This was posted 6 years 8 months 11 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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FREE CareSens N Pop Blood Glucose Meter @ Pharmaco Diabetes (For Diabetics Only)

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FREE CareSens N Pop Blood Glucose Meter @ Pharmaco Diabetes (For Diabetics Only)
Go to Deal
PRamie on 20/04/2018 - 13:37 pharmacodiabetes.com.au (6452 clicks)
Last edited 20/04/2018 - 18:36 by 2 other users

CareSens N Pop meets the ISO 15197:2013 (The international performance standard for blood glucose monitoring systems)*
No coding
Strip expiration indicator
Auto-back lighted LCD
Data port to download data via a USB cable
Compatible with Smartlog software
1,000 tests values can be stored with time and date
1, 7, 14, 30, 90-day test averaging (total, pre-meal and post-meal)
Hypoglycemia indicator (1.1 - 5.0 mmol/L)
Battery life of 1,000 tests
Size: 95 x 33.5 x 18.5 (mm)
Weight: 41.4g (battery included)
Temperature range: 5 - 50°C
Relative humidity range: 10 – 90%

Australian Customers: Please note the meter does not come with batteries inserted and time set, due to the different time zones in Australia.

Health & Beauty Blood Glucose Meter

Related Stores

pharmacodiabetes.com.au
pharmacodiabetes.com.au

closed Comments

    • Yummy on 20/04/2018 - 14:11

      Doctor aint dentist. But I'll take that lollipop.

    • BrainSand on 20/04/2018 - 14:57

      So, a diabetic is just going to go to the doctors clinic 5 times or more a day just to get their blood glucose levels checked. ahh huh.

      • Truthbe on 20/04/2018 - 15:02
        +1

        For free lollipops he is

  • virtual81 on 20/04/2018 - 13:45
    +32

    No deal
    These are always free, they make their money on the strips.
    This is normal price.
    There are also several other models also available for $0
    Other unit…
    https://www.pharmacodiabetes.com.au/home-page-featured-catal…

    • Scrooge McDuck on 20/04/2018 - 14:10

      Which is the cheapest device for daily use when the cost of consumables is considered?

      • jayniner on 20/04/2018 - 14:40
        +3

        If you have diagnosed diabetes then you have access to NDS and all consumables are very heavily subsidised. But to answer your question, the strips for this posted meter are the cheapest.

        Here is a list of subsidised consumables:

        https://static.diabetesaustralia.com.au/s/fileassets/diabete…

        • syousef on 20/04/2018 - 14:45
          +2

          Subsidies for strips are very limited now, unless you're on insulin, or can get a doctor to sign off that there is a medical reason you need them more than the average diabetic that has things under control without insulin.

        • photonbuddy on 20/04/2018 - 15:38
          +1

          All strips are priced the same under the NDS.

          That sheet lists some at $8.50, and some at $17. That's because some come in a box of 50, while others come in a box of 100.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 21/04/2018 - 00:04

          I don't have diabetes. I'm a conscientious dieter.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/04/2018 - 13:48

    Any cheap blood pressure monitors?

      • antler on 20/04/2018 - 14:07

        Omron is what all the doctors use.

        • buckster on 20/04/2018 - 14:27
          +10

          "Any cheap blood pressure monitors?"

          That was the question being answered

    • AdosHouse on 20/04/2018 - 14:22

      I got a good Omron from Chemist Warehouse for about $100. If you have a problem with blood pressure, pay for a good known brand. Get consistent readings.

    • trinkasharma on 20/04/2018 - 14:34
      +1

      I had an Omron in India but this works as well:

      BP628 Wrist LCD Blood Pressure Monitor for 16 AUD from eBay delivered from Australia.

      Omron model is Omron HEM 7120 Automatic Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor 39 USD delivered from India.
      https://www.ebay.com/itm/Omron-HEM-7120-Automatic-Upper-Arm-…

      And unlike Omron, it uses a normal Micro USB for power supply. I just use whatever cable is lying close to me. Omron uses a 5v with a different pin.

