How often do you replace your meter?

[wendyc]

:confused:
Just curious, what is the lifespan of a meter? My daughter has had T1 for 9 months now, and we are going on our 3rd meter. Granted, I spilled water on one, but the others just kind of fizzled out on us. We use the OneTouch Ultra. Each time we have it replaced, they ask us to send the damaged one back. I don't know if they want it back for diagnostics, or if they repair and send reconditioned ones out as replacements? Are there any other brands that you love or hate?
Just curious.

[munchkingirl]

I replace my meter whenever my doctor gives me a new one that's "better" or newer than the last. I started with the one touch ultra - I got two, one for me and one for my mom to keep with her. Then I got the induo - which was awesome! but then I moved to the ultra smart - cause it has a built in log book - which I LOVE. I only replaced that once cause it just got worn out (and dropped too many times, electronic things do NOT like to be dropped :) ) I think that the ultra smart is my favorite. Though, if my insurance company covered the test strips I'd probably have the freestyle flash - or the accu-check compact. Unfortunately my insurance co only covers the one touch stuff.

[Jana]

We like our Freestyle Flash which we've had for 9 months or so. It's tiny, quick and takes the smallest blood sample. We have an accu check as well, but it feels like I have to bleed Gabriel dry compaired to the Freestyle. The one touch ultra smart looks awesome though.

[rileysdteam]

We have had to replace of One Touch Ultra 3 times in just over a year. The company was very good they just send new ones when we phone. Also my insurance company covers One Touch test strips and with each purchase of 100 strips(1 box) we can get a free meter. I do keep a few extra meters just in case of dropping or accidents.

[Boo]

We also use the One Touch Ultra, and just replaced ours for the first time recently (after about a year and a half). How do you get a free meter with a box of test strips? Is that something through your pharmacy or through the insurance? That's a good deal seeing as how quickly those test strips get used up!

[kipper]

Austin started out with the glucometer elite (it might have been the XL) it never wore out just changed insurance so different strips needed to be used. I even gave that one to a lady I worked with because her insurance still covered the strips. Although we have received a few freebies that insurance didn't cover the strips for Austin now uses the Accu-check with comfort strips. Insurance doesn't cover the freestyle as much (will pay some but there is a higher copay) he is switching to that on Monday because he is starting the Cozmore system (which unbelievably the insurance covered most of) I am sure we will keep the accu-check as a back-up as well as the freebie Freestyle he got at camp.:D

[c.marie]

We have had the same One Touch Ultra since he was diagnosed two years ago. We've only had to change the batteries one time, too.

[AmberO]

We've had a couple of times when the monitors results were totally off compared to the lab draw. So we replaced it then. We also had 2 monitors that would just drop numbers when going back through the memory, those were replaced. And 3 times when its been dropped so much by my daughter that it just wouldn't work.

Now we just got the newest accucheck. We've probably gone through about 15 monitors, them not working, a few upgrades ect over the past 7 years. lol

At least in Finland we get them for free, unlike the states where my insurance didn't cover new ones at all.

[Cheryl]

When injecting we used the One Touch (given to us at the hospital upon dx) and we ended up replacing about 3 times in 3 years, by the company no cost to us. We also kept a papter trail.

When we started pumping we got the One Touch UltraSmart and I did't need to keep a paper trail. But, it is larger and when I send my Kindergartner to school he takes the small One Touch. I can download all the readings and they get compiled into one place for print out. We like our system...but there are so many options out there. Try to go to a Diabetes Expo if you can find one and see them in person.

Don't forget the PrecisionExtra for Blood Ketones...a must if you have a little one in diapers.

[jlwilts]

been D for 15yrs, am now on 2nd meter.

I only changed from the first one because the finger pricker kept falling out of the carry case. This 'problem' has now been rectified by the manufacturer but too late to meet my needs.

The first was given to me at an exhibition where I was doing an 'indoor cycle racing' demonstration and the 2nd came free from the manufacturer because of medication I had on my prescription.

[Mojo's mommy]

Hi Amber,
Could you please tell me what the untethered regimin is?
Thanks
~~Teri~~

[Amy C.]

Obviously, I am not Amber, but I can answer the question. If you go to this site, the unthethered regime is explained.

http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/clinic/untethered.htm

Basically it means to take some or all of the basal insulin via a shot of Lantus which allows the pump user to take the pump off without a disruption in the sugar levels.

[Ellen]

We replace them often. If there's ever a problem or fading screen or battery door coming off yada yada yada. We call the meter company and have them send us a new one.

When a smaller or one with new features comes out that we like, we get the meter rep to our pump support meetings and make sure (s)he brings enough meters for everyone.

The endo often has free meters to take home and try too.

I think it's important for our children to have choices. So much about diabetes takes away certain choices, so this is one where they can select what they'd like...know they have the latest and greatest.

[leslie91879]

I change mine about once a year or whenever I see one I like better. My first one lasted about 10 years and then my grandfather used it so he wouldnt have to color match the strips to the bottle any more!!

