The Best Meter? - DAFNE Online

April 05, 2012 13:46

novorapidboi26 DAFNE Graduate
NHS Lanarkshire 1,819 posts

No, there is a code you need to put in to change certain settings, however if your DSN thinks you can cope, which is likely if you completed DAFNE, then you can get the code and change ratio/correction/insulin duration etc all on your own.........

April 05, 2012 19:16

Anni DAFNE Graduate
Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust 2 posts

Hi Anele,

I have just gone over to the Accuchek mobile, and i love it. The main plus for me was it uses a cassette (like an audio cassette but with 'testing tape' ) so no strips to wrestle with/dispose of/be eaten by my baby!
I'm not very techie so was relieved it seems fairly idiot-proof, and uses ordinary small batteries. It also has a fingerpricker that is attached (but removable) to the side of the meter. All in, it means no need for a case, and it does resemble a mocile phone so i find it draws less attention in public - maybe it's the lack of juggling with individual parts that makes the difference there!

My only reservations so far are that it is a little noisy when 'winding on' to the next test and also it's quite bulky compared with other meter units, but as i said, no need for sticks, case etc so doesnt take up any extra room in your bag.

Kind regards,
Anni Very Happy

April 06, 2012 09:20

Anele46 DAFNE Graduate
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 109 posts

Anni said:
Hi Anele,

I have just gone over to the Accuchek mobile, and i love it. The main plus for me was it uses a cassette (like an audio cassette but with 'testing tape' ) so no strips to wrestle with/dispose of/be eaten by my baby!
I'm not very techie so was relieved it seems fairly idiot-proof, and uses ordinary small batteries. It also has a fingerpricker that is attached (but removable) to the side of the meter. All in, it means no need for a case, and it does resemble a mocile phone so i find it draws less attention in public - maybe it's the lack of juggling with individual parts that makes the difference there!

My only reservations so far are that it is a little noisy when 'winding on' to the next test and also it's quite bulky compared with other meter units, but as i said, no need for sticks, case etc so doesnt take up any extra room in your bag.

Kind regards,
Anni

Hi Anni,
Many thanks for your response, the Accuchek mobile sounds interesting - I like the idea of the cassettes rather strips, I guess it's down to whatever you are most comfertable with as one particular meter will not suit everyone Smile

It's interesting how many different types of meters there are out there, all with their own unique/handy features.
Think I will play around with the Contour as it seems a lot more up to date than the Optium Xceed.

Kind regards,
Anele Very Happy

April 06, 2012 19:43

DaveDee 3 posts

I have been using the Optium Xceed for ten years now. First its FREE from my diabetic nurse. Second batteries are free and are delivered to my address in 24hrs. Thirdly if you ask nicely,when you ring up for a spare battery, they will send you a free meter so you have a spare to take on holiday. Oh yes all 'phone calls are FREE too!

April 07, 2012 09:33

Garry DAFNE Graduate
North Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust 328 posts

Like DaveDee, I have used an Abbot Medisense Optium Xceed for years.
Abbot diabetic care support, for me personally, has been exceptional.
If you are handy on the computer their software, called Co-Pilot, allows you to download all info from the meter to computer via a specific USB lead, both available free to Abbot meter users. Enables you to produce graphs for information in many different formats to HCPs. This software also supports pump users too.
Regards
Garry

April 09, 2012 14:15

Anele46 DAFNE Graduate
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 109 posts

Thanks very much DaveDee and Garry for your comments, I have dealt with Abbot in the past to get spare batteries and they have always been excellent to deal with and have sent out batteries and control solution very quickly with no issues.
I do prefer the Xceed for most things, epecially not having to worry about forgetting to charge it as the meter prompts you when the battery is running low giving you plenty of time to get a replacement before it dies whereas having had my Xceed for over two years now I would worry about forgetting to charge the Contour and from experience with Lithium rechargeable batteries they have a limited lifespan and is best to run the battery flat before charging to preserve the lifespan of the battery but wouldn't be able do it with the Contour and can see my self dashing out and leaving it plugged into the Mac or Mains.
Didn't know about the CoPilot software, must check it out however I tend to eport my Diary and use the Graphs from the DAFNE website but will definitely have a look Smile
Hmmm, think I may be swinging back round to my Xceed Very Happy
Cheers,
Anele.