      • [Deactivated] on 20/04/2018 - 14:56
        -4

        A shame it doesn't use USB-C which is the standard nowadays. Micro USB is very old now, so I don't have any of these cables.

        • CocaKoala on 20/04/2018 - 15:18
          +2

          You could literally order a micro usb cable for like $2 on the internet, if it's the only thing keeping you off a device that you would have found useful otherwise.

        • trinkasharma on 20/04/2018 - 15:43
          +1

          Zapals sell cheap all in one cables. I use one from my many Android phones or Xiaomi Cameras.

          As already mentioned, they sell for $1 onwards.

      • enigma48 on 20/04/2018 - 19:42

        Wrist based monitors are more convenient but can be far less accurate. The tech in all of them is fine/similar but measuring BP when far below or above the heart is fundamentally inaccurate. Not necessarily an issue if you’re just watching trends.

        If you’re only checking occasionally, stick with an upper arm model. If you disagree with me, don’t take my word for it - go talk with your doctor.

        • trinkasharma on 20/04/2018 - 19:53

          The 16 aud model is upper arm model. I have pasted the title of ad for the cheapest deal for others to find.

        • enigma48 on 20/04/2018 - 20:08

          @trinkasharma: Oops - I must be drinking, misread that

  • kehuehue on 20/04/2018 - 14:03
    -3

    Ordered one anyway. Who knows a strips deal might come along

    • syousef on 20/04/2018 - 14:47
      +4

      They don't.

  • GainGuru on 20/04/2018 - 14:34
    -6

    Ordered anyway

  • Mr Simple on 20/04/2018 - 14:36
    +36

    If you don't need this then don't ruin it for those that do.
    If you do need this, you'd already know about these subsidies and more.

    • pantsparty on 20/04/2018 - 14:42
      +18

      I agree, it would be a shame if this was Ozbargained and people with genuine health issues can no longer access the medical devices they need. I do assume that lots of people here are overweight given all the bargain junk food deals!

    • qwerty on 20/04/2018 - 14:47

      http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/conten…

      Before 2017 to get strips/reader was pretty easy a one off visit and you could get strips every couple of months and websites like accucheck would send them out if requested

      Now You need to visit a doctor every 6 months

      Filling in an online form is much easier than visiting a doctor and why this is a bargain

      But i agree if you dont need this for you or a relative i would not order it.

    • jaimex2 on 20/04/2018 - 14:57
      +4

      Thanks for calling out.

    • pennypincher98 on 20/04/2018 - 15:30
      +1

      I'm getting this for my gran who has diabetes. Not sure if he'll be able to even see this but it's worth a shot.

      As far as I know he has still got quite a supply of strips.

      • INFIDEL on 22/04/2018 - 18:23

        Then hope the strips are for this model & not out of date!

        • pennypincher98 on 22/04/2018 - 18:53

          Haha yeah true I'm out of my league here but it's the thought that counts ;)

    • photonbuddy on 20/04/2018 - 15:46
      +1

      While most manufacturers offer cashback when bought at the chemist, that's too much hassle.

      Getting free ones is good, because it means you can try out different ones, and have backups.

      Of course, if you don't have diabetes, these machines will also test for ketones. High ketones when you have diabetes can be a sign of bad things.

      People on ketogenic diets often use these devices to make sure they are still in ketosis, rather than buying pee strips, even though pee strips are much cheaper than glucose strips.

      Finally, if you're a diabetic, you know about the subsidies, but not necessarily about every device.

      This is the second device I've now seen that are not big in the market. The first I found after Abbott stopped their free meter offering.

    • lostn on 20/04/2018 - 17:02

      If you don't need this then don't ruin it for those that do.
      If you do need this, you'd already know about these subsidies and more.

      What about if you don't know whether you need it or not?

