What kind of meter should I get

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this and I have not yet got a meter. My doctor thought that
I was on medication because my A1c was 5.7 down from 6.7 two months
prior. But, I have been feeling like my level is low and if I eat a
bananna, a few grapes and half a small box of raisins I feel fine
again. Of course a normal breakfast to go along with it. Most of the
time it is only in the morning when I feel like this.

I do want to get a meter, just not sure what to get. So, if anyone has
advice, I would be very grateful.

Thanks,

Craig

x-no-archive: yes

dogman wrote:
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I am new to this and I have not yet got a meter. My doctor thought that
> I was on medication because my A1c was 5.7 down from 6.7 two months
> prior. But, I have been feeling like my level is low and if I eat a
> bananna, a few grapes and half a small box of raisins I feel fine
> again. Of course a normal breakfast to go along with it. Most of the
> time it is only in the morning when I feel like this.
>
> I do want to get a meter, just not sure what to get. So, if anyone has
> advice, I would be very grateful.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Craig
>

Craig, WalMart makes a Relion meter that has the cheapest replacement
strips. If cost of use is an issue, this is what I'd recommend. If
insurance will cover your strips, you may want to try whatever your doc
or drugstore is giving away for free.

As to the lows you're feeling and the amount of sugar you're eating to
counteract them, I'll say this. When our bodies are used to running on
excessive sugar, even healthy normal numbers can feel "low" to us until
we adjust. Instead of eating a very high amount of sugary stuff
(raisins, banana and grapes), you might try glucose tabs, starting with
5 or 1 grams of carb at first, and using the lowest measurable amount
that it takes for you to feel better within 15 minutes (chew them well).

Bouncing your bg up and down with a load of fruit sugar isn't going to
work well for you in the long run, and DM control is a marathon, not a
sprint.

Kudos to you for your big improvement, and for wanting to do even better.

Susan

IF your insurance covers a One Touch Ultra and
it's strips, this is the meter i would
recommend........ actually there is an Ultra 2
available in the US and you can mark if the
reading is PRE or POST meal ! ! ! rather than
having to 'plug in' hours that you eat and hours
that are after your meal on the software (which is
nice to play around with)

if you don't have insurance to cover the strips,
then go for the Reli-On that Susan mentioned

ps.... this is diabetes awareness month or some
such.... you should be able to get a meter free
with the purchase of 100 test strips, or get the
meter for a good sale price..... call some
pharmacies near you to see what deals they
have...... and if you have CostCo nearby, go see
what deal they have (they often discount the price
by the amount of the mail in rebate for you)

kate
--
Join us in the Diabetic-Talk Chatroom on UnderNet
/server irc.undernet.org --- /join #Diabetic-Talk
More info: http://www.diabetic-talk.org/
http://www.diabetic-talk.org/freeveggies.htm
I have no medical qualifications beyond my own
experience.
Choose your advisers carefully, because experience
can be
an expensive teacher.

"dogman" <lbarry7637@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1163271460.186385.292300@k70g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I am new to this and I have not yet got a meter.
My doctor thought that
> I was on medication because my A1c was 5.7 down
from 6.7 two months
> prior. But, I have been feeling like my level is
low and if I eat a
> bananna, a few grapes and half a small box of
raisins I feel fine
> again. Of course a normal breakfast to go along
with it. Most of the
> time it is only in the morning when I feel like
this.
>
> I do want to get a meter, just not sure what to
get. So, if anyone has
> advice, I would be very grateful.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Craig
>

dogman wrote:
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I am new to this and I have not yet got a meter. My doctor thought that
> I was on medication because my A1c was 5.7 down from 6.7 two months
> prior. But, I have been feeling like my level is low and if I eat a
> bananna, a few grapes and half a small box of raisins I feel fine
> again. Of course a normal breakfast to go along with it. Most of the
> time it is only in the morning when I feel like this.
>
> I do want to get a meter, just not sure what to get. So, if anyone has
> advice, I would be very grateful.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Craig

Craig, I've tried and used and compared readings on Ascensia XL,
Ascensia Contour, Accu-Check Advantage, Accu-Check Aviva, and Freestyle
Flash. All have their advantages and disadvantages.

My current choice would be the Ascensia Contour or Accu-Check Aviva for
different reasons.

