Purchasing Test Strips on the Intarweb
Frisbee®
to avoid would also be appreciated.
I have a one-touch ultra II and my VA benefits only allows for three tests
per week. My doctor did "up" the script temporarily to once a day "until I
get my BG under control." I'm on my last canister, and I probably won't be
entitled to any refills for quite some time, so I'm going to have to try to
get some on my own.
I never understood why they would only want a Type II to test themselves
only three times a week, especially a newly-diagnosed T2. It makes more
sense to me that initially the patient should test him/herself as often as
they can stand (within reason, of course). So, I need to take it on myself
because I want to literally test myself before and after every meal, perhaps
even multiple times after meals, and start keeping a detailed log. Once
I've got a really good idea of what foods do what to my BG and for how long,
etc., I can understand then only testing when the need arises - new foods,
don't feel quite right, etc.
However, I'm not made of money, and I suspect these things are not cheap, so
I'm hoping that some of you might be able to point me somewhere that I can
purchase some at some kind of discount.
Wingmask
Type the name of the meter you are using into google and do a search.
LOTS of businesses
sell the strips for your meter online. I personally looked at several
sites on EBay and found them cheaper
there. I will likely look there again someday. I am with you with the
money scenario...its no fun.
ray
You have my sympathy. I've encountered exactly the same difficulty with
the VA - and I agree; it makes no sense. FWIW - not all strips cost the
same. I found last month, for example, that the strips for the Walgreen's
house meter cost $50/100 as opposed to over $100/100 for other brands. I
believe I've heard that WalMart has an inexpensive house brand, as well.
You should be able to get the meter for free or very nearly so.
Wingmask
>
> - Show quoted text
I would not recomend the cheap meters and strips you find at big
boxes. I won't name the
mega retailer, but I have been there and done that and the misreadings
could be costly
in terms of your health. Stay with the proven brands.
Frisbee®
news:1185574725.1...@e16g2000pri.googlegroups.com...
Thanks, Wingmask.
I realize I could go that route, simply google or e-bay, but I was hoping to
benefit, if possible, from other's experience. I'm guessing that a lot of
regulars here probably buy online and will have already done a lot of
research on the subject, and had either positive or negative experiences in
doing so. Perhaps I can avoid the bad ones, at least, if some are willing
to share.
Frisbee®
news:pan.2007.07.27....@zianet.com...
Thanks, Ray. At least now I have -some- kind of idea how much strips run,
because I honestly had no idea. I guess I can understand why the VA might
want to try to curb their use, even if they almost surely get them at a huge
discount, it can really add up quick, I suppose.
I'll check out the one at Wal-mart some time. I was in Walgreen's just the
other day and was looking in the diabetic section. Saw lots of meters, but
no strips. I'm guessing, especially now that I see how much they cost, that
they probably keep them behind the counters to avoid shoplifting, heh.
Isn't that ironic, meters out in the open, and strips hidden away.
Frisbee®
Now I'm wondering if Consumer Reports or some other such org has done
testing on meters. I may have to check on that. You'd think the testing
would be simple enough to do.
Wingmask
> "Wingmask" <mugtechnic...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>
> - Show quoted text -
On that big box meter I had I put the strip in BACKWARDS with the
sensors sticking out and it still called for a drop of blood. Then I
took a measurement with my OneTouch Ultra smart and came back with
105. Then I took a measurement with the big box brand and it was 58.
So, the $8.88 meter was telling me to eat more and I would have blown
myself away with too much carb.
Wingmask
> "Wingmask" <mugtechnic...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>
> - Show quoted text -
I have no experiences to tell of as I have done everything local.
Alan S
<billLA...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>Type the name of the meter you are using into google and do a search.
>LOTS of businesses
>sell the strips for your meter online. I personally looked at several
>sites on EBay and found them cheaper
>there. I will likely look there again someday. I am with you with the
>money scenario...its no fun.
>
Ask Hi_Therre; or if he's not on the group at the moment do
a google search on his posts on e-bay and strips.
Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia.
d&e, metformin 1500mg, ezetrol 10mg
Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.
--
http://loraltraveloz.blogspot.com/
latest: Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/
latest: Self-Testing and Type 2 Management
Cheri
Wingmask wrote in message
I would not recomend the cheap meters and strips you find at big
boxes. I won't name the
mega retailer, but I have been there and done that and the misreadings
could be costly
in terms of your health. Stay with the proven brands.
