditt wrote:

>>One of the joys of having paid for insurance all your life is being
>>told that your needs, when they arise, are not covered. :-)
>>
>>That's what happened me when I was recently diagnosed as a new
>>diabetic: the insurance company used by my HMO told me that "supplies",
>>specifically testing strips, are not covered.
>
> Insurance companies may vary as to *how* test strips are covered.
> One company covered them (at, I think, 90%) under major medical,
> subject to a deductible. If you asked the prescription drug plan
> about them, they were NOT covered, and that plan didn't know anything
> about them.
>
> Another company handles them under the prescription drug plan. They
> got kinda confused and at first I thought they would make me replace
> a perfectly good and relatively new meter. Unlike prescriptions,
> they are subject to the deductible, but after meeting that, the
> cost is $0.
>
> Both of the above companies are called "Blue Cross" (different employers).

My Blue Cross covers strips at a $30 copay for ones on the fomulary. For
ones not on the formulary, they run about $36 (all prices per 100).

None <none@none.com> wrote:
: >As for the alternate testing sites, they are not as accurate as the
: >fingertip.

: Can you point to a reference somewhere that supports this? I've
: researched this a couple of times and all I've ever been able to come
: up with is that changes in blood sugar register faster at the
: fingertips, but as for overall accuracy the difference between forearm
: testing and fingertip testing is statistically irrelevant. Would
: definitely be interested in any supporting evidence either way, things
: on the net I can read the better.

My endo, who old me to never use the alternate sites possible with the
meter he gave me.

Wendy

In alt.support.diabetes RPS <rps@null.void> wrote:
: bj <bjones44@bellatlantic.net> wrote:

: : Ask up the food chain, don't just take the word of the first person
: : you talk to. If it's a group policy through your work, ask the HR/benefits
: : person about it. Find out if perhaps supplies are covered under some
: : different provision than whatever you tried.

: I intend to do this soon. I have never needed any care really, just
: paid insurance, :-) so I signed up for whatever most people here seem
: to choose. It is likely that another plan would suit me better. I'll
: definitely research this.

: But these are the moments when you feel like outsourcing the whole
: health care industry. Our country has done such a lousy job.

: By a rough estimates, I have paid into the system for 20+ years, asking
: almost nothing in return. Yet the first time I have a need, they
: shamelessly tell me it is "not covered".

Unfortunn atly, you may find it difficult to change plans now that you are
diagnosed as a diabetic. Jus tone of the catch-22's of the US medical
system.

Wendy

I appreciate all the responses to my post below. Being a newbie I had
not realized the complex ways in which HMO and insurance can work.
As some of you had suggested, it was a good idea to keep asking
questions and kicking it upwards.

My hospital pharmacy, CVS, prescription drug plan, etc., had all said
strips are not covered because *they* don't cover them. Our HMO has
recently contracted a company to just supply diabetic supplies by mail
order. This is so new that even doctors, nurses and much of the staff
seem unaware of the change.

Our HMO uses Freestyle Freedom monitor and strips. So that's what I'll
use.

Thanks to everyone again.

RPS <rps@null.void> wrote:

: One of the joys of having paid for insurance all your life is being
: told that your needs, when they arise, are not covered. :-)
:
: That's what happened me when I was recently diagnosed as a new
: diabetic: the insurance company used by my HMO told me that "supplies",
: specifically testing strips, are not covered.
:
: Therefore, I'd appreciate your opinion on which monitor is the best
: value overall: small blood sample, alternate testing sites (are they
: reliable), and most cost effective strips?
:
: I am sure I shall return for much more guidance, but this is what I
: need to know right away. Thanks.

