Type 2 Diabetes: Preventing Complications

The Bottom Line

If you need speech output and you want the most up-to-date blood glucose meter, you are limited to two systems. Expect to pay about $260 for the One Touch SureStep with the Mini-Digi-Voice speech module or $495 for the Accu-Chek Voicemate. Check with your health insurance provider to find out if the cost of these units is covered.

The SureStep with the Mini-Digi-Voice module is smaller than the Accu-Chek Voicemate, offers slightly faster response time, and was slightly more accurate in tests done by Consumer Reports. The Accu-Chek Voicemate is easier to use because of such features as code key calibration, capillary strips with a tactile notch, and the use of a smaller blood sample. In addition, it does not require cleaning. Speech access is acceptable in both.

To control diabetes, you need to use a blood glucose meter often. Since the meter is a device that, by the nature of what it does, is somewhat unpleasant to use, we think ease-of-use is extremely important and outweighs a slight difference in accuracy, a longer response time, and a higher cost. The One Touch SureStep used with the Mini-Digi-Voice speech module is a good system, but the Voicemate is our choice because it is easier to use. We are not comfortable recommending systems that are based on the One Touch Profile or the One Touch Basic, since they are not as easy to use as either the Voicemate or the SureStep.

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