smartone86's Full Review: TheraSense FreeStyle Flash Blood Glucose Meter
I first read about Therasense’s newest meter, the Freestyle Flash, online before it was available. I couldn’t wait to try it out. It looked so cool.
Finally, last November, I was able to get one for free by purchasing 100 strips. It looked even neater in person that it did in every article. The meter is silver, and so small I could place it is my palm, wrap my fingers around it, and totally hide it. Besides the meter, the starter kit also includes a $40 rebate, which I obviously didn’t need, and lancing device with a cap for alternative site testing and one for finger testing, a very small, sleek carrying case, 10 strips, 10 lancets, control solution, batteries, user manuals, a log book, and an offer for a free data cable to connect it to your computer. I was disappointed that I couldn’t use this, again, because I got it for free. Oh well.
The meter resembles a cell phone. I actually had someone ask me if it was a cell phone. But it only has 3 buttons. One is in the middle. It powers lighting features the meter has. When it is waiting for blood to be applied, a light lights the area where the strips goes in. When I am doing something that involves the screen, the light button will back light the screen. This feature is extremely useful and means I can test in total darkness. Anyone who knows about infamous 3 AM checks will appreciate this, I guarantee it. The only thing I suggest is not to plan on being able to load a lancet into the lancing device in darkness. Pre-load it, because that does not work. The other 2 buttons are the M and C buttons typical on meters used for accessing the memory and settings.
Many features are the same as with the first Freestyle. The strip still takes .3 microliters of blood- an extremely small drop. Alternative site testing is still an option. There is still a 250 result memory, but you can upload results to your computer if you get the free data cable (just $4.99 for shipping) and download the free software.
The differences are a faster test time, with an average being 7 seconds, the lights, the small size, and new smaller lancing device (that surprisingly has only 4 depth settings, not 5), different batteries (watch batteries instead of the hard to find AAAA size), and alarms. There are 4 alarms that can be set to remind you to test. They are kind of hard to set, though, and not necessarily loud enough to wake someone up. Also, the Flash never goes totally off. The date and time always display. I figured this would drain my batteries quickly, but really hasn’t so far. I tried so hard to get it to go totally off, but it doesn’t. My doctor also tried to turn it off when she was flipping through my results, but she was as unsuccessful as I was. It’s not broken, it’s not meant to go off. I now find always having the date and time there very convenient. The case for the meter is also smaller than that of the Freestyle, but it works.
The user guide is very good with color photos and clear instructions.
The meter is extremly accurate. It was one mg/dL different than the lab when I compared results.
I truly think meter companies will have a hard time making a better meter than this one.
****UPDATE*****
I recently put in a phone call to customer service because, a year and a half after starting to use the meter, it started to seem inaccurate. A new meter and strips were overnighted to me, remedying the problem. I am thoroughly impressed with the service I recieve, especially since this was the second time they replaced the meter for me this year (the first time I dropped it on concrete and the screen cracked). The 800 number was answered right away. With my new meter, they also sent me the data cable for free. I downloaded the software for free off the website, and have been using it. I love it!
The software allows me to upload my results to the computer, and then creates charts showing averages, standard deviation, results by time of day, and allowing me to use a large food database to track which foods I eat and monitor carbs. If you use a Cozmore insulin pump (all pump companies seem to have their partnerships now: Animas and Lifescan, Disetronic and Accu-chek, Freestyle and Deltec Cozmore, and Medtronic and BD), you can upload your insulin totals also. All with a very simple click. By using your doctor's e-mail address you can instantly send in all your info to your clinic or office.
Freestyle continues to amaze me with their great products, outstanding customer service, and cutting edge technology.
Recommended:
Yes
Friday, May 23, 2008
Best Meter Out There
Freestyle Flash Blood Glucose Meter
ActiveForever.com introduces the Freestyle Flash Blood Glucose Meter. With the FreeStyle System you can enjoy the benefits of virtually pain-free testing and the flexibility of the most test sites available through alternate site testing. This meter requires small blood samples (0.3 microliters), 7-second average test times, and there is a 250-test memory.
