Blood glucose meters

Comment:

I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes over ten years ago and since that time I have checked my blood glucose level two to four times a day. In June my pharmacy benefits manager required a change in meters before the end of 2012. In September my PCP added insulin to my management regimen. After some research I selected the Bayer Contour USB because one description said this meter was best for insulin users. I began using the meter in October 2012.<br /> In the past I have never had a reason to doubt the accuracy of my meter but soon after I began using the Contour USB my reading was significantly lower I expected. When I immediately checked it again the reading was 27 points higher. A third test produced a reading two points lower than the second test. (Please note that I read the instruction book and I am aware that testing is supposed to done only once. However, common sense indicates that when your insulin dose is based in part on glucose level, it is important to have an accurate assessment of the actual level.)<br /> Since I began using the Contour USB, there have been numerous occasions (20+) when I thought I was getting an erroneous reading. In most instances a second test, using the same drop of blood, produced significantly different results. The range was 8 to 43 points different. I called the Bayer customer service number and their representative walked me through the meter-testing process. According to their technician, the meter passed the tests. I indicated that I did not feel I could trust the meter and she said a replacement meter would be provided. While it has only been three weeks, I have not received a replacement meter. <br /> Based only on the meter I have, I would not recommend the Bayer Contour USB to others.

How long have you owned it:

Three-to-six months

Bottom Line

No, I would not recommend this to a friend.

Comment:

This would be a great meter for kids! The meter reads a very small sample of blood and is very quick to give results. I love that you can plug it into the computer and see readings and trends, notes, highs and lows. No need to keep a log book! I think the best thing about it is how fast you can test your blood. Also, it is small in size and the case holds all the supplies you need.

How long have you owned it:

A month or less

Bottom Line

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

Comment:

Glucose meters aren't fun to use, but the Bayer Contour USB comes close. Its vibrant color display with animated readings (large numbers to start, shrinking to smaller numbers and more data after a few seconds) is easy to see in daylight or dark. I own three meters and they all read, on average, about 20 mg/dL higher than meters of known accuracy. Outliers aren't unusual. A reading of 148 is followed second later by a reading of 118 from the same drop of blood using the same Contour USB meter. An accurate meter reads 97, also from the same drop of blood. The Bayer Glucofacts Deluxe computer program is excellent and it runs in Windows, OS X and Linux. Plug the Contour USB into a USB port and the meter will transfer data to the computer and charge its battery for as long as it remains in the port. Sweet! I don't trust the accuracy of the readings that the Bayer Contour USB provides, but I've never seen a more beautiful presentation from any meter and I know of no other that comes close to having its universal computer connectivity.

How long have you owned it:

Three-to-six months

Bottom Line

No, I would not recommend this to a friend.