Blood Glucose Meter Plugs Directly Into Computer

A blood glucose monitor plugs directly into a computer providing users with instant access to information that can help optimize diabetes management.

The Contour USB is a glucose meter that connects directly to a PC or MAC; the meter can store up to 2,000 test results. The built-in USB technology allows patients to simply plug in to gain information about trends and patterns in their blood glucose levels.

Bayer Diabetes Care (Tarrytown, NY, USA) announced that it received clearance to market its Contour USB meter in Europe and in the United States at the 45th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), which was held in Vienna (Austria) from September 27 to October 1, 2009. The Contour USB meter is integrated with GlucofactsDeluxe software for easy retrieval of data as well as longer-term tracking and analysis of blood glucose-test results.

"This is an ideal blood glucose monitor for patients who are highly engaged in managing their diabetes, particularly those on insulin who must test frequently," said David Simmons, M.D., chief medical officer for Bayer Diabetes Care. "With the Contour USB meter, patients are able to review their results with their healthcare professional during an office visit, over the phone, or via email, giving them the opportunity to make treatment adjustments, if necessary."

The Contour USB meter features a bright color display screen visible in any light that shows average, high, and low readings with customizable features such as intuitive pre- and postmeal marking; 500 MB extra memory for personal diabetes information; and a rechargeable battery.

The meter is accurate, has automatic correction for hematocrit and common interfering substances (e.g. acetaminophen, ascorbic acid), as well as a 5-second test time and small (0.6 µL) sample size. The meter uses blood glucose-test strips currently available for other Contour meters.

The Bayer Group is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition, and high-tech materials. Bayer HealthCare, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is based in Leverkusen, Germany.

Related Links:
Bayer Diabetes Care