Sometimes it's great to appreciate the little simple things in life and if you live with diabetes, the Accu-Check Compact Glucometer makes testing much simpler and easier to use than most glucometers on the market. You never have to handle strips with the new integrated drum technology.

This much simpler technology is a great convenience and could make a big difference in the life of a diabetic.

Accu-Check Compact glucose monitor has many simple and easy to use features:

**It uses a 17 test drum that eliminates the need for strip handling. You just press a button and the strip is released from the machine automatically. Also offer easy strip removal after testing done.

**7 day average for your results with memory;

**Results usually in less than 8 seconds;

**You can perform an alternative site testing. You can test your fingertips, palm, forearm, upper arm, thigh or calf. Palm testing seems to be the easiest;

**Small sample of blood needed. Not much larger than the tip of a ballpoint pen;

**Pocket size. Small and light about the size of a cell phone;

**May be the lease painful lancet device. The lancing device Softclix won't tear your skin by wiggling from side to side;

**Smart data management. Can download test results to your PC with Accu-check compass software or you can use the infrared technology to beam data to your PDA with active cable. These are extra for your Accu-Check compact machine;

**Auto calibration which means the glucometer will automatically code the machine so you dont have to code the machine manually each time you open a new bottle of glucose meter strips; 

**Adjustable Accu-Check Softclix Lancet Device with an 11 depth setting. The higher the depth number, the deeper the lancet will penetrate into the skin;

**Batteries included;

**Small carrying case;

**Accu-Check Compact includes control solutions; user's manual and also a quick reference guide in English and Spanish. Includes a diary to record blood sugar results.

The Accu-Check compact glucometer kit includes everything you need to start testing your blood glucose today:

Prices for diabetic supplies can often run often high, and if you're having a hard time trying to pay for the strips, then the price can be a hardship on diabetics.

If you have Medicare, usually Medicare will pay for the strips whether you are on insulin or oral diabetic medications. If you are on insulin and test more than once a day, you will usually be given more than a 90 day supply and covered by Medicare. If you use oral diabetic medications, you may only be covered for a 90 day supply. You still may be eligible for a glucometer even if you are not on any medication at all.

There are companies that will take your Medicare, send your supplies, and bill Medicare directly for you. If you go to a major pharmacy, usually you have to pay upfront first and then send the paperwork to Medicare to get reimbursed.

Since the beginning Accu-Check by Roche has been at the forefront of developing easier and more accurate blood glucose monitors, especially the Accu-Check Compact.

The Accu-Check Compact has definitely become a favorite among thousands of diabetics because you don't have to handle the blood sugar strips and changing the integrated drum strips means simpler testing.

The Accu-Check Compact Plus Glucometer is soon to be available. What seems to be great about this new machine is that the Lansing device is attached to the glucometer. So you would only need one hand testing. This can be a benefit to seniors who just cant use both hands during testing because of arthritis or other diseases that may affect dexterity.

My rate on the Accu-Check Compact is an 8 out of 10 because I am not particularly happy with the Lancet Device. The removable top seems to be difficult for some seniors to remove.

Most seniors with arthritis do eventually get the hang of this lancet device, but some do not. Some of the other lancet devices from other companies may not have the greatest glucometers but have a simple and easy lancet device. Would like to see Roche make a simpler lancet device for seniors.

On the other hand, the Accu-Check Compact Glucometer itself is one of the best glucose meters on the market today.

Please discuss with your doctor to determine which glucometer will be the best for you.

Copyright 2005