      • jlogic on 20/04/2018 - 17:04
        +5

        See a doctor? That’s why they are there for. Too help you understand your health and explain what is happening.

        • lostn on 20/04/2018 - 19:09

          If everyone did that, they'd be overloaded, if they aren't already.

          Anything you can do by yourself to relieve a doctor of their workload is good. Good for the taxpayer also.

          My brother is a doctor and he hates it when people see him for a cold/flu. Just buy the meds over the counter and take care of yourself. What they're really after is a med certificate so they can have the day off work. It's a waste of their time and medicare money. They could have been seeing someone who actually needed it.

          If you can measure your own blood sugar level without bothering a doctor and do some research into what's healthy, that's good for everyone.

        • INFIDEL on 20/04/2018 - 19:46
          +5

          @lostn:
          Do you understand anything about how serious diabetes can be? Diabetes is nothing like getting a cold - it requires diagnosis by a trained professional.

          Side effects include amputation of feet & limbs, loss of eyesight, increased risk of death from coronary & other diseases, etc.

          Anyone can get it. The total annual cost for Australians with type 2 diabetes is up to $6 billion. It's not just a sugar issue.

          Seeing your GP about real health issues is what they are there for! Not seeing your GP is a major health problem in Australia (for men). It costs the taxpayers a lot when people don't see the doctor when they should.

          Saying not to overload doctors & test yourself is simply crazy & next to useleas.
          The cost to taxpayers in not diagnosing Diabetes will be far higher! The cost to you buying expensive unsubsidized test strips, using & interpreting without backup of your GP is no deal!

          Your GP is the person to see. Blood Glucose levels should be checked a couple of times a year in people who don't have diabetes. Just a normal part of seeing a doctor to diagnose & prevent illness. So cost is minimal.

          The nurse at my GP uses a Glucose Meter & takes Blood Pressure as routine procedure before appointments. That's useful information for a doctor. That bulk billing GP supplies free Glucose Meters when diabeties is diagnosed.

          Using a meter like this is not useful in determining if you have diabetes. That's not the appropriate test. So you'll still need to see your GP for testing & diagnosis!

          These meters are for people diagnosed with Diabetes, to monitor their Glucose levels to maintain their health.
          The meters only give your current glucose level, affected by what you just ate & when, activities, etc. That's handy to know in T2 to maintain a healthier glucose level (know what effect food & activity has on your glucose level). But it does not tell you if you are diabetic. In T1 it is vital to regulation of Glucose levels.

          The HbA1c blood test is the current best measure of Glucose over manu months from 1 test. Try doing that yourself!

          Get medical advice from your GP, not someone who says they know a doctor (or even an informed trained person like myself)!! Otherwise you and the taxpayers may have a much larger bill to pay.

          And leave the Glucose meters to the Diabetics who need them. Grabbing one because it's free just increases the cost to the business, who will need to recoup the cost… from the taxpayer!

        • jlogic on 20/04/2018 - 20:27

          @Infidel: Hear hear. Crazy if you self diagnose diabetes.

          Excellent post and echo that. Been through two diabetes diagnosis for T2 and both times having a medical professional has been a god send. Lucky one was temporary due to pregnancy and another he is managing very well.

          One thing you learn is pizza is one of the worse foods to have as a diabetic. Seeing the blood glucose shoot up like fireworks… made me think twice about pizza.

        • INFIDEL on 20/04/2018 - 20:38

          @jlogic:
          Thanks.
          Yes, pregnancy has all sorts of complications.

          Pizza, etc… That's where using a Glucose Meter can be useful. It's a helpful tool to monitor & maintain levels based on how your body reacts to foods etc. Everyone will be different in their insulin / Glucose reaction to food etc.

          In general, 6 months use (100 subsidised strips I think) is now seen as enough to train T2 diabetics as to what is good for them.

