The Accu-Chek Nano is the latest glucose meter offering from Roche Diagnostics. The Nano is small, but does not fall into the category of “Compact Meters” that I use for my meter comparison. This meter began shipping in April 2012.
However, this is not a knock on the Nano. In fact, I really like this meter. It delivers almost everything you would want in a meter, other than some specialty items such as talking or wireless/cellular connectivity.
I also like the many of the changes Roche has made to its website regarding how glucose meter testing can help you solve a problem you are experiencing. So many times manufacturers focus on the features of its products, not benefits.
Let’s take a closer look at what I am talking about.
Key Advantages
- Size: The Accu-Chek Nano has a nice compact shape and size.
- Screen: BUT, it has a nice big backlit screen.
- Accurate: The Nano touts itself as being very accurate. The statistic cited is that it is 23% more accurate than required under FDA testing standard. I am glad Accu-Chek mentions this.
- Blood Testing: The meter is fast, 5 seconds, and uses a small sample size, 0.6 microliter. Less blood typically means a less invasive (read less painful!) lancet.
- Cool Data Management Tools: I will discuss data management more below, but I really like the changes Roche has made to the data management feature of the meter.
Regarding accuracy, most meter companies allude to accuracy, but they don’t ever quantify it. Other meters may be as accurate, but the FDA testing data is never listed. For a discussion on the FDA standards and glucose meter accuracy in general, follow the link for my article on the subject.
Key Disadvantages
- Mac Compatible: If you want to use the data management software, you can’t on an Apple computer. This is too bad, as the software is actually a nice tool.
As stated above, I like this meter. For straightforward testing, this meter covers the bases well. I suppose if you wanted the meter to synch with an online data management tool or you want it to talk, then this meter has its flaws. However, Accu-Chek Nano does not claim to offer these items, so I won’t hold them against it. There will always be aspects for specific users that simply don’t wok.
Test Strips
The meter uses Accu-Chek Smartview Test Strips. These strips are new for this meter and only work with this meter. For a price comparison of all test strips, check out our Test Strip Price Comparison page.
Data Management
There are two aspects to the data management tools offered by Roche than I want to point out. First, is the Accu-Chek 360 software. This software is essentially the same that I have already discussed in other Roche meter reviews. For the uninitiated, the software is very good because you can track not only your blood glucose levels, you can also track the following:
- Ketones
- Blood Pressure
- Cholesterol
- Weight
- Carbohydrates
- Exercise
- And So On…
Why is this important? Because just looking at blood glucose in a vacuum, really doesn’t tell you much. It is only an effect, not a cause. So, track other important metrics (e.g., blood pressure, cholesterol) and important causes (e.g., carbohydrate intake, exercise, etc.). Many other data management tools are just over hyped Excel Spreadsheets.
Second, Roche did something recently on its website that is so simple it is almost stupid other companies (including my website) hasn’t done before. Or, if they have, it wasn’t quite presented in the same way.
Roche shows users in a series of quick and straightforward examples how a glucose meter can solve problems diabetics can have, not just track results. They call the real world examples, “Testing in Pairs” or “Discovery.”
For example, they show how stress, exercise or late night snacking can affect your blood glucose readings. The actual showing of the results over a 3-7 day period is really helpful. It means that you now know how to use your meter as a tool to solve a problem, not just something to do.
I liken it to using a hammer to just pound some nails into a piece of scrap lumber. The hammer is doing what it was designed to do, right?
BUT, what if you knew how to use the hammer to hang a picture on the wall or maybe even build a shed or house! Now, you are solving a problem or making your life better in some way. This is the difference between just measuring your glucose levels and using the meter to feel better and live longer.
Bottom Line
Obviously, I like the Accu-Chek Nano. It has most of the major tools the vast majority of people need when testing glucose levels.
By Erich Schultz, last reviewed March 2013.
Technical Information
| Model | Nano |
|---|---|
| Auto. Shut Off | 2 minutes |
| Battery Type | 2 CR2032 |
| Battery Life | NA |
| Alternative Site Testing | Yes |
| Memory Capacity | 500 Tests |
| Storage Temp. | -13° - 158° F |
| Operating Temp. | NA F |
| Result Range | 20 to 600 mg/dL |
| Sample Size | 0.6 microliter |
| Test Time | 5 seconds |
| Weight (battery) | 1.41 oz. (yes) |
| Size (Inches) | 2.7" x 1.7" x 0.8" |
| Backlit Display | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 year |
| Coding Required | No |
| Software Available | Yes |