I've found them to be very reliable. Within a few points of the
expensive meters and strips.
Cheri
Cheri
FrisbeeŽ wrote in message
<3Quqi.12484$MW6....@bignews3.bellsouth.net>...
Walgreen's strips for the Tru-Track are more expensive than Wal-Mart
strips for the Reli-On, by about $5.00 per 100 where I live.
Cheri
Cheri
Wingmask wrote in message
On that big box meter I had I put the strip in BACKWARDS with the
sensors sticking out and it still called for a drop of blood. Then I
took a measurement with my OneTouch Ultra smart and came back with
105. Then I took a measurement with the big box brand and it was 58.
So, the $8.88 meter was telling me to eat more and I would have blown
myself away with too much carb.
****
I've never had that happen. I'm very happy with both of the meters
from the big box stores. :-)
Cheri
ray
>> - Show quoted text
>
> I would not recomend the cheap meters and strips you find at big
> boxes. I won't name the
> mega retailer, but I have been there and done that and the misreadings
> could be costly
> in terms of your health. Stay with the proven brands.
I've found no significant differences. The FDA requires +-20% and I've
seen no better than +-15% with any meter. Misfires are rare with any
system.
ray
>>
>> - Show quoted text
>
> I would not recomend the cheap meters and strips you find at big
> boxes. I won't name the
> mega retailer, but I have been there and done that and the misreadings
> could be costly
> in terms of your health. Stay with the proven brands.
>
> Now I'm wondering if Consumer Reports or some other such org has done
> testing on meters. I may have to check on that. You'd think the testing
> would be simple enough to do.
CR has indeed featured diabetes test meters. They gave no useful
information concerning accuracy. They focused on things like whether you
need to 'code' for the strips and whether they came foil wrapped or in
cannisters - i.e. 'ease of use' issues.
Wingmask
Well, my sugar level was 58 with one finger and 105 with the other
finger. Diabetes does not affect the one finger.
Frisbee®
I hope you had the common sense to feed the 58 finger a piece of hard candy
or something so it wouldn't pass out. Does your finger had a medical ID
tag? Or maybe a medical ID ring? Think about it, if your 58 finger had
passed out, it would be harder to type a "HELP ME!" message on the internet!
Jim Chinnis
What do you mean by "no better than +-15%?" The data I've seen show a bell
curve centered at true readings. You can say how many readings fall within a
certain error range, or what the average absolute error is, but you can't
say what an upper limit on error is, because it will depend on how many
tests you do.
--
Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA
Julie Bove
"Frisbee®" <billLA...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:hXuqi.12492$MW6....@bignews3.bellsouth.net...
> Now I'm wondering if Consumer Reports or some other such org has done
> testing on meters. I may have to check on that. You'd think the testing
> would be simple enough to do.
Consumer reports did a report on them a few years ago. Not sure if they've
done one since.
KevinB
a really tiny drop of blood, everything fits into a handy pouch,
and has a computer hookup for those who use that type of
thing. Oh, and no coding required!
A quick search on ebay for Ascensia Microfill gave the
two following good deals: 250 strips for $84.00 Cdn (or
about $80 US). That's less than 35 cents a piece!
The other good deal was 50 strips plus a brand-new meter
for $10.50 Cdn (about $10 US).
Good luck!
Kevin
Wingmask
> "Wingmask" <mugtechnic...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
I could have diabetic etched into my wedding band. Oh wait...I never
wore a wedding band...I could
have a tattoo drawn on that finger that says I am diabetic.
Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
> Could anyone suggest a good place to purchase test strips on-line? Places
> to avoid would also be appreciated.
>
> I have a one-touch ultra II and my VA benefits only allows for three tests
> per week. My doctor did "up" the script temporarily to once a day "until I
> get my BG under control." I'm on my last canister, and I probably won't be
> entitled to any refills for quite some time, so I'm going to have to try to
> get some on my own.
>
> I never understood why they would only want a Type II to test themselves
> only three times a week, especially a newly-diagnosed T2. It makes more
> sense to me that initially the patient should test him/herself as often as
> they can stand (within reason, of course). So, I need to take it on myself
> because I want to literally test myself before and after every meal, perhaps
> even multiple times after meals, and start keeping a detailed log. Once
> I've got a really good idea of what foods do what to my BG and for how long,
> etc., I can understand then only testing when the need arises - new foods,
> don't feel quite right, etc.