The Freestyle Flash Blood Glucose Meter offers customers a safe, more effective way to test their blood sugar levels. More frequent self-monitoring has been associated with better glucose control, regardless of the diabetes type or therapy. However, barriers to frequent testing include the pain associated with the required finger stick along with the accumulated trauma to the fingers.
There is a toll free number listed on the back of this meter if you are ever in need of technical support.
Freestyle Flash Blood Glucose Meter Product Features:
* World's smallest blood sample size
* Fast 7-second average test time
* 4 daily programmable alarms
* 250-test memory
* Compact carrying case
* Most test sites available
* Virtually pain-free testing
Freestyle Flash Blood Glucose Meter Product Feature Description:
* World's smallest blood sample size (0.3 microliter) delivers virtually pain-free testing
* Fast 7-second average test time
* Most test sites available
* Offers testing flexibility
* 4 daily programmable alarms to remind about times to test
* 250-test memory with date/time and 14-day average
* Compact carrying case for discreet and convenient testing
* Bright backlit display and test light make testing and reading results easy - even in low light
Freestyle Flash Blood Glucose Meter Product Specifications:
* Test will start only when enough blood is applied
* Add blood for up to 60 seconds
* Beeps when the strip is full
* Only FreeStyle meters use coulometry to measure virtually all the glucose in a blood sample for exceptional accuracy
Available Test Sites:
* Upper Arms
* Forearms
* Hands
* Fingers
* Thighs
* Calves
Not for resale
Warranty Info: 5-year warranty
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Accurate Blood Sugar Numbers- It's Important to Do Your Diabetes Testing as Often as You Are Told
Diabetes sufferers need to conduct regular blood sugar level tests, so that they can monitor their condition. But how many diabetics are actually doing their tests when they should? If you are diabetic and aren't doing the necessary testing, then you are placing yourself at risk of developing further complications. Nowadays diabetes testing can be done in a number of ways to make it easier for you, so there's no reason for you to miss out on testing your blood sugar levels regularly.
It's important to do your diabetes testing as often as you are told, as well as do it correctly, so that you can give accurate blood sugar level numbers to your doctor. The minimum is to test your sugar levels three times a day, but in fact it's usually recommended that you test seven times a day. This means testing both before and after breakfast, lunch and dinner, then a final test as you're going to bed.
This may seem like a lot of testing, but in fact this information is vital in order to build up a picture of how your medication is working, and also how what you eat affects your blood glucose levels. The diabetes testing can help you determine if you need to alter what you eat, in order to stabilize your glucose levels and avoid too many peaks and troughs.
Your doctor can also look at the results and see if your medication needs adjusting in any way. This is important, because there's no point taking medication if it's the wrong dose or it's been taken at a time that's ineffective. It may even be necessary to change the type of medication you're taking. Your diabetes testing makes it easier for your doctor to analyze what's going on and recommend any necessary changes.
When you're doing your diabetes testing, it's important to make sure that your finger or arm is clean and sanitized. This is so the results aren't contaminated by any stray food particles that might be left on your body after eating. Getting a false result isn't going to help you, because inaccurate numbers will lead to unnecessary or even detrimental changes to your medication or diet.
For more inforamtion on regular diabetes testing please visit Information-On-Diabetes.info where you will find an abundance of information and resources related to diabetes to include diabetic cooking, diabetic food, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic shoes, diabetic symptoms, diabetic food pyramid and diabetic diet plans.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Gorman
Convenient, Affordable Diabetic Testing Supplies
f you have diabetes, you know that lifestyle changes such as eating healthier and getting regular exercise are vital components for treating diabetes. Daily monitoring of glucose levels is also important, requiring the need to order diabetic testing supplies on a regular basis. For diabetics, this reality often is a costly one. Expenditures can run up to hundreds of dollars a month.
But help is available for lowering or even eliminating the cost of purchasing diabetic supplies. Medical supply companies provide assistance with ordering quality diabetic testing supplies such as meters, test strips, and lancets. Depending on the diabetic's insurance coverage, the supplies can be purchased at discount rates or even at no cost. Simple supplies such as needles, batteries, and alcohol swabs are also usually included.
