Hello out there,
I am currently using a “knock-off” brand meter (true track), due to the fact of lower cost and not having any insurance. I was looking at some other generic store brand meters such as the up & up meters from target and figured id ask if any of you have had any expirence with this and other store brand meters. The up & up looks to run about $8-9.00 with strips going for around $37.00 per 100. I have read a few reviews online and they seem pretty promising. Now I do own numerous other “name brand” meters such as freestyle lite, various one-touches, and Bayer that I have acumulated over the years. Yet due to my insurance and financial situations I simply cant afford the strips…
So the purpose of this discussion is, what are your thoughts on “store brand” meters, and even your expirences with them, the good, the bad, and the ugly…
I am a fellow type 1 without insurance. I use a reli-on brand from the evil empire, Wal-Mart, The strips are cheap and the machines are reliable. I have used the one I have for 3 years now. I suggest Wal-Mart brands because when I travel, I can always find a Wal-Mart nearby. The Micro works very similarly to a freestyle, as far as the required sample size and it also cost $8. Strips come in three amounts 100–$36, 50–$18, and 20–$9. I like the fact that I can get a pack of 20 for 9 bucks, I can usually find $9 somewhere…My experience has been good…no bad or ugly stories here.
I also use a ReliOn Micro and have not had any problems with it. I’m also using ReliOn’s syringes, pen needles and their Humulin R and NPH insulins. No problems with any of it and it saves me $700 a month!
The Target Up and Up is made by WaveSense and is identical to their Presto except for the exterior appearance. I use a Presto it's a no frills meter that gets the job done. I paid $28 per hundred the last time I bought strips. This was over the internet in quantity. There is some nice software available for the meter to download your readings so you can spot trends and print nice charts for your doc. Here's a link to a discussion here at tuD.
Hi Dave and an interesting question. My guess is that these are not easy to manufacture, and hopefully hard to get clearance to sell unless the are reasonably accurate so there probably aren’t that many people who make them. As BadMoonT2 points out, the Target Up and Up (ironically accurate name for a glucometer ha ha) is made by Wave Sense and is identical to thier Presto. Or at least appears to be (always beware of packing).
Much like cell phones, the money is in the air time you use. In this case it’s the strips and this group of people want us to use as many as possible. That’s why they are free, or almost free sometimes and they love to see your data when you turn them in for a new one. It is part of your diabetic profile and they probably know more about you than your doctor does. The sad reality is there are some that are more accurate than others, so beware.
You can always check your meter against another diabetics or even better your doctors lab. ALWAYS make sure your hands are clean before and after you prick your finger AND make sure the meter and strips are within the specifications temperature wise thus eliminating any potential vaiables. One of the many hats we wear is that of a scientist/chemist so as a result we must respect the laws of physics. I hope this helps.
Get a Blood Pressure Machine and test your own BP once a Week, keep it at or below 130/80
Strive for 6% ( 120’s) A1c’s the best you can… Any higher is doubling your trouble…
Get the Book ( $10 ) THINK LIKE A PANCREASE… Better than having Most Endo’s…
If I can help awith anymore infro, can Email Me at DennisIDDM@aol.com
Here from The great Cheesehead state of Wi. and Super Bowl Champian-GreenBay Packers…
ok so i went to target today and the up & up meter is produced by the same company as wave sense, as i was told previously in this discussion(just wanted to check it out for myself…). and from what i understand, the wave sense meters are fairly reliable in terms of longevity, and readings. i think i will pick one up and compare it to my true track meter that i currently use now. other than side by side testing i think i may call the customer service numbers just to see how the two company’s compare in that light, are there any other things i should do to compare the two? any insight/ideas are welcomed
