Ultra Meters

[Gwyn]

Hi,

Our insurance is having us switch from the FreeStyle Flash to a One-Touch meter. I was thinking we would get either the Ultra2 or Ultra Smart as our "main" meter and an UltraMini for a backup.

Our CDE thinks that we shouldn't get a different meter for a backup even though it is the same company/strips/technology, but two of the same meter. We'll be cheking with our doc before we decide, but was wondering if you all have any thoughts on this.
.

[Abby-Dabby-Doo]

We have all three. Love them all. The mini doesn't have a light and it doesn't download, but it's great for emergencies in the car.
We use the Ultra2 it has less information for a 6 year old to understand. The Ultra Smart had too many buttons for her. But that's just IMO.

[momtojess]

We have the whole "ultra family".. the ultra, ultra smart, ultra 2 and the mini.

I dont really like the mini, other then it being pink.. It only stores 20 readings and it able to be downloaded to the computer. Personally, the ultra 2 is my favorite of them all. THe ultrasmart is nice and you can put in alot of info, but with her taking it to school, the nurse doesnt input the stuff so it doesnt matter.

I dont see problem with having different meters. They are different, but they are similar (programming, etc) because they are made by the same people.

[Emma'sDad]

I love our Ultra Smart. If you're a Techno Dork like my wife and I, you can do amazing stuff by importing the data into your own database to create reports and stuff to send to your doctor. If you are not a TD, I can see somebody taking advantage of being able to put in meals, insulin and BGs right into the meter instead carrying the P word (paper) around with you to keep your records.

Downside however, we've had to replace ours a few times because wear and tear causes the slot to where you put the strip to not accept the strips anymore. It's easily replaced though. The meter that is, not the slot.

[Emma'sDad]

Lanae, Emma's 5 years old and she LOVES the fact that there are "too many buttons". She's the one that likes to put in her meals and insulin whenever she gets the chance!

[Kaylee's Mommy]

we used the ultrasmart and loved it.. we switched to the freestyle lite now.. but still loved the ultrasmart (probably my favorite meter we've ever used) I have a mini for a back up, that I can NOT stand.. it doesn't shut off cant' turn it on..won't go on with the strips.. drives me insane.. when we were using the ultra smart we had one for backup as well, plus a ultra for a back up as well..

[Gwyn]

We really liked the Freestyle--it is so small and I will really miss the light. That was so handy for middle of the night checks. But hopefully the "ultra family" will be good too. I love to crunch the numbers so the UltraSmart is my pick, but of course Devin does not agree. She wants something as small as the Freestyle, so that's why we were thinking that the mini would make a great second meter.

I also heard a rumor that they were coming out with an improved mini after the first of the year--possibly in hot pink or purple--with expanded memory and a data port. Devin would love that and so would I!

[Abby-Dabby-Doo]

:DDon't forget... One Touch is coming out with a new meter at the end of the year that will talk to the MM pump! I hope it also will text my cell phone (crossing fingers)

[alongoria]

We were forced to switch to the one touch about 4 months before my husband switched jobs. We used the Freestyle Flash beforehand. I HATED the one touch, and couldn't wait to get back to the Freestyle which we are back onto now. I sure missed it.

Autumn

[Nelson]

Last year our insurance only covered OneTouch meter strips fully and we went through the whole Ultra line from Ultra to ultra2 to ultra smart and ultra mini. I loved the data in the UltraSmart. But, Derek was ultra unhappy with all of the ultras because of the amount of wasted test strips when he didn't get quite enough blood and because he felt like they were vampire meters having previously used the FreeStyle Flash with 70% less blood demand. It was worth the extra $100 per month in reduced stress to go back to the Flash with its little size, little light, and little blood drops!

Good luck,
Nelson

[khannen]

We use the Freestyle attached to our Cozmo pump as her main meter. We actually use the Precision Xtra meter as our backup. I have it in the supply kit to use for blood ketones, so I just requested a box of glucose strips each month as well. I figure if it's there, I may as well it as my backup for glucose rather than having yet another.. a third meter. I've been told they vary a bit by manufacturer, but I'm not worried in the amount of difference.