When you start testing as often as recommended by the regulars here on
ASD, you will learn that your BGs are unpredictable and this will
compel you to want to keep testing frequently even though the
information from this high frequency of testing will have little to no
impact on changing the course of your disease.
Only by eating less, down to the optimal amount to lose the visceral
adipose tissue (VAT), can a type-2 diabetic change the course of his/
her disease:
http://HeartMDPhD.com/HolySpirit/Healing
What keeps folks from doing this is the world's great lie about
hunger:
http://HeartMDPhD.com/PressRelease
Be hungry... be healthy... be blessed.
Prayerfully in Jesus' awesome love,
Andrew <><
--
Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
Cardiologist
Wes Groleau
>> Now I'm wondering if Consumer Reports or some other such org has done
>> testing on meters. I may have to check on that. You'd think the testing
>> would be simple enough to do.
and responded
> CR has indeed featured diabetes test meters. They gave no useful
> information concerning accuracy. They focused on things like whether you
Not so. The article I read looked at ten meters and ranked
them for accuracy. I called Dr. Bernstein's office and asked
them if they knew anything about meter accuracy. Bernstein's
staff told me the two they had determined most accurate from
comparing their patients' numbers with lab.
Bernstein's first choice was not reviewed by CR.
Bernstein's second choice was CR's most accurate.
That was long ago and several new meter models are available.
I believe the issue was October 2002 but I'm not sure.
It was definitely earlier than February 2003.
Also, for every model of meter I ever had, each test strip
package contained detailed information on the accuracy
of the strips. Some of these data sheets (probably all of
them) are available on the manufacturer's websites.
--
Wes Groleau
In any formula, constants (especially those obtained
from handbooks) are to be treated as variables.
Ben Skversky
day. I get 400 strips every 90 days.
"Frisbee®" <billLA...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:S0uqi.6176$WN1....@bignews2.bellsouth.net...
ray
In two years I've had probably half a dozen or so 'out of bounds'
readings. It does happen. Whenever I see a reading I was not expecting, I
retest - that has always resolved the problem.
ray
My statistics is rather rusty. But I will point you to the 'control
solution' which most manufacturers provide with their meters. If you look
at the expected range of values posted on the vial of control solution,
you will see that the range represents a +-15% deviation from the
mid-point. As far as the manufacturers are concerned, if your meter reads
within that range it is fine.
You will sometimes find statistical information included in the users
manual or on the manufacturer's web site. In practice, I find that results
seem generally consistent except at temps much below 60 degrees F.
Frisbee®
news:Qu-dndbZk95Axzbb...@comcast.com...
> That's hard to believe. I get my strips from the VA & I test four times a
> day. I get 400 strips every 90 days.
Are you a Type I? I could undertand that for Type I and I can also
understand why they wouldn't necessarily want Type II's to test that often.
I would think that their policy would be nationwide, either way. You're not
the first to tell me that they're getting more strips, though.
ray
> ray quoted:
>>> Now I'm wondering if Consumer Reports or some other such org has done
>>> testing on meters. I may have to check on that. You'd think the testing
>>> would be simple enough to do.
>
> and responded
>> CR has indeed featured diabetes test meters. They gave no useful
>> information concerning accuracy. They focused on things like whether you
>
> Not so. The article I read looked at ten meters and ranked
> them for accuracy. I called Dr. Bernstein's office and asked
> them if they knew anything about meter accuracy. Bernstein's
> staff told me the two they had determined most accurate from
> comparing their patients' numbers with lab.
>
> Bernstein's first choice was not reviewed by CR.
> Bernstein's second choice was CR's most accurate.
I also called his office a year or so ago when I was considering a new
meter. At that time I was told the only one they recommended was the
Ascensia Contour. A few months later, someone else checked and they
recommended a different meter.
>
> That was long ago and several new meter models are available.
> I believe the issue was October 2002 but I'm not sure.
> It was definitely earlier than February 2003.
That is ancient history. Meters have changed a lot since then. The most
recent article I saw was within the last year, and there was basically no
measurement of accuracy at all.
>
> Also, for every model of meter I ever had, each test strip
> package contained detailed information on the accuracy
> of the strips. Some of these data sheets (probably all of
> them) are available on the manufacturer's websites.
