Blood Glucose Monitors: Do you love yours?

As some of you may have noticed, I was very excited about picking up the new Accu-chek Multiclix at the EXPOsing Diabetes event last weekend. I have a few finger prickers which are exactly that, pricks! I know many of you can sympathise with me when I recall on the times that one has hurt like crazy, resounding through my whole hand. As I'm shaking the pain away in a violent flicking action and dancing on my tippy toes (a proven pain relief technique I'm sure), I've pushed into the pain, only to get enough blood for a flea to test. Even though the lancet was fresh (surprise!).

When I threw it over to you for some feeback I was pleasantly surprised to hear many of you already had the multiclix and loved it. It got me thinking: Why do I use what I use? Do I love my monitor and pricker? Does it make my life easier than a different one would? Well as much as possible... coz quiet honestly I will be very happy to jump on it, smash it and set it off out to sea on a little floating wreath when that cure arrives! - though I imagine I will still have to monitor from time to time... so I really should be working with products I like... we're in this for the long haul.

I have an Optium Xceed, and love it because its relatively small, can test ketones and is so reliable. It doesn't have a fancy coloured screen, carb tacking, iphone capability or a direct link to NASA, but it makes me feel secure. However, I do also use the iBGStar, and it does have most of the above which does actually help me keep by blood sugars on track better. The iBGStar app really is very helpful, when I use it. The iBGStar pricker though, well I found it a bit rough to say the least.

I recently tried the Accu-chek Mobile, but it wasn't for me, too clunky. Though many people love it and for those with spare meters stashed everywhere: home, work, car, school, beside the bed, I hear this one is fantastic as everything is stuck together and nothing can go missing. 

I also have the FreeStyle Lite. It's cute, small and blue and the pricker is tiny (great for running). But, I probably wouldn't pick it over the Optium Xceed, simply because the blood strips are in a barrel... so hard to squash into my handbag and run belt. Whereas the Optium Xceed strips are in individual flat foil packs - also good for longer term freshness if its the spare meter.

The Accu-chek Aviva Expert caught my eye at the expo over the weekend. It did have a fancy coloured screen, a bolus advisor, tracking graphs and alarm capabilities. Best of all, it is from a company that I trust, as it has been an on-and-off part of my whole diabetes journey thus far (in fact, one of the first prickers I ever had was an Accu-chek). I've already heard people singing the praises of Aviva... so maybe that is the meter for me? I'll need to investigate!

As for the Multiclix, I love it. No pain so far - and I find that exciting. Anything to make checking my blood sugar levels easier is warmly welcomed. My only wish would be that it was just that little bit smaller so I can jam it in my bag better... I just can't seem to do without any of that other junk in there...ipod, hand sanitiser, tissues, hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, pen, eyeliner, lip balm, wallet...yeah you get the picture - I'm a bit of a girl! (A well prepared girl!)

So what do you use as your Blood Glucose Meter and pricker? Does it make life easier? Do you love it? Why?

Love the size & iphone compatibility, but I have a lack of trust in this one!

This pricker is nice and small.. but the blood strips are hard to run with

I was bored with the grey so took to this meter with pink glitter nail polish... there may be some warranty issues

Blue for diabetes, the FreeStyle Lite