April 05, 2012 13:46 novorapidboi26 DAFNE Graduate NHS Lanarkshire 1,819 posts	No, there is a code you need to put in to change certain settings, however if your DSN thinks you can cope, which is likely if you completed DAFNE, then you can get the code and change ratio/correction/insulin duration etc all on your own.........
April 05, 2012 19:16 Anni DAFNE Graduate Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust 2 posts	Hi Anele, I have just gone over to the Accuchek mobile, and i love it. The main plus for me was it uses a cassette (like an audio cassette but with 'testing tape' ) so no strips to wrestle with/dispose of/be eaten by my baby! I'm not very techie so was relieved it seems fairly idiot-proof, and uses ordinary small batteries. It also has a fingerpricker that is attached (but removable) to the side of the meter. All in, it means no need for a case, and it does resemble a mocile phone so i find it draws less attention in public - maybe it's the lack of juggling with individual parts that makes the difference there! My only reservations so far are that it is a little noisy when 'winding on' to the next test and also it's quite bulky compared with other meter units, but as i said, no need for sticks, case etc so doesnt take up any extra room in your bag. Kind regards, Anni
April 06, 2012 09:20 Anele46 DAFNE Graduate NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 109 posts	Anni said: Hi Anele, I have just gone over to the Accuchek mobile, and i love it. The main plus for me was it uses a cassette (like an audio cassette but with 'testing tape' ) so no strips to wrestle with/dispose of/be eaten by my baby! I'm not very techie so was relieved it seems fairly idiot-proof, and uses ordinary small batteries. It also has a fingerpricker that is attached (but removable) to the side of the meter. All in, it means no need for a case, and it does resemble a mocile phone so i find it draws less attention in public - maybe it's the lack of juggling with individual parts that makes the difference there! My only reservations so far are that it is a little noisy when 'winding on' to the next test and also it's quite bulky compared with other meter units, but as i said, no need for sticks, case etc so doesnt take up any extra room in your bag. Kind regards, Anni Hi Anni, Many thanks for your response, the Accuchek mobile sounds interesting - I like the idea of the cassettes rather strips, I guess it's down to whatever you are most comfertable with as one particular meter will not suit everyone It's interesting how many different types of meters there are out there, all with their own unique/handy features. Think I will play around with the Contour as it seems a lot more up to date than the Optium Xceed. Kind regards, Anele
April 06, 2012 19:43 DaveDee 3 posts	I have been using the Optium Xceed for ten years now. First its FREE from my diabetic nurse. Second batteries are free and are delivered to my address in 24hrs. Thirdly if you ask nicely,when you ring up for a spare battery, they will send you a free meter so you have a spare to take on holiday. Oh yes all 'phone calls are FREE too!
April 07, 2012 09:33 Garry DAFNE Graduate North Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust 328 posts	Like DaveDee, I have used an Abbot Medisense Optium Xceed for years. Abbot diabetic care support, for me personally, has been exceptional. If you are handy on the computer their software, called Co-Pilot, allows you to download all info from the meter to computer via a specific USB lead, both available free to Abbot meter users. Enables you to produce graphs for information in many different formats to HCPs. This software also supports pump users too. Regards Garry
April 09, 2012 14:15 Anele46 DAFNE Graduate NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 109 posts	Thanks very much DaveDee and Garry for your comments, I have dealt with Abbot in the past to get spare batteries and they have always been excellent to deal with and have sent out batteries and control solution very quickly with no issues. I do prefer the Xceed for most things, epecially not having to worry about forgetting to charge it as the meter prompts you when the battery is running low giving you plenty of time to get a replacement before it dies whereas having had my Xceed for over two years now I would worry about forgetting to charge the Contour and from experience with Lithium rechargeable batteries they have a limited lifespan and is best to run the battery flat before charging to preserve the lifespan of the battery but wouldn't be able do it with the Contour and can see my self dashing out and leaving it plugged into the Mac or Mains. Didn't know about the CoPilot software, must check it out however I tend to eport my Diary and use the Graphs from the DAFNE website but will definitely have a look Hmmm, think I may be swinging back round to my Xceed Cheers, Anele.