Go Poke Yourself With the FreeStyle Flash
Written: Jan 20 '06
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Easy to use, easy to read, accurate and portable
Cons: None I can think of
The Bottom Line: I'm afraid that using the Freestyle Flash has spoiled me. Even if my insurance doesn't cover strips for other meters, I might go back. It's that good.
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| Joubert's Full Review: TheraSense FreeStyle Flash Blood Glucose Meter |
When dealing with a medical device designed to poke a hole in your skin, you want two things: accuracy and ease of use. The Freestyle Flash by TheraSense provides just that. Multiple medical personnel have told me that it was one of the more reliable meters available, and a search of the FDA’s website shows that it is one of the few major brands not recalled. Ease of use is also important because you want to get this right the first time. Yes, I know you build up a tolerance to the annoying little jab in your finger, but you only want to do that as often as you have to. There are few things more frustrating than ruining a test strip and having to jab yourself a second time. After the second day, I did that once in nearly year of using the Flash.
Convenient Too and So Easy To Read
The Freestyle Flash kit includes a zippered pouch with compartments for the meter, a test strip canister, lancets and the actual lancet you use to draw blood. There is even a little pocket – a bit of a tight squeeze – for your log book. The folks who make the Flash are kind enough to supply two free logbooks (similar to a check) register a year. After all, you’re nice enough to spend $50-75 every two months on their test strips. The least they can do is send you some stapled paper and then sell your name to another company. Okay, maybe they don’t do the latter, but I sure found my way on to a lot of lists after contacting them for my free registers.
The monitor’s big display is easy to read and includes a green backlight for dark rooms or use at night. I found it especially helpful for taking my sugar early in the morning without having to turn on a light and wake my sleeping wife. There are also the usual array of averages, time of day and ability to download. I didn’t mess with any of that since I use an awesome food diary program that lets me make notes along with the diary. It is much easier to have both sets of data in one place when the doctor asks, “What were you eating that day?” Still, if your sugar is stable and your meal plans have been rock steady and in place for a long time (i.e., you’re not keeping a food diary), the download functions may be just the thing for you.
Poke Yourself Almost Anywhere
The new meters are all allowing different site testing, although the Freestyle Flash seemed to allow more sites than other meters I’ve used, including the calf. And unlike some meters (you know who you are) that soak the strip in blood and then beep, the Flas requires only a simple swipe. If you don’t get enough blood to count on the strip, you have up to 60 seconds to apply the strip to get more blood before wasting the strip. And as any diabetic will tell you, it ain’t the cost of the meter (you can usually get them free or for next to nothing), it’s the cost of the test strips.
Mr. Gillete used to say the same thing when he started his marketing revolution of “give away the razors and sell the blades”.
Unfortunately, my insurance company has cut a deal for Accu-Chek meters. That company has a less sterling reputation than TheraSense, but I managed to find one of their meters (the Active) that hasn’t been recalled. I start using that tomorrow.
Meanwhile, I’m going to take my little meter, which has been in many states, multiple countries and been at my side for nearly a year and put it away in a bureau drawer. This meter is so good that if the new one doesn’t do nearly as good a job, I’ll pay the difference for the non-insurance covered test strips out of my own pocket.
The Bottom Line: When someone tells you, “Hey forget the insurance, I’ll pay for it,” they’re either avoiding a claim or like the product that much And there’s a lot to like here.
Five Things To Remember From This Review
1. Maybe the easiest meter to use with quality test strips
2. Don’t get enough blood the first time and you have 60 seconds to add more.
3. There are averages and downloads and alarms and all sorts of toys
4. The meter and all its accessories pack neatly into a small black and very discreet case.
5. Accuracy is always questionable with home-based meters, but docs and wellness counselors at multiple places have told me that this is the one to buy (and so far, it is one of the few the FDA hasn’t forced a recall on)
Joubert’s FunLink
For anyone with diabetes, or if you know someone who has it or is at risk, there is only one site to visit: www.diabetes.org
Recommended:
Yes
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