The Accu-Check Aviva is fast, has a large screen, has rubber grips to
keep from dropping it, easy programming with a chip that comes with
strips, and has forward-back buttons when scrolling the data.

My personal favorite so far is the Ascensia Contour. There is no need
to worry about programming the meter for the strips, it takes a small
sample size, and has the best software (WinGlucofacts) for uploading
and working with the data on a computer. I read a post the other day
where someone had mixed up their strips with different programing
numbers accidently so they didn't know what to believe with their
readings on their One Touch.

The newer more advanced meters require less blood which should
translate to less fingerstick pain and are fast within 5 to 15 seconds.
The Freestyle meters require the least amount of blood but you don't
see the sample go into the strip quickly as you do with the Contour or
Aviva. There is a new Freestyle that also sips the blood into the strip
but it seemed very slow to get the sample in comparison at a recent
clinic that I had the chance to use it.

If you have questions about the operation or my experience with any of
the above meters, let me know and I'd be glad to respond.

Max

dogman wrote in message
<1163271460.186385.292300@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups .com>...
>Hi Everyone,
>
>I am new to this and I have not yet got a meter. My doctor thought that
>I was on medication because my A1c was 5.7 down from 6.7 two months
>prior. But, I have been feeling like my level is low and if I eat a
>bananna, a few grapes and half a small box of raisins I feel fine
>again. Of course a normal breakfast to go along with it. Most of the
>time it is only in the morning when I feel like this.
>
>I do want to get a meter, just not sure what to get. So, if anyone has
>advice, I would be very grateful.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Craig
>

I would prefer if you thought of that statement as "I want to get my
first meter".

You really need a spare. Keep your eyes open and you can get free meters
to use as spares. Watch for massive rebates in pharmacies (read the
meter boxes), go to any Diabetes Expos in your area and ask a vendor for a
freebie, attend Diabetes Support Group meetings and sooner or later some
vendor will appear to donate some. I picked up two freebies at different
support group meetings, a third at an expo, and a fourth at some sort of
diabetes lecture put on in at a motel for the principle purpose of giving
away LifeScan Ultra's (one of the best around)

If you're in a hurry for your first meter, you don't have a lot of choices
but look anyway..

If you have insurance, find out what kind of strips they will pay for
before you go shopping. My insurance only covers two brands. Otherwise,
the WalMart Relion is about the best deal around. I have two of them and
am happy with them.

Regards
Old Al

On Sat, 11 Nov 2006 10:57:40 -0800, dogman wrote:

> Hi Everyone,
>
> I am new to this and I have not yet got a meter. My doctor thought that
> I was on medication because my A1c was 5.7 down from 6.7 two months
> prior. But, I have been feeling like my level is low and if I eat a
> bananna, a few grapes and half a small box of raisins I feel fine
> again. Of course a normal breakfast to go along with it. Most of the
> time it is only in the morning when I feel like this.
>
> I do want to get a meter, just not sure what to get. So, if anyone has
> advice, I would be very grateful.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Craig

IMHO - get what's cheapest - and consider the cost of consumables (test
strips). I think there is not much difference from meter to meter in terms
of accuracy - none of them are very good. ADA requirement is +-20% and
they all seem to turn out about +-15%. Check a few drug stores and places
like WalMart (the other evil empire). You should be able to get a meter
for under $10 - possibly with rebate. The competition is fairly hot right
now - there have been two full page ads for free ascensia contour meters
in our local paper within the last few weeks.

On Sat, 11 Nov 2006 15:11:15 -0700, ray <ray@zianet.com>
wrote:

>IMHO - get what's cheapest - and consider the cost of consumables (test
>strips). I think there is not much difference from meter to meter in terms
>of accuracy - none of them are very good. ADA requirement is +-20% and
>they all seem to turn out about +-15%. Check a few drug stores and places
>like WalMart (the other evil empire). You should be able to get a meter
>for under $10 - possibly with rebate. The competition is fairly hot right
>now - there have been two full page ads for free ascensia contour meters
>in our local paper within the last few weeks.


I agree with the basic thrust of Ray's advice here - but I
disagree with "I think there is not much difference from
meter to meter in terms of accuracy - none of them are very
good."

Depends what you're comparing with. Accuracy is a relative
thing. I look for repeatability because I've found that the
trends of my BG results are what matters.

