How long do meters last?

I was wondering if I should get a new meter because I have had my existing one probably 5 years at least. It still works ok. I contacted Accu-Check and they said meters had no shelf life, and to contact them if something was wrong with mine and they would advise or exchange it. So I don't have to buy a new one?

As they are keen to sell a volume of test strips to the NHS most meter manufacturers will supply you a meter free.
Meter models change at a pace. If you have had good service from AccuCheck why not continue with them.
There are some that cost, with gizmos that you are not likely to need. They are in the minority - usually only the very latest developments.
Personally I use an Abbott Medisense Optium Xceed. Current meter is around three years old. Have a look at their website through the link - scrolling the first section at the top shows what they currently have available.

http://www.abbottdiabetescare.co.uk/

Plenty more to choose from though. You may find that your GP has a preference for the cheapest test strips, which is OK if they are for a decent meter.....but there are some poor quality products out there too and they tend to use cheap test strips.
Regards
Garry

Its always good to get some fresh meters every couple of years I think.............

Just so you are keeping up with the times, and using the strips and meters that are most cost effective.......not a lot of people would probably think about that side of it, to be honest, I don't most of the time.....

Thanks for replies. I am really happy with my meter even though it may not be the most all singing all dancing one. So can I ring up Accu-check and say "can I have a new meter please?" and they should give me one even though there is nothing wrong with it? Why do they sell them in chemists, who buys them?

Type 2s probably.............

Aah yes, I never thought of Type 2s.

I expect that it's very likely that they will say YES......of course, DianeW.......have a meter on us.
They can afford it....In my case, that means another 1661 test strips for the year

Regards
Garry

Hi,

1661 tests, 4.5 ish tests a day, being pedantic but how do you do 0.5 of a test?

I do 5 tests on a good day with more like 10 when hypo alot (yo-yo), they must rub there hands at those numbers

Just moved from a OneTouch to an Accu-chek so I bet J & J won't be happy at loosing that income, I ran out of test strips once while out for the day so popped in boots to buy some, a pack of 50 was £17 (I cost the NHS about £1241 a year in strips alone), this was probably 5 to 10 years ago too.

Phil

Does anyone remember checking the colour against the pot and guessing the level, pale was hypo, blue normal and purple/burgundy was high.

You had to leave the blood on the strip for 1 min then wipe and wait 1 min, 5 secs is too long nowadays

Just had a browse, for the youngsters who don't remember the delights: http://smj.sma.org.sg/2402/2402smj2.pdf --> Figure 1 is what I'm talking about...

Phil

Phil Maskell said:
Does anyone remember checking the colour against the pot and guessing the level, pale was hypo, blue normal and purple/burgundy was high.

You had to leave the blood on the strip for 1 min then wipe and wait 1 min, 5 secs is too long nowadays

Phil