Contour, Contour USB, Breeze 2 and Didget

The Bayer glucose meter has a long and storied history. Bayer Healthcare introduced the first portable glucose meter in 1969. Since then, the company has been a tireless innovator of diabetes products. This focus has made Bayer one of the largest self-test diagnostic companies in existence. While they may be one of the largest companies, Bayer's focus is on simplicity for the consumer.

Bayer only has three different models of glucose meters. All of their meters have what they call "No Coding" technology. Bayer claims to be the first company to offer a line of glucose monitors that do not require coding.

This innovation allows users to avoid programming the glucose meter, with the aim of increasing testing accuracy and simplify the user's diabetes management headaches.

Bayer touts the speed of its meters, only 5 seconds to obtain test results. And, the company has increased the memory of the meters to help user's better monitor their glucose levels over time. The current Bayer glucose meter product line-up consists of the following.

Ascensia Contour. This devise is Bayer's flagship glucose monitor. The Contour has basic and advanced functions, no coding technology, a large display, and comes in multiple colors.

Breeze 2. As simple, as simple gets. The breeze 2 has no individual test strips. Instead, there is a 10 test disc. Simply insert the disc and you are all set for your next 10 glucose test.

Bayer Contour USB. This meter comes in a small package, but packs a series pnch! Many advanced features for such a little device.

Bayer Didget. This meter is just for the kids. The Didget is awesome and integrates with popular game consoles.

	Contour	Contour USB	Breeze 2
Auto. Shut Off	3 minutes	3 minutes	3 minutes
Battery Type	Two CR2032	Rechargeable	One CR2032
Battery Life	1,000 Tests	Varies	1,000 Tests
Alt. Site Testing	Yes	Yes	Yes
Memory Capacity	480 Tests	2,000 Tests	420 Tests
Storage Temp.	NA	NA	NA
Operating Temp.	41° to 113° F	41° to 113° F	50° to 113° F
Result Range	10 to 600 mg/dL	20 to 600 mg/dL	20 to 600 mg/dL
Sample Size	0.6 microliter	0.6 microliter	1.0 microliter
Test Time	5 seconds	5 seconds	5 seconds
Weight (battery)	1.7 oz. (yes)	1.2 oz. (yes)	3.62 oz (yes)
Size (Inches)	2.35 x 2.8 x 0.77	3.82 x 1.18 x 0.63	4.1 x 2.3 x 1.1
Backlit Display	No	Color	No
Coding Req.	No	No	No
Software Avail.	Yes	Yes	Yes
Warranty	5 Years	5 Years	5 years

Like most other major glucose meter manufacturers, Bayer has its own proprietary software that allows its clients to track how well they are doing, or not doing, with managing their blood sugar levels. They call it GlucoFacts. Like other companies, Bayer does not charge for the software, but you do need to purchase a data cable needed to download your test results to your computer.

Bayer Healthcare is a subsidiary of Bayer AG, a mammoth health and medical products. Bayer supports diabetes care in over 100 countries. Starting in 1941, the company introduced its first diabetic related product, the Clinitest reagent tablets.

Today, Bayer has some of the most widely used glucose meters in the world and recently introduced an A1c test meter called the A1C Now+ Monitor.

Bayer's diabetes products subsidiary is located in Tarrytown, New York. Bayer's diabetes related website is this link. If you are looking for Bayer owners manuals click on this link.

Ascensia Contour TS. The TS was a stripped down version of the Contour aimed at people who need very simple operation and large display. This meter is still available at selected retailers, but I believe Bayer will be discontinuing this meter.