I know it is normal do have higher BGs when sick, but is it expected for glucometers to be less accurate when under medication or sick?
I've been using the Contour Next Link glucometer and my Dexcom G4 CGM for over a year now. I always wash my hands before testing.
This morning I woke up, washed my hands, tested and my meter said: 143.
My CGM said I was under 100, so I tested again and the meter said 101.
"No big deal," I thought, this happens sometimes... "good thing I tested again!"
At lunch I tested: 241,
tested again: 194,
one last time: 182
At this point I called Bayer and they made me check everything about my meter (including the control solution) and concluded that the meter & strips are fine, but they said "it could be the medication you are on" when I told them I got the flu yesterday and started taking meds for it.
I expect my BGs to be higher, but I didn't think that my glucometer would be inaccurate during an illness.
Has anyone ever heard of this?
Every google search I do for this ends up with a page saying how your BGs will be higher when you sick, but nothing about the meters being wrong.
Just now at dinner: 224, retested: 193.
Good thing I have a CGM as a secondary guide!