What it does: The On Call Vivid has both a backlight and a strip port light, making it possible to check blood glucose in the dark. The meter also has a strip ejector to allow for strip disposal without touching used strips. The no-code meter provides results from a 0.8-microliter sample in 5 seconds, and can store 500 results and provide 7-, 14-, 30-, 60-, and 90-day averages. The On Call Vivid can alert the user to highs, lows, and the presence of ketones, and offers five customizable test reminders.
Availability: Find distributors of ACON products, including the On Call Vivid, at >www.aconlabs.com/distribution.html.
Product: OneTouch VerioIQ
Manufacturer: LifeScan, Inc.
(800) 227-8862
www.lifescan.com
What it does: The OneTouch VerioIQ’s Pattern Alert system shows full-color, backlit dialog screens alerting the user to blood glucose trends of highs and lows. The user can personalize “high” and “low” thresholds; after two (for lows) or three (for highs) results within the same 3-hour window over a 5-day period, the meter warns of the pattern. The meter has a 750-result memory, and can calculate 7-, 14-, 30-, and 90-day averages. The meter requires a 0.4-microliter blood sample and delivers results in English or Spanish. In low light, the meter automatically lights up for use when a test strip is inserted.
Availability: The OneTouch VerioIQ is available at many retailers.
Phone compatible devices
Product: Glooko Logbook and MeterSync Cable
Manufacturer: Glooko
(650) 395-8476
www.glooko.com
What it does: Glooko is a cable connector paired with an app; the cable connector links the user’s blood glucose meter or meters to an iPhone, and the app allows information to be downloaded and read on the phone. The Glooko app acts as a logbook, with the ability to tag results with the time and situation in which they were taken and other useful information. The logbook can be e-mailed or faxed to health-care professionals.
Availability: The Glooko app is free to download from Apple’s App Store; the MeterSync cable connector is available from the Glooko Web store. Check to see if your meter is compatible with it by visiting www.glooko.com/purchase/logbook.
Product: iBGStar
Manufacturer: Sanofi Diabetes
(855) iBGStar (424-7827)
www.ibgstar.us
What it does: Sanofi’s iBGStar meter connects directly to an iPhone or iPod Touch for analyzing monitoring results. The no-code meter requires a 0.5-microliter sample taken from the fingertip, palm, or forearm and can store 300 results in its memory. (A complementary iBGStar app allows the user to store more results on his Apple device.) The meter can calculate 7-, 14-, and 30-day averages, and with the app, the user can tag results with information, including carbohydrate intake and insulin doses. This data can then be shared with family members or health-care providers.
