[ett]

Being newly diabetic (since 1/2/09); I blindly listened to my doctors, diabetes instructors, and manufacture's propaganda concerning glucose meters and their usage.

Until recently I was very happy with my Bayer Contour meter.
(Ignorance is bliss.)

Since February when I was taken off glyburide and place on Januvia; my readings were/are staying between 80 and 120. Readings just before breakfast (aka fasting) would be in in the 80's or 90's. And readings 2-hours after lunch or dinner would be above 100 but less than 120.
About two weeks ago I got a very abnormal reading of 171. So I immediately took another reading and it was 121.
After this incident I started taking multiple readings from each drop of blood.
And I routinely get a spread of about 25 points.

For example;
Yesterday morning five tests from the same drop of blood gave readings of: 83, 93, 70, 78, and 98.
Yesterday after lunch three tests from the same drop of blood gave readings of: 117, 105, and 130.

I tried changing changing batteries and several batches of strips. But still got the 25 point spread.
So I tried different meters; but also got the same results - or worse.

Another Bayer Contour; identical results.
A ReliOn Ultima; same inconsistency along with less features and slow blood drawing into the strip.
An Accu-Chek Aviva; even worse than the others. Along with the same inconsistency. Five of the ten strips failed with errors indicating BG too high, too low, or electronic malfunction. And to top it off; the power button broke !

I've been doing a lot of searching; and everyone/thing talks about accuracy of glucose meters. But I haven't seen anything about the consistency of meters.
Are all meters this inconsistent or could I some how not be testing properly ?

Thanks;
--ET

 

[Guest]

Being newly diabetic (since 1/2/09); I blindly listened to my doctors, diabetes instructors, and manufacture's propaganda concerning glucose meters and their usage.

Until recently I was very happy with my Bayer Contour meter.
(Ignorance is bliss.)

Since February when I was taken off glyburide and place on Januvia; my readings were/are staying between 80 and 120. Readings just before breakfast (aka fasting) would be in in the 80's or 90's. And readings 2-hours after lunch or dinner would be above 100 but less than 120.
About two weeks ago I got a very abnormal reading of 171. So I immediately took another reading and it was 121.
After this incident I started taking multiple readings from each drop of blood.
And I routinely get a spread of about 25 points.

For example;
Yesterday morning five tests from the same drop of blood gave readings of: 83, 93, 70, 78, and 98.
Yesterday after lunch three tests from the same drop of blood gave readings of: 117, 105, and 130.

I tried changing changing batteries and several batches of strips. But still got the 25 point spread.
So I tried different meters; but also got the same results - or worse.

Another Bayer Contour; identical results.
A ReliOn Ultima; same inconsistency along with less features and slow blood drawing into the strip.
An Accu-Chek Aviva; even worse than the others. Along with the same inconsistency. Five of the ten strips failed with errors indicating BG too high, too low, or electronic malfunction. And to top it off; the power button broke !

I've been doing a lot of searching; and everyone/thing talks about accuracy of glucose meters. But I haven't seen anything about the consistency of meters.
Are all meters this inconsistent or could I some how not be testing properly ?

Thanks;
--ET

Meters have always been inconsistent. I have 5 or 6 OneTouch meters, and they will always read differently. So pick 1 meter that you like (mine is the OneTouch Ping that goes with my pump), and stay with it.

Also make sure you do your preparation for finger sticks the same as possible every time. If you wash your hands with soap and water, use the same soap every time. A lot of soaps have fragrances that you don't want. They are great for every day use, but useless for finger sticks.

 

[Terrie]

Hello:

They have not developed a meter that is 100% accurate yet. As John mentioned, wash your hands to remove any residue on your fingers which may scatter the results and stay with the same brand machine that you have chosen. Having 2 or 3 of the same machine brand, makes testing more convenient and consistent.

Most meters offer the alternative site option. That would be on your arm, thigh, lower thumb, etc. Although these sites are less painful due to less nerve concentration, they are not always as accurate. Sugar levels change quickly after injected Insulin, exercise and food intake. This is evident in the fingertip tests. However, the blood moves slower in these alternative areas so the results are less accurate.

If your meter recommends cleaning and the Solution Test, then do read the instructions and comply. Make sure that you program in the code that is on the strip vial, into your meter so that they match.

You could take your meter to your Lab when you are having blood drawn at each visit. Test your blood just before they draw your blood. You can check when the results come in to see if your meter is testing in the same range as their tests are. Or you could compare test results with your meter and the meter at your Dr.'s office.

It is not a Good idea to buy strips from other sources than the meter company or your pharmacy. The meter companies may change something in the meter or strips without the other sources knowing about it. Humidity/temperature can also affect strips.