I agree. The PDM BG meter consistently shows lower readings than my than my Bayer Contour USB meter. The latter is compared to lab readings more accurate.
I never knew the PDM BG meter was bad... I'll have to check out the Accucheck Aviva. Just a pain to have to enter BG every time for correction, but if it's that much more accurate it'd definitely be worth it.
I wouldn't call it bad. It is definitely inaccurate but still fairly precise. So, I get consistently low readings that might be 10 to 15 points lower than my Accucheck, but at least it's not acting like a random number generator.
Others have said that an easy fix is just to change the code from 16 to something else. I changed mine to 18 I believe and the numbers readings are now comparable to the Accucheck and the control solution confirms that the readings are now higher in control range.
Still, a benefit to carrying around a separate BG meter means I'm not blowing through PDM batteries nearly as fast and I've just gotten use to carrying around multiple devices anyway.
The problem I have with carrying a separate BG meter is that I'll test but then forget to input the reading into the PDM. I sometimes use another meter when I run out of Freestyle strips from insurance.
When I first started on OmniPod, my first A1c went up slightly. I was so disappointed but my endo reminded me that we were looking at 3 months and that it was common for the first A1c to be higher because of the learning curve.
After I changed the code in my PDM and figured out where the pods worked best for me and how to limit or eliminate the post-pod highs, I reduced my A1c by 1.1. Still not exactly where I want to be, but I'll take improvement of any sort.
For me, half the battle with the pod was figuring out the things that work best for me. If it were not for this group, I would still be struggling.
Heh, I have an app on my phone for logging BG. So, let's see, PDM, separate BG meter + supplies, phone...yeah, I'm a glutton for punishment.
My A1C has been creeping up lately to 6.9 on my most recent labs. I think I'll try the calibration method for awhile and see if I can get some improvement.
I noticed that the PDM was reading lower too. I tried changing the calibration to 18 and it read high (compared to Dex and One Touch). This is what I got with a calibration of 17. Think I'm going to keep it there. :)
How do you even carry all that?? O.o
Also, what app if you don’t mind me asking?
Do you just change the calibration to 17 once on the PDM and it stays there? So 17 & 18 are the two calibrations that it can be changed to? Maybe I'll try to play with the calibration numbers this weekend and see what we get. BTW what did you eat for lunch ... awesome after lunch reading!
So, are 17 and 18 the two most used calibration codes to try? Just curious, how/who ever figured this out? I am in a group on facebook and it started a very heated debate when someone mentioned to change the calibration code on the PDM! LOL
Change it once and it stays. I usually have a Lean Cuisine with 30 carbs or less for lunch. :)
I may have been the one who said something about using 18 in the group. Seems a lot of people get into a hangup with FDA standards and all there. But I've not been one to hold to that stuff really. I've used code 18 for a LONG time and it matches up with my labs too. It's all in what you're comfortable with. I'm not going to suggest it or recommend it. Simply sharing my experience.