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Downloadable meter

5K views 22 replies 8 participants last post by  davidalan99 
#1 ·
I have to go back to my endo on Monday, as my readings have been climbing higher without me doing anything to cause it. Up until this point, I've been keeping track of my readings, and giving them to my doctor when I see him or his nurse. The nurse told me that the doctor will want me to now switch to a meter that they're able to download when I go in. She said it doesn't "have" to be the specific brand he uses/gives out/recommends, but that I do have a choice. She didn't tell me which ones were downloadable. So ... anyone have any opinions on which meter fits the bill and is good? I'm not as worried about the cost of the strips, that's not really a factor with me. I'm more interested in which downloadable meter is the best to use. thanks.
 
#3 ·
Hmmm.... Having researched meters I could download and being a gadget person, I'm surprised she said it could be any kind, and here's why.

At this time, there's no universal software or specification for meters to use. Each meter (or meter company) has its own proprietary software. Yes, many of them will then let you export the data as a comma-separated value file (CSV) that you can read with many programs, including Excel.

But, to get it to upload to their computer, they'll need the software that reads it, and, unless it has a USB interface, they'll need special cables.

Could you ask her which kind they use and then let us know? I'm curious!
 
#5 ·
Yep! I have to go Monday morning. My BS readings have been higher than normal, so my endo. wants to see me and I have to bring my written logs of BS readings for FBS, before eating, and postprandial. She mentioned they'd put me on or recommend a meter that downloads. I will let you know which one(s) they suggest.
 
#10 ·
I got the software, upgraded to a onetouch ultra 2 ... then decided the quality of information was not worth it!

Now I eyeball from a paper sheet I downloaded from Gary Scheiner's site, that arrays the info in columns for a week per page, so I can see trends. Beyond that I use my gut!
 
#11 ·
Thanks. My endo actually is the one that wants to track my BS. With his patients, he downloads the info. to see the readings for the past however long he's looking for. I basically don't really keep track of mine, except when I have to write them down for the doc. Since mine are getting higher, he wants a downloadable form for when I go in his office. I'll find out Mon. which meters I have to choose from. I really like my meter, no problems or anything, but the nurse said it's not one of the ones they can download. :)
 
#12 ·
I have the app on my iPod Touch. Like Steve, I just try to have my device with me when I take a test and immediately enter it. Often the app will automatically fill in the time and date (which you can change), so all you have to do is enter the reading and either enter or choose a note (fasting, before meal, and so on).

There are quite a few free ones for the iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad, and I think there are probably many for the Android phones. Try each one for a couple of days.

I will say, though, that writing down the number and entering it later is more time-consuming. You have to adjust the date and time and have to remember what type of note ("Was that an hour after I ate, or two? Oh, let me go look at my food log.")
 
#13 ·
Ok just went back and looked over this thread again. I think we missed one question. What meter do you currently use? Perhaps the manufacturer has an add-on you could purchase so you would be able to download the data and email to your doc. If its a meter you like this might be a viable option.
 
#14 ·
Actually, no, it's not, but that was a great idea. It's the Walgreen's brand meter and there's no additional add-ons or anything else. I wouldn't mind parting with this meter. It's really small and I wouldn't mind something bigger, that's easier to hold onto. I got a Freestyle free in the mail from a promo they ran and it came with 10 strips. I figured it was free, so I'd use it as a backup meter. I checked the freestyle to the one I'm using, and the BS reading was 1 different, so I know the accuracy for both is good. I considered switching to the freestyle, but would rather go to a brand where the strips are now low/moderately priced, thinking that if there's a price increase in the future years, I could still be comfortable with the price of the strips. I also hear that a lot of people love the Relion, so I'm really considering it. I am going to ask Monday if that's one their office can download.
 
G
#17 ·
The aviva range all of them have the download facility ,as well as freestyle and other makes you just ask for the USB cable. At the moment Boots in UK are selling the I phone meter at £24 that's a third of usual price.and it comes with all cables which you have anyway if you have an I phone.
 
#18 ·
Thanks for all of the replies on this. I saw my endo. today. The two brands that they're able to download are the Accu-Touch and the OneTouch. They're ironically the meters that they give out to D patients, so I'm sure the vendors supplied the doctor with their software for free. If a patient uses another brand (you know, like the ones with strips that don't cost $1,000 for 50), the patient has to keep a written log.
 
#19 ·
If a patient uses another brand (you know, like the ones with strips that don't cost $1,000 for 50), the patient has to keep a written log.
Well, you could always print a copy of the reports that other software would create for you, right? Maybe they'd let you email them?

It would be just wonderful if there was one standard that all programs could export/import, but it doesn't look like that would happen. Not enough money in developing and supporting it, I'd think.
 
#21 ·
I would try to get a Bayer Contour USB, or Contour USB Next.

Hand it to them when you visit, and let them worry about it from there.

No need to stress over data, when the Endo is going to analyse it for you.
 
#23 ·
I am using the BG Starr program (free on my iPhone) and the matching meter which plugs into my iphone. Can be used on a iPhone 5 with the apple adapter. Works great and the program is very easy to use. You can add your own readings manually or if you use the matching meter it is done automatically. When emailing a report, the program automatically attaches a CSV file to the email of the selected range of readings. BTW got the meter from the Apple store last May. Walgreens also sells them. They also have a strip discount program with a I'd card.
 
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