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Blood Glucose Meters

Completely off bow hunting and hunting in general....minus to check my sugar while hunting.

Anyone have any good or bad luck with any particular meter? Any helps appreciated. Thanks fellas

I have used American Diabetic Warehouse as my supplier for many years. Good folks, reasonable prices and fast shipping (except for the USPS!).

I have used the True Metrix Monitor, test strips and lancelets. Attached link for a monitor and 100 test strips and 100 lancelets. They offer better deals if you need greater supply quantity. I have a "home" unit and a "travel" unit. Just keep both units supplied with test strips, lancelets and lancing device.

Hope this helps

Get a freestyle Libre and use your phone to swipe your arm and scan whenever. It works great and allows you to check as many times a day as you feel like with no finger sticks. Also no taking off gloves on stand. Super nice.

My meter is from Livongo. I have the app on my phone so I can look at my levels whenever I want. Gives me nice hints and diabetic friendly recipes as well. I’m going to look into the freestyle Libre though.

Same as butcher boy.

GL!

Awesome. Thanks guys. Was finicky about the libre with always having something on my arm.... it doesn’t become bothersome ??? Newly diagnosed type 2. A1C was11.7... Currently using a Walmart special until my follow up in about two weeks

As a pharmacist who deals with diabetes on a daily basis likely more than any other disease state, I can’t say enough positive things about my patients who switched to freestyle libre (for those patients who actually DO want to best control their glucose). Waaaaaay more data and understanding what is going on throughout the day than the 3-4 fingerstick snapshots a day. Better outcomes, easier to use, less painful, similar to cheaper costs for those testing several times a day.

Good to hear from someone on the profession Trevor! Thank you. And I’m defiantly in that group of wanting to completely control my glucose level!

How do you check your BS level when your cell phone doesn't work or battery is dead with a freedom Libre?

The libre has a meter the same as fingerstick meters. You just don’t HAVE to carry it and can use your phone instead. I guess it would be the same as if your current BS meter battery died.

Does Medicare cover it and dont you have to have certain diabetic symptoms to get one ( like having to check your bg multiple times a day ).

Libre freestyle 14 day combined with the Omni pod insulin pump is what i use.

Thanks again everyone. Much appreciated.

Freestyle Libre 14 days is a lifesaver. No more sticking and just a smartphone swipe gives you your levels and logs it! You can even see the history on a graph. Even if insurance won’t cover it you can buy it from pharmacy for about $75 a month. Changed my life. Just do it and never look back!

I’m not on insulin yet thank goodness. My A1C was 8 when the doc found it. It went up to 10 and he put me Metformin. Went up to 1000mg twice a day and it has brought it down but not enough. Will probably try a different med on my next check up. My doc wants to stay away from insulin if we can which I’m all about that.

My mom was diabetic, my dad is, my oldest sister is as well. Before my mom passed away two years ago her sugar levels were way out of control. Some days it was in the low 500’s! She always did really well at controlling it but with her diabetes, congestive heart failure, and chemo, her heart just couldn’t take it anymore.

Ya I’m doing anything I can to get away from insulin. Do not want to have to poke myself daily to control myself. My a1c like I said was 11.7. But my friends wife works for a endo and she’s confident with diet exercise and the right meal plan I can lower it a lot and control the sugar without insulin. Here’s to hoping.

Exercise is really key IMHO. 6 years ago when I found out I was diabetic, my sugar was over 400. My last physical my A1C was 6.4. On days I do a lot of physical activity above my daily regimen, I have had my sugar fall below 80. I am convinced the activity is more important than diet, at least for me.

Take notes about your sugar level as you try different approaches. You will find what works. GL!

Thanks Frank!

Forgot to mention I also take 1000 metformin daily and a once a week injection of Ozempic which is pretty amazing stuff. I went from A1C of 9 to staying in the 6s. I do watch what I eat and exercise regularly. I am not overweight and stay at about 165 and 5’10”. The Freestyle Libre lets me check anytime I want with a smartphone scan while hunting, golfing, at dinner.....anytime. You can ALWAYS know where you’re at so you can know what (or what not) to eat.

I’m currently on 500mg 2x a day of metformin

My youngest son is Type 1. He has tried the Freestyle Libre but has had trouble with it pulling out of his arm, especially when being active. He even had his bed sheet catch on it and pull it out. Any one have any tips to help prevent this from happening? Where do most of you Libre users attach it to your body? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Old Reb, I attach mine under my arm above the elbow. Alternate arms every two weeks. Have never had one even remotely pull out or come loose.

