Cool Colors Trump Blood Glucose Trend Analysis
June 16th, 2007 by KevinApparently the LifeScan UltraMini is getting a lot of new customers lately in response to the marketing of its shocking new colors:
“Now available in four crowd-pleasing colors including Silver Moon, Limelight, Pink Glow and Black!”
What isn’t being talked about is how there is no way to incorporate the Mini’s data into trend analysis other than manually logging each blood sugar (There isn’t a data port for sharing the data with an external computer of any kind). This is a huge setback for intensive management that absolutely requires frequent analysis of the blood sugar patterns to identify opportunities for therapy changes based on the time of day glucose over the previous 7 to 21 days. Combine that with the fact that the first combination PDA/snap on meter (aka - Tracker) from Therasense was a huge flop. It was cumbersome but at least it made analysis easier than a manual logbook.
Until “the crowd” rallies behind better tools vs. cooler colors don’t expect managing your diabetes to get any easier.
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June 16th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
Kevin
My understanding is that the same meter will be available with a data port later in the year. I do thing it’s strange to release one without it, especially if what I heard is true.
And (as I’m sure you know) I’m fully behind better tools and allowing easier access to the data itself.
Anyway, I’m going to try one of these so I can review it. I think for kids it’ll be a winner.
June 16th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
Hi Bernard,
I think the entire world of D knows that you’re behind better tools and easier access to data
My concern is the message this sends to people - especially the impressionable newly diagnosed. Intensive Management (IM) is the key to mitigating complications and you need thoughtful management, assessment and corrective action to practice IM.
I’m curious to know what makes you say this will be a big hit for kids? I’m looking forward to reading your review, too.
Make sure you give your 5 stars to the Sweet Kids Safety Network at the AMEX Members Project ASAP. Lots of families need this and open ratings end tomorrow.
June 22nd, 2007 at 10:54 am
This is unfortunate, as the One Touch Ultra Mini actually does retain some data (patients can review their previous readings), therefore it was a decision the company made not to include a data port. I am curious, because the predecessor to the One Touch Ultra was called the One Touch FastTake, which required use of what was called the FastTake Adapter which plugged into the FastTake Meter test port. I believe Johnson and Johnson still sells these (I may have one saved someplace), but perhaps with that adaptor, it would be possible to download the test results? For more info., see http://www.lifescan.com/products/otdms/adapter/ for details.
June 22nd, 2007 at 11:59 am
no data port ;( that’s the issue so the adapter has nothing to adapt. just feels like progress in the wrong direction to me. otherwise, the folks at LifeScan make a great meter.