Some diabetic testing supply companies also provide assistance with medical and insurance paperwork, helpful for aging and busy diabetics who have neither the time nor understanding of how to arrange for free diabetic testing supplies. Free home delivery of the supplies is another convenience that may be offered by these companies, relieving the stress of waiting in long lines and paying higher prices at pharmacies.
People with diabetes can research online to find more information about diabetic testing supplies. You may find that a simple phone call to a quality diabetes supply provider can answer all your questions, take your order, and determine if your insurance covers diabetic testing supplies. There are plenty of resources to provide for diabetic testing supplies that you should never have to overpay for them again.
A premier physician-supervised medical supplier, Total e-Medical is dedicated to providing quality products and personalized service for all of its customers. For more information about how to get your diabetic testing supplies online, please visit our website http://totalemedical.com/ or call us at 1-877-750-5252.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cindy_Teruya
The Importance of Diabetes Testing
In a world hunted by different types of degenerative diseases, diabetes is given prime importance as trends have indicated serious cases. According to the Center of Disease Control, diabetes has reached epidemic proportions that there are actually millions of people today that do not know they might have diabetes.
Diabetes is a form of disease that grew from the unhealthy diet trends and lack of participation in physical activities of today’s generation. This dangerous practice has not only increased the number of diabetes cases, but also helped establish the link of wrong diet and unhealthy living with other conditions such as coronary heart disease and obesity. These kinds of diseases present us a ticking time bomb that might prove serious when it finally strikes. Thus, it is important to arm ourselves with the right information about diabetes and ourselves.
Diabetes and its complications gives us different reasons why testing for this disease is important. For starters, diabetes in its early stages does not present any symptoms and the only way to tell if you have pre-diabetes is when you ask your doctors for tests. You may continue your unhealthy diet while not being aware that you have the disease. Early diabetes testing will help you review the status of your health. Even if you do not believe you have the disease, you can never go wrong in knowing your blood sugar level.
For people who have developed diabetes, diabetes testing now becomes a critical activity. Despite all the advances in treatment, diabetes is not a disease that we can forget after taking a pill or insulin. Diabetes requires constant monitoring as differences in stress level, diet, exercise levels, and other factors affect your condition. Diabetes testing gives you your score for the day so that you can adjust your diet and other activities depending on your sugar level. As you take diabetes tests regularly, the more you will learn how the disease affects you.
Regular diabetes testing will help you control and prevent any further complications of the disease. As a patient, diabetes test done at recommended times allow you to control your own body sugar since you can review what you have eaten for the day and adjust your diet according to what works for you. Having diabetes test tells you what food to avoid, when you need to exercise, when you need to relax to cope with stress, and when to take more medication to cope with the disease. Diabetes testing is a barometer not only of your health, but also how you deal with the disease.
The prospect of taking regular diabetes testing might be frightening and stressful for us. However, we have to remember that these tests are our guide to succeed in living with diabetes. Without diabetes testing, we will not know how well we are doing in controlling the disease. Diabetes testing is actually our friend that tells us what’s up before the disease strikes. Diabetes testing helps us have a broader perspective in dealing with diabetes.
This Article is written by Lena Butler, the author of Diabetes Information Resources, a longer version of this article is located at The Importance of Diabetes Testing, and resources from other home health and wellness testing articles are used such as A1c Diabetes At Home Test.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lena_Butler
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Glucose is the body's fuel. Our brains require it to function properly and our muscles require it to move. It is the food for all of our cells. Therefore, it is important to maintain normal blood glucose levels for our bodies to function properly.
A normal blood sugar level is between 60-100 mg/dl. Your level raises some after a meal and it is lower in the morning when you first awaken. But your blood sugar level should never go below 60 mg/dl if you are not a diabetic. If you have a problem with your blood sugar dropping, commonly called hypoglycemia, you should see your doctor.
Hypoglycemia can be caused by many different things. Most cases of hypoglycemia will occur in people who have diabetes. If a diabetic has a decreased appetite or skips a meal and does not adjust their insulin or oral diabetic medicine to compensate, they will have a drop in blood sugar. But there are other conditions that can cause hypoglycemia also. Let's look at a few of them.