Been type 1 diabetic for 54 years, i use a Medtronic insulin pump, with a contour next link blood tester..

I am a type 1 diabetic and have used many glucose meters. The Freestyle Libre 14 has been tremendous. I can test myself no matter how much clothing I have on. I have had a few, I have been using since it came out, come off but I call the company and give them the number that is on my meter and they send me a new one.

Proud of you guys actively looking to improve. I’m pretty passionate about helping those who want to help themselves. We finally have my mother using one and I think the psychological benefit of using one is huge as well. Sometimes just seeing the number throughout the day Spurs you to make better decisions vs seeing it once to twice a day. Her goal is to get off medicine as a pre diabetic and she’s finally on the right track.

TEmbry - “ seeing the number throughout the day Spurs you to make better decisions vs seeing it once to twice a day”

Absolute truth. The benefit of knowing is immeasurable.

I have been a type 1 diabetic since I was 30 years old. I will be 79 in May. I have taken four shots of insulin a day all that time. Medicare and supplemental insurance provides test meters and strips but I use more than they provide. I got a cheap meter and strips from Food Lion and they work great. I don't want an insulin pump or anything stuck on my arm but I am sure that is great. I have taken insulin in airplanes, boats, deer stands and more. I still hunt and fish and make out just fine. Going fishing in the morning.

Question guys. Does the app work for your phone for the libre? My nutritionist just told me it doesn’t and you can only use the meter that it comes with...? But I thought someone here said they used there phone... Thanks guys! Appreciate the help

MA-Padeerslayer, it absolutely works on your smartphone with the libre app. Perfectly I might add. I haven’t used the meter in over a year or more. Look in your App Store for Freestyle LibreLink.

The Libre 2 doesnt work with the app. It isnt supported yet. My wife has to use the meter provided. Not sure when it will be updated.

I just got the two I believe (I’ll double check) and the app worked.

Downloaded it and loaded it into my arm this afternoon. Didn’t even feel it go in. Longer needle than i thought it would be lol

I just got the two I believe (I’ll double check) and the app worked.

Downloaded it and loaded it into my arm this afternoon. Didn’t even feel it go in. Longer needle than i thought it would be lol

Maybe I have number 1 than! I can’t remember and don’t have my meter. I must have 1

As of right now the 2 doesn't work with a phone. I have a one and use the meter that came with the system. It is much smaller and easy to carry. I don't use my phone very often, I guess I'm old school that way, so that hasn't been an issue with me. My meter is like an extension of my hand and most times people have no idea I am checking myself.

The phone app is so much better and easier than the meter and provides more usable info. I hope the 2 is adapted soon. Until then I stay with the original.

Ya I have the one. And same. When the two works on the phone maybe I’ll have the doc upgrade it even tho it won’t be that old. Nutritionist said the endocrinologist will probably suggest upgrading anyways once I get an appointment there.

My daughter is type 1, she's 14 now and is on the dexcom monitor, its a constant monitor that goes to her phone and mine and my wifes.It's very nice when hunting as i can keep and eye on it as well as her.High and low alarms can be set to vibrate or silent also.

As an internist PA, with my own private practice, and a specialist in diabetes care, here’s my two cents. Libre is great -allows you to understand how different foods really affect your glucose levels. It’s definitely eye opening. Second, diabetes can be put into remission. Depending on the duration of your disease and your residual Pancreatic function. Diabetic treatment took a huge step forward in the last decade and it’s not unusual for my patients to come in with a1c as high as 14 and be in remission within a year. That means an a1c of 5.6 or less. Most people don’t realize that the medications you are rx are NOT always chosen for the efficacy to treat your disease, but by financial incentive for your doctor -but not the way you think. Insurance hates to pay for new non-generic drugs-so doctors continue to rx old , out dated and downright harmful meds - because they won’t get penalized by insurance. It’s also easy because it requires less work and no prior approvals or phone calls to fight for your mediations. Why is remission important? The ADA defines diabetes as a HA1C of 6,5 or higher. This threshold was chosen bc at that level, we see the increase of risk for micro vascular disease (retinal, renal and nerve disease). Between 5.7-6.4 -the so called “prediabetes” theres already shows a jump in macro vascular disease (heart attack, stroke and PAD). And remember, leading cause of death for patients with DM is heart attack and stroke. By the time you reach a1c of 6.5- 75-80% of your pancreas has failed. Imagine if we told you that you didn’t have heart failure until you had lost 80% of your heart function. The old guideline for DM treatment was an algorithm for failure and its changing -but it’s slow going. So whether you have a new or old DM diagnosis, find a doctor who really understands the pathophysiology of this disease and how to test it effectively. It doesn’t matter if your 20 or 90, you can get better control of this disease. My oldest patient is now 92. Sadly he came to me when he was 88 ans had DM for 20 years. Severe foot neuropathy, one heart attack and one stroke , renal failure and severely impaired cognitive function. His daughter brought him in, after finding me online. She wept as she told me she was pretty sure a nursing home was their only option. Her dad sat there looking at the ground, unable to answer even simple questions. Last year - in the midst of the covid pandemic, this now 91 year old won 5 golf tournaments. He now plays 4-5 days a week. My only regret is that I didn’t see him 10 years ago before the fire in his feet became so severe. Today it’s his biggest complaint.

