When I was diagnosed as a Type II Diabetic, I wanted to cry. I knew that not only would I have to make some changes in my diet, but also would have to test my blood sugar, and not to mention the insulin shots that could be in my future. Being a needle-phobic person, that scared me more than anything.

My PCM (Primary Care Physician) sent me to the Diabetic Nurse at our Naval Clinic. I was surprised when she started passing me items that I would need, including the Accu-Chek Advantage Blood Glucose Meter Kit. Why was I surprised? It was a lot nicer than I figured I would be given, since I didn't have to pay anything at all. Not only that, but she had them already on hand, so I didn't even have to go and hunt for one or wait for one to be sent to her to give to me, as it often is with medical equipment.

She opened my Accu-Chek Advantage Blood Glucose Meter Kit and proceeded to show me how to use it. Included in kit is the Accu-Chek Advantage Blood Glucose Meter, the carrying case, warranty information and instructions, or owner's booklets. It comes with two Owner's booklets, one in English and one in Spanish, but she wanted to show me to make sure I understood what I would have to do, so she walked me thru the steps. Apparently she has had experience with people either not reading the directions or not following them correctly. As simple as the Accu-Chek Advantage Blood Glucose Meter Kit is to use, I don't know how anyone could possibly mess it up!

The Accu-Chek Advantage Blood Glucose Meter, itself, is only 3 1/4" tall, 2 1/4" wide and 3/4" thick. It easily sits in hand while I use it. There are only three buttons on the entire unit. One on top, which is the On/Off button, and then right and left arrow buttons under the 1 3/4" x 1 1/4" viewing screen. There is a slot in the bottom of the meter, which is where you slide the test strip in. The battery, a 3-volt lithium, which is included, lasts around a year, according to my nurse.

The case that holds the Accu-Chek Advantage Blood Glucose Meter Kit is 6 1/4" long, 3 1/2" wide and 1 1/2" thick. It's very compact. I carry a small purse and it fits in there with my wallet, cell phone and inhaler with no problems.

The case itself is a black, nylon type case. It reminds me of a small camera bag. It wipes clean if something gets spilled on it, but you'll want to try to avoid this so that it doesn't damage your meter. When you unzip the case, there, on the left, is a elastic strap for your meter. Under it there is another strap for your testing strips container. In the center there is a small strap to hold your Lancet Device On the right side is a small mesh pouch with a zipper down the side, kind of like a change pocket of a wallet. It holds lancets for you. I have about 20 in mine, just to make sure that when we're out and about that I always have one handy. I also throw a couple of Foil Wrapped Alcohol Swabs on top of the lancets, in case I'm not near a sink to wash my hands.

When you first use the Accu-Chek Advantage Blood Glucose Meter you need to make sure that you have test strips for that specific model. There will be a little code key that slides into the backside, towards the top, of the meter. The number that the meter displays must match the number on the test strip vial. You should also run a control test by using Control Solution, sold separately, to make sure that the strips test properly. You should do this with every new vial.

The meter itself is very easy to use. Simply slide the test strip, window side up, into the slot at the base. It will automatically turn on for you, bring up the number on the vial. If it doesn't match, don't use that strip! It could be a dud, so you might not get an accurate reading.

Once the number is shown, and you verify that it matches the one on the vial, it will show a test strip flashing, meaning it is ready for you to test. If something happens that you don't test right away, within about 30 seconds, the Accu-Chek Advantage Blood Glucose Meter will automatically shut off. Just turn it back on and you're ready to go again. Lance your finger and place the blood on the test window of the strip. If enough blood was added to the strip, an hourglass will show on the screen. Within 15 seconds, or so, you have your result.

The Accu-Chek Advantage Blood Glucose Meter is nice in that it stores your information for you. Make sure that, when you first get it, that you set the date and time and it will keep a record for you. You set the date and time by pressing and holding the On/Off button while the test strip is flashing. The word Set will then appear. You change the time and day by using the arrow buttons. Switch between the two by pressing On/Off again.

It not only remembers up to 480 test results, but it also figures your 7, 14 and 30 day averages. You can get this information just by scrolling thru using the arrow buttons. If you have the software, you can also upload your meter information to a computer or PDA. The Diabetic Nurse at the clinic has this software, so before I do a follow up appointment, I see her and she uses the software to chart and graph my results for me. I checked the price at the website, but it was more than I could afford to spend, especially since I didn't really need it.

I have only been using my Accu-Chek Advantage Blood Glucose Meter Kit for a couple of months, but it has given me no trouble at all. It's super simple to use. I'm not very good with electronic gadgets, but even I can follow the simple directions in the owner's booklet. It has tons of pictures to help you understand what to do, or if you have any error messages, how to interpret them. If I can use the Accu-Chek Advantage Blood Glucose Meter Kit, anyone can!


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Accu-Chek Soft Touch Blood Glucose Lancet Device

MPD Ultra Thin Purple Lancet


Recommended: Yes