In alt.support.diabetes on Tue, 7 Aug 2007 02:50:48 +0000 (UTC) in Msg.#
<f98mm8$njf$1@reader2.panix.com>, "W. Baker" <wbaker@panix.com> wrote:

> None <none@none.com> wrote:
> : >As for the alternate testing sites, they are not as accurate as the
> : >fingertip.
>
> : Can you point to a reference somewhere that supports this? I've
> : researched this a couple of times and all I've ever been able to come
> : up with is that changes in blood sugar register faster at the
> : fingertips, but as for overall accuracy the difference between forearm
> : testing and fingertip testing is statistically irrelevant. Would
> : definitely be interested in any supporting evidence either way, things
> : on the net I can read the better.
>
> My endo, who old me to never use the alternate sites possible with the
> meter he gave me.

So, it is possible that that meter is not one that can do alternative sites.
You've never mentioned that bit before. Thanks.

Still happily testing on my thighs ...

--
DonnaB
06-07-06 Diagnosis T2 hbA1C 8.1, D&E & Metformin 500mg
...................09-11-06 hbA1C 5.0
...................12-20-06 hbA1C 5.2
...................05-18-07 hbA1C 5.3

DonnaB shallotpeel <shallotpeel@comcast.net> wrote:
: In alt.support.diabetes on Tue, 7 Aug 2007 02:50:48 +0000 (UTC) in Msg.#
: <f98mm8$njf$1@reader2.panix.com>, "W. Baker" <wbaker@panix.com> wrote:

: > None <none@none.com> wrote:
: > : >As for the alternate testing sites, they are not as accurate as the
: > : >fingertip.
: >
: > : Can you point to a reference somewhere that supports this? I've
: > : researched this a couple of times and all I've ever been able to come
: > : up with is that changes in blood sugar register faster at the
: > : fingertips, but as for overall accuracy the difference between forearm
: > : testing and fingertip testing is statistically irrelevant. Would
: > : definitely be interested in any supporting evidence either way, things
: > : on the net I can read the better.
: >
: > My endo, who old me to never use the alternate sites possible with the
: > meter he gave me.

: So, it is possible that that meter is not one that can do alternative sites.
: You've never mentioned that bit before. Thanks.

: Still happily testing on my thighs ...

: --
: DonnaB

My meter does do alternative sites with a special tip for the lancr, but I
was told not tot use it. He wants fingertips.

Wendy

"RPS" <rps@null.void> wrote in message
news:070820070054102031%rps@null.void...
>
> My hospital pharmacy, CVS, prescription drug plan, etc., had all said
> strips are not covered because *they* don't cover them. Our HMO has
> recently contracted a company to just supply diabetic supplies by mail
> order. This is so new that even doctors, nurses and much of the staff
> seem unaware of the change.
>

Now you have to find out *exactly* how the prescriptions should be written
to get the number of strips that *you* consider necessary at the least cost.

When I say *you* I mean -- you figure out how much testing you want to do
that will be useful to *you* in learning about *your* diabetes (response to
meals, exercise, etc), not just how much testing will be useful to your
doctor. Then ask for the prescription that will give you enough strips --
and depending on your HMO, the wording may have to be precise (# of strips,
times-per-day, whatever).

You may have to be prepared to make a strong case to your prescriber (NP?
doctor? whoever) that you need that many strips -- not only is it unusual
for people to do as much testing as those of us here do, the medics don't
understand how useful it can be.
Best wishes.
bj

Has anyone else been told either way by reliable sources, i.e.,
doctors/dietitians/diabetes educator, etc? I've never found a
satisfactory answer myself, even my doctor and dietician disagree (doc
says alternate site isn't accurate to the best of his knowledge,
dietician/educator said they are reliable enough)...

Here's a few references I found online:

http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs...09150252924157
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi.../full/28/3/710
http://www.smw.ch/docs/pdf200x/2002/25/smw-09991.PDF
http://www.lifescan.com/products/met...te/#difference
http://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org.../full/14/4/193
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/541546_4
http://www.diabeteshealth.com/read/2001/11/01/3417.html

They have some differing opinions in some areas, but overall the
conclusion at least I draw from reading them all is that forearm
testing, probably the most common alternate site, isn't usually too
much less accurate than fingertip testing, with caveats about the
speed at which you'll observe changes.