Lace, what are you treating with that you find effective? I am now in Ozempic and it really does help. I am 5’10 and 163 and exercise regularly and have never been overweight. Type 2 for 12+ years found it at a1C of 9.0 and previous year was normal. Stay in the 6.5. -6.7 range now.

I'm with Lace! Type 2 here and have been off meds for the last 5 months. Fasting glucose levels are between 90-110 each morning. I am a firm believer that Type 2 can be reversed (or at least in remission) through diet and exercise. Diet being key. The diet designed my the American Diabetes Assoc. will keep you on meds. I know, I've done it. They recommend way too many Carbs/day. I have learned that our body does not NEED Carbs for fuel, in fact they can be detrimental. A body burning protein spikes the insulin some but not near like carbs. A body burning fat, does not spike insulin. I've learned to manage the insulin spikes by what I eat. The exercise burns calories and reduces stored fat, especially in the liver, while increasing your metabolism.

My 2 cents and experience.

James

Congratulations James. You figured out the big deception on the part of the ADA and the government. Carbs are killing us. But the government subsidies the growing of rice wheat corn and sugar, and then the manufacturers are constantly finding new ways to convince use to buy and continuing eating their junk. We are over fed and under nourished. Since we are all hunters and we all come across those vegetarians and vegans and sadly even some doctors who rail against hunting and meat eating and sometimes we are at a loss on how to factually counter them. I strongly recommend reading The Sacred Cow. We all come properly armed when we hunt, we need to be properly armed when we debate.

Just ripped a sensor out of my arm....still had 5 days left. Damn! That hurts the wallet lol. I will admit the filiment thing is pretty neat tho.

Freestyle Libre has been good but I've had more than one quit after a few days. Just had one where the needle didn't penetrate and when I took it off my arm after about 20 hours of trying to get it to work the needle was bent and I had a small dent in my skins. The sensor came off easily with the glue patch staying on my arm.

They have a phone # and I've always called. They replace the sensors and send a separate package to return the questionable sensor. Pretty good by my standards.

So what exactly happens to the needle? Only saw filiment last night when it fell off. Put new one on this morning and don’t even see needle in the applicator?

Ya but I looked today and it looked like the filiment is inside a needle for insertion...looked and felt hard and needle like at least lol. Not an issue or anything no was just curious.

It’s just the filament.

Yes, filament. I just referred to it as a needle.

So had two fall off 5 and 3 days Into them last week....contacted libre and their sending me new ones. Insurance company won’t refill until my “28days” is up tho. Anyone else have this issue with insurance company if you had one call/rip off and them not wanting to pay??

My insurance won’t cover them ever. I pay myself, $75 per month.

Scoot they sent me 2 with just a few painless questions! Very easy to deal with. I also got some patches to put over them..maybe that will help keep them on. Also got skin tac wipes on the way to try. May try under the arm with one of these instead of on the back of my tricep as some people have had good luck there.

Steve that’s nuts with the amount we pay for insurance. Mine at 55 a month for 2 with insurance. If not they’d be 130 per sensor.

Of course not! Once it is my doc said he wants me to switch to it. Told him I wasn’t until it was phone approved lol

Anyone ever get “rescan in ten minutes” readying? I just put this sensor on and it’s been on for 2 hours and won’t give me a reading....I’m having aweful luck with these darn sensors

Did that for 80 minutes every ten. Then got a reading that said “change sensor” sensor no good. Thanks libre , only been on for 2 hours (insert eye roll here)

call them up and they will send you a new one. they will trouble shoot it with you to find out what error sensor got triggered and they may ask for you to return the defective one that happens every once in a while.

