Type 2 Diabetes: Preventing Complications
One Touch SureStep
Accessing the One Touch SureStep with speech requires the purchase of a separate voice unit from Science Products (800-888-7400 or 610-296-2111). The SureStep is slightly larger than the Advantage, but when combined with Science Products's smallest voice unit, the Mini-Digi- Voice, it is half the size of the Accu-Chek Voicemate (4.5 in. × 2.6 in. × 1.8 in.). It is powered by two AAA batteries. The documentation is available only in small print.
We purchased the SureStep for $65 and received a $40 rebate. Overall, it was rated fourth best by Consumer Reports and was given a "very good" on consistency and an "excellent" on accuracy. The response time is 15 seconds—better than the Voicemate but not as fast as some others.
Unlike the Voicemate, the SureStep must be calibrated manually by pushing a button until the number on the screen corresponds to the number located on the vial of new strips. Its blood glucose test strips are touchable, but require 10 microliters of blood, and you cannot apply additional blood after the test starts. The unit requires cleaning. Memory can be downloaded with free software, which is available on LifeScan's web site, and you need to purchase a cable. We found the software difficult to use with a screen reader, and some reports it generated were not accessible.
Science Products offers two versions of its Digi-Voice speech module for the SureStep, Basic, and Profile: the Mini-Digi-Voice or the Digi-Voice Deluxe. We prefer the Mini-Digi-Voice, because it is half the size of the Deluxe and costs $75 less. Unlike the Deluxe, the Mini does not have an external power source or an earphone jack and uses only a nine-volt, nonrechargeable battery.
The Mini uses cabling that plugs into the data port of the SureStep. Its speech quality is comparable to that of the Voicemate. However, the Mini's speech is continuous, with no way of silencing it, short of shutting down the SureStep. Turning on the SureStep will automatically turn on the Mini, which is a practical feature. But volume can be adjusted only by selecting one of five setting options that are spoken when the unit is turned on. The speech quality is good.
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