If your meter shows you are 8(145) or 9(160) - it's too high
at either level; unless you were showing 10(180) or 12(215)
yesterday. Similarly, there is little advantage in knowing
the specific reading if you are 3(54) or 3.5(63) if you've
got the shakes or other hypo symptoms - you're still going
to take the same food/glucose input to treat it.

All of today's meters are a vast improvement on those of
just a few decades ago; or the urine strips that preceded
them. Ask some of those here who were diagnosed back then.

So go with Ray's excellent initial advice - get what's
cheapest - and consider the cost of consumables (test
strips).

But get one SOON!

And then, as soon as you get it - put this into practice:
http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org/NewlyDiagnosed.htm

Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia.
d&e, metformin 1000mg, ezetrol 10mg
Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.
--
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: The Vatican

"dogman" <lbarry7637@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1163271460.186385.292300@k70g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
: Hi Everyone,
:
: I am new to this and I have not yet got a meter. My doctor thought that
: I was on medication because my A1c was 5.7 down from 6.7 two months
: prior. But, I have been feeling like my level is low and if I eat a
: bananna, a few grapes and half a small box of raisins I feel fine
: again. Of course a normal breakfast to go along with it. Most of the
: time it is only in the morning when I feel like this.
:
: I do want to get a meter, just not sure what to get. So, if anyone has
: advice, I would be very grateful.
:
: Thanks,
:
: Craig
:

Posted & Emailed:

I'll give you my suggestion that I give everyone looking for their first
meter, which BTW, is a fantastic idea!!! I think every diabetic should have
a meter because no one can see within their body and honestly I'm quite
scared because you stated, that after eating... "banana (35gm) a few grapes
(12gm) and half of box of raisins (30gm?) that you feel "normal" again..

This tells me a few things.. 1) you have been running high for quite some
time reguardless of what your A1C might be.. Sadly our lows do counter
balance out
the highs which is why testing before and after meals is so VERY VERY
important! 2) you have enough insulin production that, that many carbs
aren't going to have much of an effect on you as someone who's pretty poop'd
out. Either way, this is why it's so very important to have a meter.

Now my suggestion is to FIRST and foremost call your insurance company and
find out WHAT strips they will pay for. Most I've found in the US will pay
for Accu-Chek, Lifescan and a few Therasense. Also, you should ask what is
the MAX alloted strips a month. This way, if you want to test 8-10x a day
for the first few months until you are sure what certain foods will do to
your bg's. Once you find out how much and wht type, then call the meter
manufacture that you want to get.. So, example, you choose to get a Lifescan
Ultra2 meter (which is the latest on the market from Lifescan and a VERY
good meter to add) You give Lifescan a jingle and tell them you are a new
diabetic and you're insurance company will pay for your strips for the meter
you choose, but you would like to give Lifescan's Ultra2 a run and other
diabetics have recommended the product on a few diabetic forums you've been
reading and since you are a new diabetic, you would like them to send you
one to "evaluate" their product to make sure it will fit YOUR needs.
<VBG> Otherwise, for your second choice you'll be going with Roche's
Accu-Chek. (If you have no idea what I've just said, just say what I put
and wing it the best you can.. and it's almost a guarantee, Lifescan will
send you a $88.00 meter FREE of charge..) :P Then once the rep says they'll
be sending out your meter.. Tell them you haven't received your precription
yet for your strips and can they send you a 50 pack as a starter. Then
once they agree... tell them you would like to find out about getting their
FREE software and a FREE cable for your computer so you can download your
meter readings to print out nifty graphs and such for your doctor and you to
go over to adjust your control methods... If they give you slack about the
FREE Cable.. tell them you're going to most likely to remain with Lifescan
and will be testing 8-10x a day and that is quite a bit of product purchases
for them. Believe me, the rep will flip the bill for a FREE cable.. If
not.. hangup and call them back to get a new rep and explain the same.. just
you're getting your meter, but the rep wasn't very "friendly" and wouldn't
send you a FREE Cable.. <VBG>

Trust me, you'll be spending enough money for the rest of your life on them
DAMN strips.. might as well get what you can out of them for FREE!!!! Cuz
trust me, the stuff ain't cheap. (bad grammar on purpose. lol)