Cancer can be a cause of low blood sugar. Chemotherapy will decrease the appetite or lead to nausea and vomiting. Food does not taste the same to people who have had chemotherapy. Skipping meals or eating very little will cause a drop in blood sugar levels.
Excessive alcohol consumption can stop your body from producing glucose which causes your body to use up all of its stored glycogen. This will only occur if you are drinking very heavily and have had nothing to eat.
Liver disease can cause low blood sugar because the liver is a key organ in glucose production. The kidney is also an important organ in glucose production and conditions such as kidney failure will cause hypoglycemia.
A beta cell tumor of the pancreas, called insulinoma, can cause hypoglycemia by causing an overproduction of insulin. Insulin is what controls the amount of glucose in your blood and too much insulin will cause a drop in blood glucose.
Endocrine deficiencies will cause hypoglycemia. The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce hormones that regulate processes throughout the body. These glands are the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, the adrenal glands, the pancreas, ovaries and testicles. Certain disorders of the adrenal glands or the pituitary gland can interfere with glucose production and cause hypoglycemia.
It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. These symptoms may include:
* Confusion or abnormal behavior
* Visual disturbances, such as double vision or blurred vision
* Occasionally seizures
* Loss of consciousness
* Heart palpitations
* Shaking
* Anxiety
* Sweating
* Hunger
If you think someone is having a hypoglycemic episode, it is important to call for help and try to raise their blood sugar as fast as possible. Brain and organ damage can result if their level drops too low for any amount of time. If they are still awake and able to drink, have them drink a glass of juice. It will help if you can add some sugar packets to it. If they are unconscious or bordering on becoming unconscious, get some sugar and place it under their tongue. This area is highly vascular and the sugar will absorb into the bloodstream fast.
Low blood sugar is not for diabetics only. It can happen to almost anyone at anytime without warning.
Diabetic Blood Glucose Monitoring
The most important part of any diabetes symptom management is monitoring blood glucose levels. There are three main ways that glucose levels in the blood can be monitored.
1. Fasting Blood Glucose:
Fasting blood glucose or fasting blood sugar is taken after an eight hour fast and measures the level of glucose in the blood at that time. Depending on the lab conducting the test the normal value of this test should be between 70 to 110 mg/dl. If the diabetes is uncontrolled these fasting glucose levels are much higher then normal.
2. Glycosylated hemoglobin:
Glycosylated hemoglobin (HgbA1c) is produced through a process that is irreversible. Hemoglobin combines with glucose as the red blood cells circulate through the blood stream and forms glycohemoglobin. Depending on the amount of glucose in the blood stream a certain amount of glycohemoglobin is formed during the red blood cells 120 day life span. Because of this the amount of glycosylated hemoglobin is a good measure of the average amount of blood glucose level over that 100 to 120 day time span before the test. The more glucose in the blood stream the greater the end value. Short term factors such as food, exercise and stress will not affect this value making it easy to take a blood sample at any time and is much easier then scheduling a fasting blood glucose test.
3. Self-monitoring.
This type of blood glucose test can be done in the diabetics own home with a glucometer or blood glucose meter, which is available for purchase at any pharmacy. This device is used to monitor glucose levels at any time but in particular before and after eating and before bedtime. The glucometer is used with a drop of blood obtained through a finger prick to measure blood glucose levels at specified times during the day. By self monitoring the diabetic can chart their glucose level which is important to maintain glycemic control. Through this method the affects of their meal plan, exercise program and other factors can be evaluated to see if the goal of their medical nutrition therapy is being met.
These charts generated from the self monitoring should be reviewed by the diabetic's health care team to make determinations about their food intake, insulin requirements and exercise plan. This allows their doctors and nutritionists to individualize the care plan to the particular diabetic's needs. This makes the older method of offering general diet plans and tear-off diet sheets a thing of the past.
The type of diabetes and treatment that is prescribed will determine the number of times the diabetic will need to test the glucose levels in their blood. Some may even need to monitor up to ten times a day, before and after each meal and again at bed time.
Diabetic blood glucose monitoring is the lifeline that allows all diabetics to control their disease and live a normal life.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/diabetic-blood-glucose-monitoring-122154.html