[fulljef]

We've found that our son will lose it or damage it before we have to replace it. We've used evey meter out there and as one person said what ever they like is the best. Our son made a decisive decision to use the Lifescan meters... I was so happy becuse they have the lowest co pay on our insurance for test strips. We've gotten most of them free or next to free I wait till there on sale and have several in reserve. Find one you like and fits everyones life style... We have one is each car and at G-mas house and each one of her cars... so there is never a reason not to check when he suppose to!

[jvoyles]

We used One Touch Ultra for about 3 years and did have a couple stop working, even after replacing the battery. The company always replaced it. In addition, I called and asked them for an additional meter to have at school and they sent that free of charge. We have since changed to Freestyle Flash because it takes sooo much less blood and we can test on the arm easily with it. We've had it for about 9 months with no problems. I was given one to try then purchased several more at Walgreens for $9.99 each (They come with 10 strips, the pricker and a carrying case). Walgreens has these on sale about once a month, just watch the ads.

Besides the 1 that we use all of the time, I have 1 in my car, 1 at home, 1 in my daughter's locker at school, 1 in the clinic at school and 1 at Grandma's house. The 1 in the car has come in handy a few times.

[Ben'sMommy]

We've been using the One Touch Ultra Smart for about 18 months now and have never had a problem with it.
It is the same one we've always had and is very reliable.
We have spares but have never had to use them.

[diabeticgirl101]

I'VE NEVER REPLACED MY METER! :) lol I've had it since nov. 8 05.

[sherlynn01]

stacey has about 8 meters, She has 2 one touch utlra 2, freesstyle freedom and the flash ,we have a contour ,accu chek active.some off brand called track ease, and a one touch ultra mini!

[Momof4gr8kids]

Depending on the location of the meter DH can keep one for 3 years without any breakdowns, maybe more. His last that was that old still worked he just got a better one. However if it goes to work with him he is lucky to keep it for 6 months.
Julia's meter always break. It has something to do with the contact that connects with the strip when it is inserted, I think. The only one that hasn't had this issue yet, and we haven't had to warranty is the Ultra2. Her school meter is a ultra2 and has lasted all year, her at home ultra 2 lasted from last June up until Halloween. We recived the ultra smart, and switched, the ultra 2 still works.

[LantusFiend]

I have 3 Accu Chek Avivas and 1 Ultra Two. I mostly only use one of the Avivas, and its battery recently wore out, so I switched batteries. The meter I use on and off has the part of the display that shows time or the word memory or stuff like that fades sometimes. Don't know why, don't feel it's important enought to replace it. I got the first two avivas free from the hospital, the third free as advertised on the box of the first (it came with 60 free strips too!) and I ordered a free One Touch over the web.
I got the meter I'm using four and a half months ago.

[rickst29]

I'm stuck with the *OLD* one-touch Ultra, because it's the only meter which can calibrate my Dexcom CGMS.

I've thrown away just one. Nearly always, when two tests from the same blood drop disagree a lot OR I get different results from different meters (I own 3 of them, two sit around as "hot" spares) replacing the batteries brings the reliability back. With this meter, the dual tests will begin to go flaky BEFORE the "low battery" indicator comes on. So change 'em often, they're cheap.

I squeeze out an extra big drop and run tests in ALL 3 meters, PLUS a Freestyle, at the same time about once a week. This is to verify that they're consistent with each other. I think that's a good idea for everyone to do.

But of course, I'm an adult, the meters DON'T get dropped on sidewalks or run over by bicycles, etc. If it's physically damaged, TOSS IT.

[cassandra]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/135/358235791_1311020a84.jpg?v=0

i have... at least 6. lol. but i want that newer freestlye. too bad i only have about 150 strips left and then i am cut off completely from freestyle:(
so, i use the one touch ultra, which i don't really like.

[butterflygal291]

i replace my meter whenever my doctor gives me a new one or i get sent one. i've had at least 10 meters and i've never bought a single one

[Brandon B]

I have like 8 meters One I keep in my moms car 1 in dads car, 1 at school in Nurse office, 1 I carry with me. I have alway's used the one touch Brands or the Freestyle meters Endo give them to me free, When a new one comes out.:cool:

[Ali]

I have never had a meter die on me. I use the One touch Ultra. I upgrade every two years because I read it was just a smart thing to do to make sure the meter is accurate. I use one and try to have a spare.

[Mama Belle]

We usually get a new meter once a year. We tried the One Touch Ultra Smart and it lasted about 3 months before it pooped out on us.

[someone]

I have only had one BD Logic die on me. Other than that, I just get a new meter when I want one.

[Jen Jen]

I've had a few issues with the One Touch Ultra meters over the years, but I'm rough on them, and they're always replaced at no cost. I don't get good readings from any of the Freestyle or Accu-chek meters, I never have, and my One Touch meters have always been dead on, so I'm loyal even though I do have a Flash and couple others as additional back ups. I have five Ultras, three Ultrasmarts, an Ultra2 and an Ultra mini, so it's not likely I'll get that desperate, but better to be prepared.