Anyhow.. last recommendation.. AFTER you pick your meter and if you go with
Lifescan, you can fudge it and call Roche and tell them you would like to
get a FREE "Sof-Clix" lancet device because you've heard they are the
best!!! I've only been at this for a bit over 6yrs and I lost my lancet
device that was a Sof-Clix from my first meter that was an Accu-Chek
Advantage (free from my doctor) and when I moved to my Ultra, I kept with my
Sof-Clix lancet because it did NOT hurt no matter what setting I had it at..
and when my doggie ATE it. LOL I went out and spent $17.99 on a new
Accu-Chek Active, JUST to get the lancet device out of it.. LOL Sad? nope..
Just sticking to what I've found doesn't hurt.. there are many others in
here that do the same.. use a Sof-Clix with a Lifescan Ultra meter. <g>

Last bit of advise before you ask... is that MANY of us only change our
lancets once or twice a year... You are the ONLY one that will be using that
lancet and therefore, really no reason to change it other then when it
starts to get dull and you'll figure that out pretty quickly.. OUCHIE! ---
Another thing.. NEVER NEVER NEVER.. did I mention LOL NEVER, use the same
lancet on anyone else.. so if you're going to test your spouse or a friend,
just pull your lancet out, put it off to the side and save it.. then put in
a fresh lancet, test the other person.. discard or give them the lancet and
replace yours and walla!! all fixed.. And nope, I don't know of one person
that has ever had an infection from reusing a lancet an there are quite a
few that USED to be here that told me this bit of fact.. Diabetics for 40+
years. I'd tend to listen to them, living with DM for that long.. Also,
it's NOT recommended to use Alcohol on the tip of the lancet because it will
strip the coating that keeps the lancet sharp... so use the alcohol and it
will dull the lancet down quicker..

Sorry for the book... LOL but theres just SOOO much when you're newly
diagnosed. Just remember to keep asking the questions and if you have me
killfiled already.. I'm sorry you've missed this bit of info that I typed
out for you...

Sorry you had to join us.. so might as well enjoy life!

--
Reisa, T1, Animas IR1250 Pumper
DX-5/00 ASD-7/00
A1C: 6.2% (8/24/06)
Daily CHO: 150-200gm
TDD: 34-38u

"ray" <ray@zianet.com> wrote in message
newsan.2006.11.11.22.11.13.830343@zianet.com...
>
> IMHO - get what's cheapest - and consider the cost of consumables (test
> strips). I think there is not much difference from meter to meter in terms
> of accuracy - none of them are very good. ADA requirement is +-20% and
> they all seem to turn out about +-15%.
>

I know ADA-bashing is a popular sport around here, but I think it's the
**FDA** that sets the medical-device requirements.
bj

On 11 Nov 2006 10:57:40 -0800, "dogman" <lbarry7637@aol.com> wrote:

>Hi Everyone,
>
>I am new to this and I have not yet got a meter. My doctor thought that
>I was on medication because my A1c was 5.7 down from 6.7 two months
>prior. But, I have been feeling like my level is low and if I eat a
>bananna, a few grapes and half a small box of raisins I feel fine
>again. Of course a normal breakfast to go along with it. Most of the
>time it is only in the morning when I feel like this.
>
>I do want to get a meter, just not sure what to get. So, if anyone has
>advice, I would be very grateful.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Craig

craig, i tried a couple and settled on the acensia breeze
<http://www.bayercarediabetes.com/prodServ/products/breeze/index.asp>
primarily because it uses a cartridge instead of individual strips.
you can usually find a coupon making your purchase cost $0.00

73,
rich, n9dko

"Rich" wrote ...
>
>>I am new to this and I have not yet got a meter.
>>I do want to get a meter, just not sure what to get.

I want to give you my experience. It's an Oz experience,
not a USA experience. So it may not have any relevance to you.

On Sat, 11 Nov 2006 23:59:31 +0000, bj wrote:

> "ray" <ray@zianet.com> wrote in message
> newsan.2006.11.11.22.11.13.830343@zianet.com...
>>
>> IMHO - get what's cheapest - and consider the cost of consumables (test
>> strips). I think there is not much difference from meter to meter in terms
>> of accuracy - none of them are very good. ADA requirement is +-20% and
>> they all seem to turn out about +-15%.
>>
>
> I know ADA-bashing is a popular sport around here, but I think it's the
> **FDA** that sets the medical-device requirements.
> bj

You're absolutely correct - my brain fart.

