Glucose Monitors

[Thorndike2012]

Had a bit of a health scare this weekend. Had some odd symptoms this past week, like by Thurs was running to the bathroom every half hour to pee. My mouth was dry all the time despite drinking glass after glass of ice water.

Woke up this morning and couldn't get my eyes to focus at all. Scary stuff. The wife took me to the ER and...drum roll...diabetic emergency. Glucose was at 456 which, I was told, is potentially life threatening. No kidding...sudden blindness was my first clue (today) that something was amiss.

Anyway, several IVs and a scrip for Metformin later, I still can't see normally but I'm starting to feel a little better.

Now I must obtain a glucose monitor and test my level a few times per day. So I turn to the all knowing BWI board for assistance. Anyone have experience with these things? Which are the most accurate, while being economical?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[MJG-90]

Wow. I have this which I use for both glucose and ketones. I bought it because it does both. Probably cheaper stuff out there. But I really like this machine.

https://keto-mojo.com/collections/s...m1jH3eH49PGSgSiTUATzOkMsOYRr0J3caAjz_EALw_wcB

Good luck to you. Hope things turn out fine for you.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

I use the “Accu-Chek Nano SmartView” system.

I was diagnosed as a Type 2 diabetic about three years ago and have used this system since. Takes about 30 seconds morning and night to test / record my glucose count.

Cost of the unit itself as well as the ongoing refills of the lancets and test strips are for the most part covered by my CVS pharmacy plan. You could visit any pharmacy and they should give be able to quickly let you know how much it will cost. (Maybe check out a CVS, a Walgreens and a Costco, you don’t need to be a member to use their pharmacy.)

I take Metformin twice a day as well as another drug (or two). If I go on a desert binge I can occasionally get a 300 number but never even imagined a number as you saw.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[IC1 Rowles]

Check with your health insurance. They may cover all of the supplies you need.

 

[Aardvark86]

Med device guy here:
1. Most systems are fairly fungible and reliable. Definitely check your insurance re your copay for preferred brands.
2. This is a razor/razor blade model. They’ll virtually give you the device. The money is in the strips.

 

[Zenophile]

Had a bit of a health scare this weekend. Had some odd symptoms this past week, like by Thurs was running to the bathroom every half hour to pee. My mouth was dry all the time despite drinking glass after glass of ice water.

Woke up this morning and couldn't get my eyes to focus at all. Scary stuff. The wife took me to the ER and...drum roll...diabetic emergency. Glucose was at 456 which, I was told, is potentially life threatening. No kidding...sudden blindness was my first clue (today) that something was amiss.

Anyway, several IVs and a scrip for Metformin later, I still can't see normally but I'm starting to feel a little better.

Now I must obtain a glucose monitor and test my level a few times per day. So I turn to the all knowing BWI board for assistance. Anyone have experience with these things? Which are the most accurate, while being economical?

Many thanks in advance.

Check to see what your insurance will cover. If Dexcom is covered, it's a great option.

 

[Aardvark86]

Check to see what your insurance will cover. If Dexcom is covered, it's a great option.

Continuous monitoring systems like dex and libre often require some medical necessity around frequent testing and the like.

 

[Thorndike2012]

Thanks, guys. The day after and I'm seeing a little better. I'm also realizing that Metformin requires the development of a bowel tolerance. Ack.

Thanks for the information. The little research I've been able to do shows the money is in the strips. Jeepers.

 

[manatree]

I'm also realizing that Metformin requires the development of a bowel tolerance. Ack.

If you really have problems with Metformin, there is a time/slow release version which helps a little with the GI issues. I've switched to the time/slow release version and I typically only have issues once a month now. I still back off to half dosages if I am traveling.