          Saw my specialist yesterday & we've agreed pizza is out of the question (high fat content rather than effect on glucose). So I'll never know how bad it is for my glucose levels🍕

          There's a good 1 day training & support program for Diabetics - DESMOND. Contact through your local Diabetes organisation. I thought I understood diabetes, but learnt so much.

          Stay healthy & get good support👍

        • photonbuddy on 20/04/2018 - 22:58

          @Infidel:

          I've been on strips, 4 times a day for a couple of years, and whilst it is true that probably 70% of the time I can predict my reading within .2, there are odd occasions where it is wildly off from where I feel it should be.

          900 strips in 6 months is what the NDS offers for insulin users.

        • INFIDEL on 20/04/2018 - 23:40

          @photonbuddy:
          These meters are vital if using insulin. Good if you know your body well enough to predict glucose levels most of time👍

          That's why strips are available to non-insulin using diabetics for first 6 months - to get to know how their bodies process different foods etc.

        • photonbuddy on 21/04/2018 - 14:57

          @Infidel:
          Indeed, they are vital. I was responding to your general 6 months use line.

          Even non-insulin users can have varying peaks and troughs at various times though.

          I've had many occasions where I've had all the systems of a hypo, only to get a reading of 9 or 10 when testing. I've also had the opposite. Getting a reading in the low 3's without any of the normal side effects.

          These situations call for a retest, and this is where a different device can be valuable.

        • INFIDEL on 21/04/2018 - 15:08

          @photonbuddy:
          Where there is a proven need, strips are subsidised beyond the initial 6 months. Unpredictable variability in levels could be a valid case.

          You're keen. Having 2 different machines could be handy for retests, but means 2 sets of strips. Some people with diabetes seem to want to avoid taking readings at all.

          I'm still learning.

        • photonbuddy on 21/04/2018 - 16:50

          @Infidel:

          I have several machines:

          2 x Abbott Freestyle Lite (freebies)
          1 x Abbott Optimum Exceed (From diagnosis)
          1 x OneTouch Verio (Freebie found on InterNet after Abbott stopped their freebie)

          And now this freebie.

          I use all of them. Have 1 at work, 1 in my car, 1 at my brothers place, and a couple here for error checking.

        • INFIDEL on 21/04/2018 - 19:05

          @photonbuddy:
          That's some collection.
          Is there a trick to get (subsidised) strips for multiple machines?

        • photonbuddy on 21/04/2018 - 22:43
          +1

          @Infidel:
          If you're on NDS, just ask for the strips for the various machines. I've never been asked why I want different strips, but there are plenty of reasons why you would want them.

        • freemoneyhunter on 22/04/2018 - 09:41

          @Infidel: You can diagnose your sugar levels in the morning before breakfast to get a base line reading, using it after you have eaten a set amount of food and see how high your glucose rises also can help with DIY diagnosis. You are right, you should go to a GP instead and get it done properly. If you keep a log of your readings, you can show the doctor too when you decide to get properly diagnosed.

    • nzcoops on 20/04/2018 - 17:50

      Ditto. Not in the spirit.

    • owduck on 20/04/2018 - 22:00

      Agreed, this isn't a deal. Maybe appropriate for forum though.

  • Clear on 20/04/2018 - 15:28
    +14

    Classic example of people getting stuff they don't need. Save it for those who actually need it.

    • jlogic on 20/04/2018 - 17:05

      Here here… like the Colgate sensitive teeth deal before… I can’t believe that many people have sensitive teeth.

      • doweyy on 20/04/2018 - 17:12

        Everyone has to brush their teeth to keep them clean and healthy, that's so much different.

        • jlogic on 20/04/2018 - 17:13

          Use normal toothpaste? Leave the sensitive toothpaste for the people that have sensitive teeth?

  • baldur on 20/04/2018 - 15:30
    +1

    Why so sensitive? Is there a worldwide scarcity in this device? Gtfo with your useless fake sensitiveness.