On Sun, 12 Nov 2006 09:24:44 +1100, Alan S wrote:

> On Sat, 11 Nov 2006 15:11:15 -0700, ray <ray@zianet.com>
> wrote:
>
>>IMHO - get what's cheapest - and consider the cost of consumables (test
>>strips). I think there is not much difference from meter to meter in terms
>>of accuracy - none of them are very good. ADA requirement is +-20% and
>>they all seem to turn out about +-15%. Check a few drug stores and places
>>like WalMart (the other evil empire). You should be able to get a meter
>>for under $10 - possibly with rebate. The competition is fairly hot right
>>now - there have been two full page ads for free ascensia contour meters
>>in our local paper within the last few weeks.
>
>
> I agree with the basic thrust of Ray's advice here - but I
> disagree with "I think there is not much difference from
> meter to meter in terms of accuracy - none of them are very
> good."
>
> Depends what you're comparing with. Accuracy is a relative
> thing. I look for repeatability because I've found that the
> trends of my BG results are what matters.
>
> If your meter shows you are 8(145) or 9(160) - it's too high
> at either level; unless you were showing 10(180) or 12(215)
> yesterday. Similarly, there is little advantage in knowing
> the specific reading if you are 3(54) or 3.5(63) if you've
> got the shakes or other hypo symptoms - you're still going
> to take the same food/glucose input to treat it.
>
> All of today's meters are a vast improvement on those of
> just a few decades ago; or the urine strips that preceded
> them. Ask some of those here who were diagnosed back then.

I understand that things are significantly better than they used to be.
What bothers me is when I see a reading around 100 - is it really closer
to 80 or to 100 or to 120. 80 would be fine; 100 a little high; 120 higher
than I'd like it. Quite frankly, I don't see how T1's manage 'tight
control' - it seems to me that the meters are not good enough.

>
> So go with Ray's excellent initial advice - get what's
> cheapest - and consider the cost of consumables (test
> strips).
>
> But get one SOON!
>
> And then, as soon as you get it - put this into practice:
> http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org/NewlyDiagnosed.htm
>
> Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia.
> d&e, metformin 1000mg, ezetrol 10mg
> Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.

ray <ray@zianet.com> wrote:
> On Sun, 12 Nov 2006 09:24:44 +1100, Alan S wrote:

>> On Sat, 11 Nov 2006 15:11:15 -0700, ray <ray@zianet.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>>IMHO - get what's cheapest - and consider the cost of consumables (test
>>>strips). I think there is not much difference from meter to meter in terms
>>>of accuracy - none of them are very good. ADA requirement is +-20% and
>>>they all seem to turn out about +-15%. Check a few drug stores and places
>>>like WalMart (the other evil empire). You should be able to get a meter
>>>for under $10 - possibly with rebate. The competition is fairly hot right
>>>now - there have been two full page ads for free ascensia contour meters
>>>in our local paper within the last few weeks.
>>
>>
>> I agree with the basic thrust of Ray's advice here - but I
>> disagree with "I think there is not much difference from
>> meter to meter in terms of accuracy - none of them are very
>> good."
>>
>> Depends what you're comparing with. Accuracy is a relative
>> thing. I look for repeatability because I've found that the
>> trends of my BG results are what matters.
>>
>> If your meter shows you are 8(145) or 9(160) - it's too high
>> at either level; unless you were showing 10(180) or 12(215)
>> yesterday. Similarly, there is little advantage in knowing
>> the specific reading if you are 3(54) or 3.5(63) if you've
>> got the shakes or other hypo symptoms - you're still going
>> to take the same food/glucose input to treat it.
>>
>> All of today's meters are a vast improvement on those of
>> just a few decades ago; or the urine strips that preceded
>> them. Ask some of those here who were diagnosed back then.

> I understand that things are significantly better than they used to be.
> What bothers me is when I see a reading around 100 - is it really closer
> to 80 or to 100 or to 120. 80 would be fine; 100 a little high; 120 higher
> than I'd like it. Quite frankly, I don't see how T1's manage 'tight
> control' - it seems to me that the meters are not good enough.

The first thing I did when I got my meter (an Accuccheck Compact) was
to test its variance, including of course my own BG testing methods,
to see how much faith I could put in its figures. I used my own blood
and the two glucose test solution provided with the meter. It was
clear that the variance was less then 5%, which was good enough for
me.

