Android connected blood glucose monitors (not CGMs)?

February 1, 2024 7:44 AM

Hey Awesome folk, so it turns out I have type 2 diabetes. Currently my A1C is ~6.5 and I am not using insulin. Since I'm not insulin dependant my doctor doesn't think insurance would cover a CGM. I've been reluctant to start pricking my pickers, but my A1C is trending higher since the previous labs and it is time to start measuring this. What is a brand/model of finger-stick driven glucose monitors that has an android app? I want to be able to track trendlines on my device. TIA. Peace and Health to all.
posted by The Vice Admiral of the Narrow Seas to Health & Fitness (7 answers total)

Best answer: There's an Android app called MySugr that is independent of the monitor you use. It might be able to talk to some brands of monitors, I'm not sure. The free version will give you the trend lines you're after, and the paid version has a number of other features. (FWIW, they're based in Switzerland, so there's some level of regulatory enforcement around privacy.)
posted by hoyland at 8:23 AM on February 1 [1 favorite]

Just checked... There's an option to add a connection to a couple varieties of Accu-Chek meters and the Contour Next One. No experience doing this, though.
posted by hoyland at 8:25 AM on February 1

Best answer: I use that app w/an accu-chek guide and it's really nice. The guide meter allows you to tag a couple of different things on the readings like fasting or after meal. The app on its own allows you to log meds, meals, activity and can generate a 3 month log which is what my doc usually wants to see. good luck!
posted by oneear at 10:22 AM on February 1

Insurance probably won't cover a CGM in the US, but if you can get a prescription they're somewhat affordable with drugstore coupons or at places like Costco.

I use the Freestyle Libre 3 and pay $36 for each 14 day sensor. The data is invaluable compared to the blood glucose monitor and I can see, for example, that my blood sugar trends higher and higher overnight into every morning until I finally do eat.
posted by miscbuff at 7:16 PM on February 1

As with miscbuff, not exactly what you're asking for, but I managed to get a CGM for about what my friend was paying with insurance by signing up for emails from a few of the 3rd party weight loss companies that will sell them without a real prescription (i had to fill out some medical questions online and a "doctor" reviewed them). Eventually they sent a coupon that was reasonable. You have to be willing to ignore their propaganda/medically dubious recommendations/fat shaming, however.
posted by lab.beetle at 8:00 PM on February 1

I used the one I got from CVS, which uses the AgaMatrix app.
posted by kschang at 11:32 PM on February 1

Check with your insurance! I'm type 2 and not insulin dependent. My insurance happily pays for Dexcom CGMs.
posted by girlstyle at 11:03 AM on February 2