That is the best source if you are into statistics - the information is
generally not readable by mere humans. I find that the information on the
'control solution' is interesting. If you look at the range of numbers,
you'll see that it represents about a +-15% deviation from the midpoint.
As long as the numbers fall withing that range, the manufacturer will tell
you the meter is fine.
Ben Skversky
"Frisbee®" <billLA...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:2cJqi.7911$zJ1....@bignews6.bellsouth.net...
Will, T2
Thanks, guys.... You have given me a great idea.... I am fully
eligible for VA benefits, and that might be a great way to get strips
at lower cost than I am paying now. Right now, I am paying about
$50.00 per hundred, which is a real bite.
Will, T2
Frisbee®
news:sb3na3l7oapt49vi2...@4ax.com...
Well it looks like you need to check into whatever VA Hospital Ben has,
because the one for North Florida/South Georgia only lets us have 50 strips
per 90 days! Dang, Ben! I'm going to have to ask around to find out why
the VA isn't being consistent about this. 400 strips for 90 days would be
just about perfect for me. This "three times a week" crap is useless, might
as well not test at all.
Ben Skversky
"Will, T2" <wmm...@cox.net> wrote in message
news:sb3na3l7oapt49vi2...@4ax.com...
Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
test strips (90 day supply), which could be as much as $200.
For this reason, taxpayers should really be motivated to have folks be
cured of their type-2 diabetes.
The growing numbers of folks being stricken with type-2 diabetes is
going to bankrupt both the government and the healthcare system of the
U.S.
It is the world's great lie that is behind this tragedy:
http://HeartMDPhD.com/PressRelease
Be hungry... be healthy... be blessed.
Prayerfully in Jesus' awesome love,
Andrew <><
--
Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
Cardiologist
Frisbee®
news:1185677072....@d55g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
>Sadly, taxpayers are paying for the balance of the cost of your 400
>test strips (90 day supply), which could be as much as $200.
You know, Chung, people like Ben and myself put our lives on the line for
our country. Have you?
>For this reason, taxpayers should really be motivated to have folks be
>cured of their type-2 diabetes.
But only for that reason. Moron.
Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
> Andrew, in the Holy Spirit, boldly wrote:
>
> >Sadly, taxpayers are paying for the balance of the cost of your 400
> >test strips (90 day supply), which could be as much as $200.
>
> You know, Chung, people like Ben and myself put our lives on the line for
> our country.
Your type-2 diabetes did not arise as a consequence of your military
service.
> Have you?
Was not called to serve in the military.
Was called to die for the benefit of others.
Was then brought back by GOD.
> >For this reason, taxpayers should really be motivated to have folks be
> >cured of their type-2 diabetes.
>
> But only for that reason.
No.
> Moron.
Name-calling simply shows that you are lost:
http://HeartMDPhD.com/HolySpirit/dream.asp
The brethren of LORD Jesus Christ are neither perfect nor more
special...
...we are simply forgiven by GOD:
http://www.interviewwithgod.com/forgiven/
May you wisely choose to be forgiven by GOD too by publicly declaring
with your mouth that "Jesus is LORD:"
http://HeartMDPhD.com/HolySpirit/TheWay
Be hungry... be healthy.... be blessed:
http://HeartMDPhD.com/PressRelease
ted rosenberg
-10) anyone will send you a repplacement meter
ray
> That's hard to believe. I get my strips from the VA & I test four times a
> day. I get 400 strips every 90 days.
>
>
>
When I first visited the VA in January the doc told me that since I was in
such good control she could only authorize testing twice per week -
actually 50 strips every 90 days. The strips don't cost me.
Ben Skversky
"Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD" <hear...@emorycardiology.com> wrote in message
news:1185677072....@d55g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
Ben Skversky
bust your stones, but I get a check from the VA every month.
"Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD" <hear...@emorycardiology.com> wrote in message
news:1185678723....@d55g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
Will, T2
<bskv...@comcast.net> wrote:
>Sorry Doc, I served in the army & I'm entitled to the benefits.
And, as a veteran, you deserve every benefit to which you are
entitled.... You earned them the hard way.
I know.
Will, T2
Peter G. (Bigbird)
"ray" <r...@zianet.com> wrote in message
news:pan.2007.07.29....@zianet.com...
