I have used the OneTouch Ultra for several years now - no complaints,
The $27.95 for 50 strips seem high to me. However, I do have IBM
insurance that pays 80% of my costs so I really have no valid
comparisons.

I do know that for some crazy reason my readings from my forearm were
always higher than from my finger tips.  10 to 15 higher.

For me (WWII vet) the VA isn't a choice at all! Big VA hospital here but
so many vets in the area it is hard to even get to see a doctor. Then it
is a rush in/out deal.

I did not know that different brads of strips other than the meter's
brand were compatible. Check this part out.

Jay

SD>I have a question (or two :) for y'all... right now, I'm under the VA's care
SD>for my diabetes and hypertension.  They gave me a nice Accu-Check Advantage
SD>meter and prescribed me to check my blood sugar twice a week.  Now you know
SD>that that's not realistic to keep things in check (my stepfather, who is Type 2
SD>and takes insulin, checks his twice a day).  They will only prescribe me a
SD>certain amount of strips and lancets per quarter... and as it is, they're not
SD>very good quality (the lancets).

SD>I was looking at Wal-Mart tonight and there was an Accu-Check Active meter for
SD>$17.95.  The strips are 50 for $27.95, which really isn't too bad.  Plus,
SD>unlike the Advantage, the Active meter can do non-finger readings (meaning
SD>pricking your forearm, etc), smaller amounts of blood (that Advantage is like a
SD>vampire with the amount of blood it needs) and the best part for me is that I
SD>can get a cable and software to help me track my glucose levels.

SD>I admit that before, I've been really bad at keeping track of everything, but
SD>if I can do this with this new meter, it would help a lot.  What I'm asking is
SD>this: have any of you used or heard about this meter and its quality?  Also, if
SD>I go buy my own lancets and strips, is it tax-deductible?  I can get 100
SD>lancets here from the Publix (a supermarket) pharmacy that not only fit my
SD>lancet pen better than the ones from the VA, but are smaller and hurt less to
SD>prick my finger with for $4.99 (a good deal!).

SD>I don't mind paying for this out of pocket if I can keep track of my health
SD>better... the VA's health care is minimal at best... I'm hoping that after I
SD>get my A+/Network+ certs and find a decent job, I can get health insurance to
SD>cover me and get away from the VA...

SD>On an aside: can I get life insurance since I'm a diabetic?  I'd really like to
SD>have some for my wonderful wife in case I kick the bucket before my time.
SD>She'll outlive me anyway since she's ten years my junior. :)

SD>Any and all advice, answers, suggestions or ancedotes about any of the above is
SD>greately appreciated... I'm not one to make friends here locally and I really
SD>don't have anyone to talk to about my diabetes except y'all here and my mom and
SD>dad.

SD>Thanks,
SD>Sean

SD>// hausmaus{at}darktech.org | http://midnightshour.org | AIM: eekahausmaus

SD>--- GoldED+/W32 1.1.5-21011

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