Consumer Reports Rates Blood Glucose Monitors
23 Million People Have Diabetes
Updated: 1:38 pm CDT March 25, 2009
MADISON, Wis. -- Tuesday is National Diabetes Alert Day, and WISC-TV has teamed with Consumer Reports to learn if one blood glucose monitor gives better readings than another -- and why it's critical to one's health.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportMarc Perton and John McCowen have diabetes. They are two of the five staffers at Consumer Reports who served as panelists for the home glucose monitor testing."I personally test myself twice a day, once in the morning and once at night," Perton said."Accuracy is very important," said Dr. Orly Avitzur, with Consumer Reports. "The problem if someone gets inaccurate or inconsistent test results is that the medication that they administer would be the wrong dose, and that could lead to either too serious a drop in blood sugar or a blood sugar that's too high, and both could lead to serious health consequences."The tests found some of the home glucose monitors performed better than others, WISC-TV reported.Top ratings went to the One Touch Ultra Mini. It delivered consistent, accurate readings in about five seconds. Consumer Reports found it easy to use. It costs about $20 and $14 for each strip.And Consumer Reports named as a "best buy" the $9 Reli-On Ultima sold at Wal-Mart. It earned very good scores for consistency and accuracy and its strips cost 44 cents a piece.People should check with their insurance company because many cover the costs of the monitor and testing supplies.The American Diabetes Association said 23 million people now have diabetes, with one in five at risk of getting it. People can learn more and take a simple risk test at Diabetes.org.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportMarc Perton and John McCowen have diabetes. They are two of the five staffers at Consumer Reports who served as panelists for the home glucose monitor testing."I personally test myself twice a day, once in the morning and once at night," Perton said."Accuracy is very important," said Dr. Orly Avitzur, with Consumer Reports. "The problem if someone gets inaccurate or inconsistent test results is that the medication that they administer would be the wrong dose, and that could lead to either too serious a drop in blood sugar or a blood sugar that's too high, and both could lead to serious health consequences."The tests found some of the home glucose monitors performed better than others, WISC-TV reported.Top ratings went to the One Touch Ultra Mini. It delivered consistent, accurate readings in about five seconds. Consumer Reports found it easy to use. It costs about $20 and $14 for each strip.And Consumer Reports named as a "best buy" the $9 Reli-On Ultima sold at Wal-Mart. It earned very good scores for consistency and accuracy and its strips cost 44 cents a piece.People should check with their insurance company because many cover the costs of the monitor and testing supplies.The American Diabetes Association said 23 million people now have diabetes, with one in five at risk of getting it. People can learn more and take a simple risk test at Diabetes.org. Copyright 2009 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
