Daily Diabetes Log (Page 3 of 8) in pdf

Data Management Systems

The introduction of blood glucose monitors has helped people take control of their diabetes. The development of data

management systems that are compatible with the monitors make the job of tracking diabetes care much easier. These data

management systems can record various aspects of your diabetes control every time you perform a blood glucose test. They

can also store hundreds of glucose test results as well as other information, depending on the system, such as the time and date

of your results, insulin types and doses, meals and exercise.

Another benefit of data management systems is that the blood glucose levels stored in your monitor can be transferred to a

computer and plotted on a graph, which will allow you and your diabetes health care provider to see what your blood glucose

control has been over a certain period of time. Also, if your health care provider has a computer that is compatible with your

blood glucose monitor's data management system, your health care provider can download your information to assist with

designing a plan for improving your treatment.

If you are looking to buy a data management system, here are a few tips to help you decide on which system to buy.

Compatibility. You want to make sure the data management system you buy is compatible with your blood glucose monitor,

your computer and/or your diabetes health care provider's computer. Compatibility means that the two systems are able to

"speak" the same language (i.e., they are able to "talk" to one another).

Convenience. Some data management systems are already included in the blood glucose monitor; others have to be

connected to the monitor. If you do not want to keep track of two separate units, buy a data management system that is

combined with a monitor.

Ease of use. Some data management systems may be harder to use than others. If possible, test several systems before

buying to see how easy they are to use. Your diabetes health care team is also a good resource for providing recommendations

on the systems. Try to buy a data management system that is easy for you to use and meets your needs. You will be more eager

to use the system and thus get the most out of monitoring your blood glucose levels.

Type of records.Type of records. Talk with your diabetes health care provider about what information of your treatment plan he

or she needs you to keep track of. This will help you in deciding on a data management system. For some health care providers,

tracking of glucose levels with the date and time may be sufficient. For other health care providers, they may also want

information on insulin dosages, diet and exercise recorded. It is important to know all your needs before buying a system.

Expense. Data management systems can be costly, depending on the components of the system you decide to buy. These

systems are not requirement, so you will need to determine what you can afford based on what your needs are.

Data management systems can simplify the process of gathering and reviewing information about your diabetes care. If you

decide to buy one of these systems, do the research to find a system that you will be happy with. Below is a table of blood

glucose monitors that have the capability of interacting with computer software. The manufacturer's Web sites and customer

service numbers are also provided.

Abbott Laboratories MediSense Products

LifeScan

Monitors: In Duo; OneTouch (Basic, Profile, Ultra, UltraSmart,

Monitors: Precision Xtra; Sof-Tact

SureStep)

1-800-527-3339

1-800-227-8862

Bayer HealthCare LLC, Diagnostics Division Ascensia

QuestStar Medical, Inc.

Products

Monitors: Ascensia Breeze, Elite; Elite XL; Dex 2

Monitor: Focus

1-800-348-8100

1-800-525-6718

Roche Diagnostics

Monitors: BD Latitude DMS, BD Logic BGM

Monitors: Accu-Chek (Active, Compact, Complete, Advantage)

1-888-232-2737

1-800-858-8072

Home Diagnostics, Inc.

TheraSense

Monitor: Prestige

Monitors: FreeStyle; FreeStyle Tracker

1-800-342-7226

1-888-522-5226

Daily Diabetes Log Page 3

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