10-4 guys. They shipped new one yesterday. Have to send this lemon back. Just curious if anyone else had it. So far I’ve had two just fall off doing nothing amd this one be dead. Customer service is awesome tho!

One coming off is something that has never happened. That adhesive is STRONG! Make sure to use a bit of alcohol to clean it first and you’re golden. I’ve been using them since they first came out a d had two that were t reading right. Called and they sent replacement immediately.

Yup. Clean super good. Just started using skin tac wipes aswell. No issues since then. May stop using the black sticker I have on the next one see how it goes.

Ok I must say I did not read all the threads but enough to have my views. Was dig as a type 2 guy few years back. Big shock to me. My doc said meds and all that crap was my new way off life. My daughter with her masters in Nursing busted me with shame on you and your going to loose limbs. Well I did my own research and found 3 groups of folks that controlled there bs well. 1 folks that used the work out method 2 the very low carb diet folks and 3 the fasting folks. Well heck fire I just built in a life of all 3 together. I first had to admit to myself I was a food , Carb aholic , Yep will always be one. Sugar is shit, Sorry but cant say it loud enough. It will kill ya. You do not need one carb to live!! Its a fact. You do need proteins and fat! Fat is your friend if you cut the sugar and carbs. Your body will learn to burn fat again if you give it a chance. So walk tell you women folk you need to scout the woods at least 3 4 times a week its for your health. Cut processed foods. eat low carb foods all the meat with fat you want, low carb vegs, meals fit for a king. Then fast ? what, very simple guys finish your last meal early ex if you stop eating at 7pm and dont eat till 7am that is a 12 hr fast while most of it sleeping. Drink a bullet proof coffee and the wait till 12 to eat again and your a 17 hr fast. Simple. So research working out, low carb meals, and fasting ( most control for me) My results. # months on meds off after my dr cried and said I would die. moved from type2 to normal blood sugs not pre but normal. no meds for over 2 years. lost 30 lb Im normal. Dr could not believe it said i was a magical. No sir just got informed. Had to stop shooting my bows because of right shoulder pain, thought it was a torn rotor cup. It was sugar . I cant tell you had my joints now feel, I throw baseball and shoot again no pain. ps the thing about meat an fat will kill your, well it will if you dont get the bs down, why the sugar hurts the blood vessels , it gives the plak a place to lock on to. If your pipes are clean , sugar free you good. Also carbs, sugar are rocket fuel for cancer. Skin tags are a sign or sugar. You will think im full of it but at 68 my skin is clearing up of tags, age marks and one even fell off. Ask my doc, was going to have it cut off so they know it was once there. read up on (entophyte) ok that is most likely spelled wrong. Its how your body can tear down and use good parts of old cell to rebuild. Every 2 years every cell in your body is changed out , I am told. Do some study, take control of your life. Bow buddies have been one of the best parts of my life. camp fires, hunts, shoots and shooting the bull. I lost it for a few years to bs. I have it back , It was a small price to pay. ps must admit after a bout with covid I moved back into the low pre numbers. 100 to 112 off and on of late, will have to move it back down to 90-95. But all my aics have been normal for the past few years. I just want to give all you guys some hope. I did not get any from anyone. You can rev it and keep it under control. I did and im not special. love you guys dovefart

dovefart,

I was Diagnosed 15 years ago. Same for me...started on meds but with smart diet and exercise was able to get off meds for two years. Since then it’s been gradual but but now I’m on several meds and a weekly injection of ozempic just to stay reasonable. Type 2 is a progressive disease and it usually gets worse over time for everyone even with a good diet and staying active. I’m glad you’re under control, but don’t assume you will stay that way. BTW, I was never overweight either. I’m a lean, strong 5’10 -165 at 66 years old.

Hey guys, checkin in. Thanks for all the help. I did the workout very low carb and basically a 12+ hour fast every night as well. My meds have been cut in half, metformin 500 twice a day instead of 1000, I’m down 30 pounds already and feeling great. First big job in a while started at work today and I was up and down 16’ of staging working off planks all day without batting an eye. And this was up and down 5 flights of stairs to boot. Meds arnt the only answer! Diet, exercise and commitment to a healthier life at key too!!!

Way to go! Keep it up.

Hey guys I'm working for my girlfriend Lace (who posted above) these days in her medical practice. If anyone needs a meter and can't afford one, or is in between insurance, or whatever, send me a PM.

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