Same here. When I was diagnosed, they allowed me 100 strips/90 days. Once I
got two A1c's under 6 they cut me back to 50/90 da. The doc is on my side
since it's so obvious what I'm doing works for me. But they have these
"guidelines".....
So, I buy what I need. I still test a minimum of once a day and occasionally
check after meals.
My other gripe is that they issued me an AccuChek Advantage and that's what
they will support at my clinic. Even though the One Touch Ultra strips are
in the VA formulary, they won't give them to me since I was issued the
AccuChek. (I strongly prefer the One Touch) Grrr!!
Peter G.
(bigbird)
T2
Will, T2
whoknows dot us> wrote:
>Same here. When I was diagnosed, they allowed me 100 strips/90 days. Once I
>got two A1c's under 6 they cut me back to 50/90 da. The doc is on my side
>since it's so obvious what I'm doing works for me. But they have these
>"guidelines".....
That's horrible...
Maybe I ought to stick with what I am doing now... My own doc and
private insurance plan.
Will, T2
ray
It needn't be one or the other. If you qualify for VA coverage, I would
urge you to initiate it. I gratefully accept the free 50 strips per
quarter, and use insurance coverage to buy the rest of what I need.
Prescriptions run me $8/month at the VA - my generic copay on my insurance
is $10/month and goes up from there. Doc's visits at VA cost me $15 - $20
on my insurance. So I play the game both ways - and I'm sure to keep both
docs informed as to what the other one is doing. FWIW - on my first visit
the VA doc talked to me for about 45 minutes about the diabetes - I did
indeed learn a few new things.
Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
>
> Actually doc, I was diagnosed a type 2 while I was in the army.
Many are diagnosed type 2 while going to college. This would not mean
that going to college caused the diabetes.
> This might bust your stones, but I get a check from the VA every month.
Doesn't bother me. Would still wish you were cured of your type-2
diabetes:
http://HeartMD/PhD.com/HolySpirit/Healing
Be hungry... be healthy... be blessed:
Cheri
Susan wrote in message <5h4aqrF...@mid.individual.net>...
>x-no-archive: yes
>
>Cheri wrote:
>
>> I've found them to be very reliable. Within a few points of the
>> expensive meters and strips.
>>
>> Cheri
>>
>>
>
>Which is exactly what I've heard from many folks online for years,
here
>and elsewhere.
>
>For someone who doesn't want to try a Walmart Relion, before my new
>insurance began covering strips, I bought many times on Ebay with no
>probs, and also at Hocks.com. Sometimes AmericaRx is more
competitive.
>
>Susan
There are really good prices here too. http://www.diabetesnet.com/ If
you click on strips, there is a good variety at decent prices. I've
been happy with them in the past, but haven't ordered there for
awhile, due to using the big box store meters now. :-)
Cheri
Cheri
Wingmask
> "Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD" <heartd...@emorycardiology.com> wrote in messagenews:1185677072....@d55g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
>
> >Sadly, taxpayers are paying for the balance of the cost of your 400
> >test strips (90 day supply), which could be as much as $200.
>
> You know, Chung, people like Ben and myself put our lives on the line for
> our country. Have you?
>
> >For this reason, taxpayers should really be motivated to have folks be
> >cured of their type-2 diabetes.
>
> But only for that reason. Moron.
In America: Veterans get to fight for their country AND their
benefits. In America: Pro athletes get celebrity status
and health care ala carte while giving no military service to their
country.
Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
>
> Sorry Doc, I served in the army & I'm entitled to the benefits.
It remains my wish that you receive the greater benefit of being cured
of your type-2 diabetes rather than even a billion test strips.
Be hungry... be healthy... be blessed:
http://HeartMDPhD.com/PressRelease
Peter G. (Bigbird)
Ray has a good point, do play booth sides to your advantage. You *earned*
the benefit, why let it lie fallow?
I'm on Social (in)Security but the VA health benefits are better so I've
never touched the Medicare. Someday, who knows?
Peter G.
(bigbird)
Nushar
> ...
Just wondering what you have found in quest for cheap strips? I would
stay with well known major manufacturer, whosever strips were cheapest
on eBay. Testing frequently is very important in the beginning. You can
loosen up considerably in the maintenance phase after you have
finetuned your diet and body.
--
nush...@operamailYY.comZZ (Remove all XX, YY, ZZ)