    • [Deactivated] on 20/04/2018 - 15:51

      How will I sleep at night if I haven't completed my daily quota of virtue signalling on a dealz website?

    • jlogic on 20/04/2018 - 17:09
      +3

      Lol… why don’t you pull your head out of the sand and stop and think why you would need this? If you have diabetes I don’t think you will need a free device becuase you already have one. If you want to find out if you are at risk of diabetes a visit to your GP would be a better way, this way you are getting professional advice and you will be registered to the NDS as well for subsidised strips.

      Diabetes is a killer and as such better to be properly diagnosed than to get a device and try to figure out what the readings mean.

  • m0nkeycheese on 20/04/2018 - 17:08
    +1

    Not for Ozbargain. Its not a Bargain, its the normal price. Don't buy it to make more landfill if its not for you

  • virhlpool on 20/04/2018 - 17:25

    Does it include any free strips though?

    • jlogic on 20/04/2018 - 17:28

      No strips with the tester, from what I can read on the website.

  • wizzlesticks on 20/04/2018 - 18:13
    +3

    Recommend the mods pull this. Show some responsibility. Definitely not something people should be ordering unless needed.

    • eurosydney on 20/04/2018 - 18:26

      Fully agree. This should not be here. OP or Mod be responsible and pull this item.

    • serpserpserp on 20/04/2018 - 23:14
      -2

      It is here for people that do need it.

  • Jackal on 20/04/2018 - 19:08
    +1

    Forum maybe, definitely not a deal

  • INFIDEL on 20/04/2018 - 20:16

    Leave the Glucose meters to the Diabetics who need them to monitor their health. (Many Type2 don't need to monitor their levels.)

    Test strips are subsidised for them, although limited as it is now recognosed most T2 don't really need much monitoring, unlike those with T1. For others, you have to pay for expensive strips!

    Grabbing one because it's free just increases the cost to the business, who will need to recoup the cost… (through increased strip costs) from the Diabetics & ultimately the taxpayer!

  • wat223 on 20/04/2018 - 21:01

    If u buy strips u can get accu check for free, but u have to give your details to the chemist so they can claim the cost back

    • jlogic on 20/04/2018 - 23:15

      This is so they can claim the cash back.

  • reduced on 21/04/2018 - 08:02

    Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics on the NDSS can now upgrade their machine on the spot (eg upgrade to accucheck guide). The cashback offer is now done instantly online in pharmacies (no postage rebate required).

  • mrsgruffy on 21/04/2018 - 08:57
    +1

    One thing that isn't subsidised is the lancets, which you need to change every day. They vary in cost, and it's worthwhile checking the cost of those before you purchase your meter. The Freestyle freedom lite uses lancets which cost around $17 per 100. Worth factoring in if you're on a tight budget. Apparently some cost $30+ per 100.

    • INFIDEL on 21/04/2018 - 09:21

      Thanks - I hadn't realised that. Online discussions in Diabetes forum is that some don't follow that safety advice😞 Certainly adds to the inconvenience (buying, taking with you while out, safe disposal).

      That's an extra cost, especially for insulin dependent diabetics!
      No wonder you're gruffy😀

  • shahzad1482 on 21/04/2018 - 09:00
    -3

    Guys, it has a clock in it which you can use Else where.
    It has a button cell which i use in my car remote…costing me $4…but now its free…haha

    • mrsgruffy on 21/04/2018 - 09:10

      It comes without batteries

    • INFIDEL on 21/04/2018 - 09:30
      +1

      Plenty of deals include these button cells eg 10 led light string with 2 CR2032 for au78c delivered.
      Better than exploiting medical equipment for your use, which is ultimately passed on as costs to the taxpayers - as I explained above.

      Pity I've run out of negs from these kind of selfish comments.