Nothing that has happened since has caused me to doubt that original
estimate. Since I usually test anything new by making a BG graph of
several to a dozen readings I also get the check of the
self-consistency of the graph. Nothing that has happened since has
caused me to doubt my original estimate of within 5%. I do sometimes
get an unexpected figure, always unexpectedly high, and always
immediately test again more carefully. Usually it's due to my having
handled something sugary and not been careful enough with cleaning my
finger.

5% is quite good enough for me. From what I've read of tests on other
meters, I don't think mine is exceptionally good.

--
Chris Malcolm cam@infirmatics.ed.ac.uk DoD #205
IPAB, Informatics, JCMB, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3JZ, UK
[http://www.dai.ed.ac.uk/homes/cam/]

ray wrote in message ...
>On Sun, 12 Nov 2006 09:24:44 +1100, Alan S wrote:
>. . .>
>I understand that things are significantly better than they used to be.
>What bothers me is when I see a reading around 100 - is it really closer
>to 80 or to 100 or to 120. 80 would be fine; 100 a little high; 120 higher
>than I'd like it. Quite frankly, I don't see how T1's manage 'tight
>control' - it seems to me that the meters are not good enough.

The insulin isn't good enough.

The meters are better than the insulin. The coefficient of variance in
absorbence between injections in a single person is higher than that of the
meters. T1 lead interesting lives, full of surprises.

Regards
Old Al

On Sun, 12 Nov 2006 12:56:21 +1000, "Nev." <nev@nowhere.org> wrote:

>
>"Rich" wrote ...
>>
>>>I am new to this and I have not yet got a meter.
>>>I do want to get a meter, just not sure what to get.
>
>I want to give you my experience. It's an Oz experience,
>not a USA experience. So it may not have any relevance to you.
>

just to be clear rich (me) did not write the original post.

73,
rich, n9dko

ray wrote:
> On Sun, 12 Nov 2006 09:24:44 +1100, Alan S wrote:
>
> > Depends what you're comparing with. Accuracy is a relative
> > thing. I look for repeatability because I've found that the
> > trends of my BG results are what matters.
> >
> > If your meter shows you are 8(145) or 9(160) - it's too high
> > at either level; unless you were showing 10(180) or 12(215)
> > yesterday. Similarly, there is little advantage in knowing
> > the specific reading if you are 3(54) or 3.5(63) if you've
> > got the shakes or other hypo symptoms
> >
> > All of today's meters are a vast improvement on those of
> > just a few decades ago; or the urine strips that preceded
> > them. Ask some of those here who were diagnosed back then.

I think Alan's concept of what bg numbers mean matches mine pretty
closely. And his historical grasp is right on too (indeed I was
initially taught how to do everything with urine strips).

> I understand that things are significantly better than they used to be.

I don't think you understand exactly how good and precise meters are!

> What bothers me is when I see a reading around 100 - is it really closer
> to 80 or to 100 or to 120. 80 would be fine; 100 a little high; 120 higher
> than I'd like it. Quite frankly, I don't see how T1's manage 'tight
> control' - it seems to me that the meters are not good enough.

I don't think you quite comprehend exactly what 'tight control' means
to me.

A very good day has me in the 70 to 140 range when I test. It may or
may not be bouncing above 140 right after meals. That's "tight" for me.
Like Alan said, I want to know if I'm on the low end (say 70-80) or the
high end (say 120-140) and use this to make very minor adjustments in
meals/exercise/dosage as appropriate. If I can stay in this good range
for a whole week at a time I think I'm doing wonderfully.

A bad day has me careening between 40 and 400. Alan had a pretty good
handle on what the different ranges of concern are.

I have seen my bg go from 70 to 350 in an hour and back the other way
in an hour. So I don't really comprehend it when others call a change
from 120 to 90 in a hour a "fast change" in bg's.

Now, some Type 1's may indeed be able to stay in the 80-100 range
consistently when in 'tight control', but I'm not one of them. That's
the goal and the bg numbers are to help me get there.

