Both the D20 and the G90 meters are no-code and require a 0.7-microliter blood sample, which can be drawn from the palms, forearms, upper arms, calves, and thighs, and provide results in 7 seconds. These results can be uploaded to a computer wirelessly or via a USB or Ethernet port and analyzed using ForaCare’s TeleHealth system.
Availability: ForaCare meters are available through www.amazon.com and durable medical equipment providers.
Product: Glucocard Vital
Manufacturer: Arkray
(952) 646-3102
www.glucocardusa.com
What it does: The auto-coding Glucocard Vital requires a 0.5-microliter blood sample that can be drawn from the palms or the fingertips and delivers results in 7 seconds. Up to 250 results can be stored in the meter’s memory, including time and date information for each result. The Glucocard Vital also provides 14- and 30-day blood glucose averages.
Availability: The Glucocard Vital is available from many online retail stores.
Product: GM100 (pictured above) and GM550
Manufacturer: Bionime
(858) 481-8485
www.bionimeusa.com
What it does: The GM100 meter requires a blood sample volume of 1.4 microliters and provides results in 8 seconds. It can store up to 150 results in its memory, along with time and date information for each.
The GM550 is smaller than the GM100 and requires a smaller blood sample (1.0 microliter) and less time to return results (5 seconds). It has a memory capacity of 500 results with time and date information, and it provides 7-, 14-, 30-, and 90-day blood glucose averages. Neither meter requires coding, and blood samples for either can be drawn from the finger, palm, or forearm.
Availability: The GM100 and GM550 are available at independent pharmacies and retailers.
Lancets
Product: OneTouch Delica
Manufacturer: LifeScan, Inc.
(800) 227-8862
www.onetouchdiabetes.com
What it does: The OneTouch Delica lancing device has seven different depth settings, uses 33-gauge OneTouch Delica lancets, and is engineered to insert and withdraw the lancet from the skin smoothly, with minimal vibration, for less painful blood sampling.
Availability: OneTouch Delica lancets and lancing devices are available online and in pharmacies.
Pen needles
Product: Ultra-Fine Nano
Manufacturer: BD
(888) 232-2737
www.bd.com/us
What it does: The short length of Ultra-Fine Nano pen needles — 4 millimeters — is intended to make them appear less intimidating to users and to make injections less painful. The 32-gauge needles screw on to pens and are compatible with all insulin pens sold in the United States.
Availability: Ultra-Fine Nano pen needles are available by prescription.