  • freemoneyhunter on 22/04/2018 - 09:26

    I have a multifunction device EasyMate GCU https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Cholesterol-Monitor-Also-Uric-Ac…

    No I'm not the seller, but I did buy it from there. I use it to test my Cholesterol monthly to make sure I'm always under 140. I also did use the Glucose and Uric acid strips but I was always in the normal healthy range. I never had any tests done before so I had no idea what my levels were, Uric acid testing is important as high levels cause arthritis and Glucose testing is important as high blood sugar indicates diabetes, Cholesterol testing for measuring heart disease risk. A free Glucose meter is ok but you really want to test yourself for other levels. I tested it on an obese person and everything was too high, I told him you have to change your lifestyle or you will fall apart. These testing devices are really useful but replacing the strips will be an ongoing expense. The kit does come with 10 Glucose strips, 10 Uric acid strips but only 2 Cholesterol strips so I ordered an extra 10 Cholesterol strips, they are expensive at about $40 a pack hence why I only test monthly. BTW my cholesterol is averaging 110.

  • PlasticSpaceman on 25/05/2018 - 12:40

    So mine (CareSens N POP) arrived today. I actually got two (I ordered just one, I swear!). I did order some (free) batteries at the same time, but the unit came with batteries in the box to install. So, in the box itself was:

    The meter
    Two CR2032 batteries
    A zipper bag to put everything in
    A plastic bottle with 10 test strips
    A bag of 50 lancets
    A lancing device
    And a stack of paper (log book, quick reference guide, booklet, etc)

    Separately I got the extra batteries, some control solution to calibrate the meter if required, the stupid USB to headphone jack adapter - why not use a standard micro usb port is beyond me - and of course the 'spare' meter (that I'll probably give to my neighbour who is borderline diabetic).

    Just for the record, I am pre-diabetic. Not so much that I really needed one of these (I just have a checkup every 6 months or so where I also have my cholesterol levels etc checked) but it will be nice to track my glucose levels at a more granular level for a while as I try to adjust my (fairly poor) eating habits.

    I knew that you could get these for free, but simply hadn't bothered - thanks OP for reminding me!

    update I checked online, and definitely only ordered one meter so there you go.

    • kehuehue on 25/05/2018 - 16:32

      I got mine too today. According to this link, im "high normal" in fasted state (5.2mmol). So im at a greater risk of getting t2 diabetes.

      Good thing I ordered a unit.

      • PlasticSpaceman on 25/05/2018 - 17:48

        Good luck, although 5.2 really is not too bad even if you had been fasting (only water) for at least 8 hours before the test. My last two fasting lab tests had me at 6.3 (well in the middle of pre-diabetes territory), but my self test today (non-fasting, between breakfast and dinner) had me at 5.1 so maybe reducing the amount of alcohol I normally drink is helping…. nah. ;-)

        FWIW The cheapest I've been able to find the strips for is around the $35 mark for two boxes of 50 so about $0.35 each.

      • syousef on 31/05/2018 - 13:59

        5.2 is nothing to worry about at all. Don't forget that below 4.0 you have low blood sugar. If you hit 6.0 fasting, you're "pre-diabetic" and should start changing your diet quick smart.

        7.0 = diabetes.

        And don't obsess. Unless you are a pre-diabetic or diabetic checking your sugar levels more than once every couple of months or so is at best unnecessary.

        By the way, even having a cold can raise your blood sugar, so don't panic if you do see a spike while sick.

  • PlasticSpaceman on 31/05/2018 - 10:03

    So have used my CareSens N Pop for a week now - have used up all ten included strips as three failed with an error message possibly due to insufficient blood sample. The USB uploading works, although the software is fairly ordinary (on a Mac) and I find crashes fairly regularly. The link (USB to headphone socket) is also not too reliable. There is an option to synch the time on the pc to the meter, but it kills the app without fail if I try. Basically it works, and it's very compact, but if I end up having to use one of these long term I'll probably try a different meter.

    • syousef on 31/05/2018 - 14:07

      The Abbott Optium Neo is pretty good if you want to upload. The Freestyle uses similar software but I don't have personal experience.
      Accu-Check meters are also reliable but upload software and cable are expensive for no reason.