Tim.

rk wrote:
> "dogman" <lbarry7637@aol.com> wrote in message
> news:1163271460.186385.292300@k70g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> : Hi Everyone,
> :
> : I am new to this and I have not yet got a meter. My doctor thought that
> : I was on medication because my A1c was 5.7 down from 6.7 two months
> : prior. But, I have been feeling like my level is low and if I eat a
> : bananna, a few grapes and half a small box of raisins I feel fine
> : again. Of course a normal breakfast to go along with it. Most of the
> : time it is only in the morning when I feel like this.
> :
> : I do want to get a meter, just not sure what to get. So, if anyone has
> : advice, I would be very grateful.
> :
> : Thanks,
> :
> : Craig
> :
>
> Posted & Emailed:
>
> I'll give you my suggestion that I give everyone looking for their first
> meter, which BTW, is a fantastic idea!!! I think every diabetic should have
> a meter because no one can see within their body and honestly I'm quite
> scared because you stated, that after eating... "banana (35gm) a few grapes
> (12gm) and half of box of raisins (30gm?) that you feel "normal" again..
>
> This tells me a few things.. 1) you have been running high for quite some
> time reguardless of what your A1C might be.. Sadly our lows do counter
> balance out
> the highs which is why testing before and after meals is so VERY VERY
> important! 2) you have enough insulin production that, that many carbs
> aren't going to have much of an effect on you as someone who's pretty poop'd
> out. Either way, this is why it's so very important to have a meter.
>
> Now my suggestion is to FIRST and foremost call your insurance company and
> find out WHAT strips they will pay for. Most I've found in the US will pay
> for Accu-Chek, Lifescan and a few Therasense. Also, you should ask what is
> the MAX alloted strips a month. This way, if you want to test 8-10x a day
> for the first few months until you are sure what certain foods will do to
> your bg's. Once you find out how much and wht type, then call the meter
> manufacture that you want to get.. So, example, you choose to get a Lifescan
> Ultra2 meter (which is the latest on the market from Lifescan and a VERY
> good meter to add) You give Lifescan a jingle and tell them you are a new
> diabetic and you're insurance company will pay for your strips for the meter
> you choose, but you would like to give Lifescan's Ultra2 a run and other
> diabetics have recommended the product on a few diabetic forums you've been
> reading and since you are a new diabetic, you would like them to send you
> one to "evaluate" their product to make sure it will fit YOUR needs.
> <VBG> Otherwise, for your second choice you'll be going with Roche's
> Accu-Chek. (If you have no idea what I've just said, just say what I put
> and wing it the best you can.. and it's almost a guarantee, Lifescan will
> send you a $88.00 meter FREE of charge..) :P Then once the rep says they'll
> be sending out your meter.. Tell them you haven't received your precription
> yet for your strips and can they send you a 50 pack as a starter. Then
> once they agree... tell them you would like to find out about getting their
> FREE software and a FREE cable for your computer so you can download your
> meter readings to print out nifty graphs and such for your doctor and you to
> go over to adjust your control methods... If they give you slack about the
> FREE Cable.. tell them you're going to most likely to remain with Lifescan
> and will be testing 8-10x a day and that is quite a bit of product purchases
> for them. Believe me, the rep will flip the bill for a FREE cable.. If
> not.. hangup and call them back to get a new rep and explain the same.. just
> you're getting your meter, but the rep wasn't very "friendly" and wouldn't
> send you a FREE Cable.. <VBG>
>
> Trust me, you'll be spending enough money for the rest of your life on them
> DAMN strips.. might as well get what you can out of them for FREE!!!! Cuz
> trust me, the stuff ain't cheap. (bad grammar on purpose. lol)
>
> Anyhow.. last recommendation.. AFTER you pick your meter and if you go with
> Lifescan, you can fudge it and call Roche and tell them you would like to
> get a FREE "Sof-Clix" lancet device because you've heard they are the
> best!!! I've only been at this for a bit over 6yrs and I lost my lancet
> device that was a Sof-Clix from my first meter that was an Accu-Chek
> Advantage (free from my doctor) and when I moved to my Ultra, I kept with my
> Sof-Clix lancet because it did NOT hurt no matter what setting I had it at..
> and when my doggie ATE it. LOL I went out and spent $17.99 on a new
> Accu-Chek Active, JUST to get the lancet device out of it.. LOL Sad? nope..
> Just sticking to what I've found doesn't hurt.. there are many others in
> here that do the same.. use a Sof-Clix with a Lifescan Ultra meter. <g>
>
> Last bit of advise before you ask... is that MANY of us only change our
> lancets once or twice a year... You are the ONLY one that will be using that
> lancet and therefore, really no reason to change it other then when it
> starts to get dull and you'll figure that out pretty quickly.. OUCHIE! ---
> Another thing.. NEVER NEVER NEVER.. did I mention LOL NEVER, use the same
> lancet on anyone else.. so if you're going to test your spouse or a friend,
> just pull your lancet out, put it off to the side and save it.. then put in
> a fresh lancet, test the other person.. discard or give them the lancet and
> replace yours and walla!! all fixed.. And nope, I don't know of one person
> that has ever had an infection from reusing a lancet an there are quite a
> few that USED to be here that told me this bit of fact.. Diabetics for 40+
> years. I'd tend to listen to them, living with DM for that long.. Also,
> it's NOT recommended to use Alcohol on the tip of the lancet because it will
> strip the coating that keeps the lancet sharp... so use the alcohol and it
> will dull the lancet down quicker..
>
> Sorry for the book... LOL but theres just SOOO much when you're newly
> diagnosed. Just remember to keep asking the questions and if you have me
> killfiled already.. I'm sorry you've missed this bit of info that I typed
> out for you...
>
> Sorry you had to join us.. so might as well enjoy life!
>
> --
> Reisa, T1, Animas IR1250 Pumper
> DX-5/00 ASD-7/00
> A1C: 6.2% (8/24/06)
> Daily CHO: 150-200gm
> TDD: 34-38u