On Tue, 7 Aug 2007 13:08:34 +0000 (UTC), "W. Baker" <wbaker@panix.com>
wrote:

>DonnaB shallotpeel <shallotpeel@comcast.net> wrote:
>: In alt.support.diabetes on Tue, 7 Aug 2007 02:50:48 +0000 (UTC) in Msg.#
>: <f98mm8$njf$1@reader2.panix.com>, "W. Baker" <wbaker@panix.com> wrote:
>
>: > None <none@none.com> wrote:
>: > : >As for the alternate testing sites, they are not as accurate as the
>: > : >fingertip.
>: >
>: > : Can you point to a reference somewhere that supports this? I've
>: > : researched this a couple of times and all I've ever been able to come
>: > : up with is that changes in blood sugar register faster at the
>: > : fingertips, but as for overall accuracy the difference between forearm
>: > : testing and fingertip testing is statistically irrelevant. Would
>: > : definitely be interested in any supporting evidence either way, things
>: > : on the net I can read the better.
>: >
>: > My endo, who old me to never use the alternate sites possible with the
>: > meter he gave me.
>
>: So, it is possible that that meter is not one that can do alternative sites.
>: You've never mentioned that bit before. Thanks.
>
>: Still happily testing on my thighs ...
>
>: --
>: DonnaB
>
>My meter does do alternative sites with a special tip for the lancr, but I
>was told not tot use it. He wants fingertips.
>
>Wendy

In alt.support.diabetes on Tue, 7 Aug 2007 13:08:34 +0000 (UTC) in Msg.#
<f99qsi$jpd$1@reader2.panix.com>, "W. Baker" <wbaker@panix.com> wrote:

> DonnaB shallotpeel <shallotpeel@comcast.net> wrote:
> : In alt.support.diabetes on Tue, 7 Aug 2007 02:50:48 +0000 (UTC) in Msg.#
> : <f98mm8$njf$1@reader2.panix.com>, "W. Baker" <wbaker@panix.com> wrote:
>
> : > None <none@none.com> wrote:
> : > : >As for the alternate testing sites, they are not as accurate as the
> : > : >fingertip.
> : >
> : > : Can you point to a reference somewhere that supports this? I've
> : > : researched this a couple of times and all I've ever been able to come
> : > : up with is that changes in blood sugar register faster at the
> : > : fingertips, but as for overall accuracy the difference between forearm
> : > : testing and fingertip testing is statistically irrelevant. Would
> : > : definitely be interested in any supporting evidence either way, things
> : > : on the net I can read the better.
> : >
> : > My endo, who old me to never use the alternate sites possible with the
> : > meter he gave me.
>
> : So, it is possible that that meter is not one that can do alternative sites.
> : You've never mentioned that bit before. Thanks.
>
> : Still happily testing on my thighs ...
>
> My meter does do alternative sites with a special tip for the lancr, but I
> was told not tot use it. He wants fingertips.

Okay, that puts us back to the same situation where yours says not to use
alternative sites & mine says they are fine if used according to their
specifications.

--
DonnaB
06-07-06 Diagnosis T2 hbA1C 8.1, D&E & Metformin 500mg
...................09-11-06 hbA1C 5.0
...................12-20-06 hbA1C 5.2
...................05-18-07 hbA1C 5.3

DonnaB shallotpeel <shallotpeel@comcast.net> wrote:

: Okay, that puts us back to the same situation where yours says not to use
: alternative sites & mine says they are fine if used according to their
: specifications.

A few members of this group could settle this by testing on their
fingers and alternate sites a few times themselves.

I did this probably 50 times when I first starting testing... the
difference was never more than 10 mG/dL either way.

On Thu, 09 Aug 2007 11:52:16 -0500, RPS <rps@null.void> wrote:

>DonnaB shallotpeel <shallotpeel@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>: Okay, that puts us back to the same situation where yours says not to use
>: alternative sites & mine says they are fine if used according to their
>: specifications.
>
>A few members of this group could settle this by testing on their
>fingers and alternate sites a few times themselves.