      Really though checking lots is only useful for working out what foods and which exercise raises or lowers blood sugar for you. For example some diabetics can eat tomato or carrot without a big spike and others can't. (You shouldn't be avoiding veggies except perhaps the starchy ones unless you are diabetic).

      • PlasticSpaceman on 01/06/2018 - 12:36

        Thanks for the info/suggestions. Didn't know about the carrot/tomato thing! I guess for now I'll stick with the CareSens and live with the minor quibbles. I can't blame the meter/strips if I didn't draw enough blood so have bumped the lancet device up a notch to 5 (ouch). I've found that the software issues can be dealt with - just try again and it generally works by the third attempt. I've used the latest eBay deal (in my case $7 off anything) to buy 100 more strips for just under $28 - so that should last me for the next couple of months (I'm only doing a test once a day, although once I get the extra strips I might do a day or two where I monitor it during the entire day) so I can get a better idea as to how my levels are compared to diet changes after which hopefully I can just forget about it. :-)

  • PlasticSpaceman on 19/09/2018 - 10:33

    FWIW Have been using this thing off & on over the past three months. Basically, it's pretty good although I will have to say I am glad I am not a diabetic as regular finger jabbing is not high on my list of fun activities. This alone is encouraging me to manage my diet better.

    I'm not convinced about the accuracy of the device - will wait until I have my next 'real' blood test so I can compare. A lot of people complain that it is nowhere near as good as the accu chek devices - most believe the caresens overstates the reading (eg https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/care-sens-n-inaccur…).

    For those who may have got one I did discover something recently - I have a Galaxy S7 'phone, and using the smartlog app and an OTG cable it imports the data very reliably (the OSX app for the mac would fail to work 50% of the time - requiring a restart and/or replugging the device in a couple of times). In theory smartlog is also compatible with the Samsung health app, but it doesn't appear to import any of the data - it just lets you launch the app.

    • syousef on 19/09/2018 - 11:48
      +1

      Accuracy downright sucks. Take it from someone who spent 3 or 4 years driving himself insane with multiple tests daily (back when strips were heavily subsidised for non-insulin dependent diabetics). If you dig into specs it is supposed to be within 1mmol/L but more like 2 in my experience. You can take multiple readings at the same time and most will be within about 1 but then a few will be 1.4-1.6 apart and you'll want to throw the thing at the wall.

      Even 1mmol/L accuracy is worthless for a diabetic that's just tipped over and is trying to stay below 6 or 7. It's good enough for insulin dependent diabetics to work out the dose of insulin. When I have complained I've been told to be glad I don't have to use much less accurate pee tests. In all honesty it's very easy to fall into the trap of feeding anxiety and stress by over testing.

      Best thing you can do is is moderate excercise and decrease carbs, particularly high GI starchy vegetables, breads, rice and pasta, and limit fruit to a couple of serves. Severely restrict anything sugary - cakes, lollies, soft drink. It's not actually easy to do for the long term and requires considerable work and planning. If you have the time, space, money and storage for making salad, salad veges and eating more salads is a good way to go. If you don't have the time to make a salad take the individual vegetables and use them as snacks. Proteins can help, but beware traps like high fat diet increasing your cholesterol. (Atkins style diets will decrease your blood sugar level but play havoc with everything else in the long run). Even the salads have their downsides as they can lead to bloating or increase IBS symptoms.

      But if you tip into type 2 diabetes you'll find a lot of very judgmental people who eat whatever the hell they want telling you it's all your own fault.

      Good luck.

      • PlasticSpaceman on 20/09/2018 - 08:14

        Thanks. Yeah, I've worked out that at best this sort of thing provides an indication of my current levels as opposed to a medically accurate reading. I can live with that, and yes am trying to modify my diet as well as increase my activity levels so I can avoid tipping over into actual diabetes!

        Cheers.

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