>>>I'll give you my suggestion that I give everyone looking for their first
meter, which BTW, is a fantastic idea!!! I think every diabetic should
have
a meter because no one can see within their body and honestly I'm quite

scared because you stated, that after eating... "banana (35gm) a few
grapes
(12gm) and half of box of raisins (30gm?) that you feel "normal"
again.. <<<<

I guess I should clarify what I meant. I do not eat all the fruit at
once to feel better. I will eat half a box of raisins, or a half of
bananna. Sometimes I will eat an apple. It just depends on how I am
feeling at the time. When I get done working out, I will eat a whole
bananna and half a box of raisins, then after I ate that, I felt
better. Sometimes in the morning when I wake up, I may eat a few red
seedless grapes. They are the big ones. Those get me right back to
where I want to be feeling. Not low or high. But, that is why I want to
get a meter, so I will know what to do without guessing what to do.

But, I want to thank everyone for their input and advice!

Craig

"oldal4865" <oldal4865@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:4rog7oFrsstcU1@mid.individual.net...
>
> ray wrote in message ...
>>On Sun, 12 Nov 2006 09:24:44 +1100, Alan S wrote:
>>. . .>
>>I understand that things are significantly better than they used to be.
>>What bothers me is when I see a reading around 100 - is it really closer
>>to 80 or to 100 or to 120. 80 would be fine; 100 a little high; 120 higher
>>than I'd like it. Quite frankly, I don't see how T1's manage 'tight
>>control' - it seems to me that the meters are not good enough.
>
> The insulin isn't good enough.
>
> The meters are better than the insulin. The coefficient of variance in
> absorbence between injections in a single person is higher than that of
> the
> meters. T1 lead interesting lives, full of surprises.
>
> Regards
> Old Al
>

I'm not so sure the bodies are reliable either.
Mine sure isn't!
& I'm a "mere" T2.
bj

In article <1163271460.186385.292300@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups .com>,
"dogman" <lbarry7637@aol.com> wrote:

> Hi Everyone,
>
> I am new to this and I have not yet got a meter. My doctor thought that
> I was on medication because my A1c was 5.7 down from 6.7 two months
> prior. But, I have been feeling like my level is low and if I eat a
> bananna, a few grapes and half a small box of raisins I feel fine
> again. Of course a normal breakfast to go along with it. Most of the
> time it is only in the morning when I feel like this.
>
> I do want to get a meter, just not sure what to get. So, if anyone has
> advice, I would be very grateful.

Ask your doctor for a meter? I just got an Ultra from my doctor, and all
I did was ask him for a refill on my test strips prescription. If you
want to buy your own meter, check http://www.consumerreports.org to read
a review on BG meters they did within the past year (if I remember
correctly).

If you need to buy a meter, but your strips are covered by insurance, the
new Lifescan UltraMini is only $20 -- that's the regular price, no rebates
or anything. It doesn't have a lot of bells & whistles, doesn't hook up to
the computer, has "only" 50-reading memory -- but it is a bit smaller than
others -- I can actually carry it in my shorts pocket if necessary without
worrying about it falling out while running, & still have room left for
kleenex.
bj