What kind of meter do you like?

[sevenhuskers]

I wrote not too long ago about my son who is 7.  You suggested I keep track of his fasting and two hour after meal blood sugars.  However our meter broke right before I was going to start doing that.  I am wondering if there is a certain type of meter that ped endos like in particular because I'm probably going to have to go buy another one.  Any info you could provide would be great.

[Deanna L Aftab Guy, MD]

Do NOT buy one! $100-$150 out of pocket. You have concerns, you have a peds endo (right?) and if someone says he has "hypoglycemia" which is a broad diagnosis without information then checking fasting sugars is justified, it may take a face to face appt with either the endo or general ped.

[sevenhuskers]

We have good insurance but I don't think that I can get a doctor  to prescribe one.  Up until now the regular doctor told me there's nothing wrong with him.  I took him in with classic diabetes syptoms and when they did the glucose test his results were low.  At one hour he was 50, two hours 70 and three hours back down to 50.  So she told me he was hypoglycemia even though prior to that we had never recorded any lows like that.  I will check that website.  Thanks.

[Deanna L Aftab Guy, MD]

Hah! there are so many meters and my answer should be I like all of them.
Honestly, you need to get one that insurance covers, if it is easy, small amount of blood and no coding required there are a few out there, Contour, One Touch, Freestyle Lite, BD, etc. (even walmart brand meters). Go to the website Childrenwithdiabetes.com and see the reviews as well with the choices that your plan covers.
So if you have an endocrinologist(I forget but if you do) call them and talk with their nurse educator by phone,tell them your insurance and that you want to monitor his sugar, they may even have you come in for a free meter and prescribe the strips for you.
If you don't ask your pediatrician to prescribe one and talk with your pharmacist about which are covered on your plan, strips cost almost $1 per strip so use them wisely and be sure that they are covered.