The OneTouch UltraSmart Glucose Meter is indeed smart. There are very few diabetes glucose meters on the market today that offer as many advanced programming and blood sugar tracking options as this one.
If you need the ultimate tool to help you manage your glucose levels, this is a great choice. This is arguably the Lexus, Cadillac and Mercedes (take your pick) of glucose meters.
As noted below, it is also the only meter that is clinically proven to lower your A1C levels.
Key Advantages
- Reduces A1C levels. The UltraSmart is the only meter that has been the subject of a study showing that it use contributed to a reduction in a user’s overall A1c levels. The results are attributed to the next factor.
- Advanced Tracking Features. If you like or want advanced tracking features, this is your meter. The meter tracks most things you can think of and then some. You glucose levels are studied based on time of day, meals, insulin medication, etc. The information is organized into multiple charts and graphs to help you understand the data. This feature is enhanced if you choose to download the data to the OneTouch management software. You can add comments regarding meals and medications you take. The list goes on.
- Memory. The meter can store up to 3,000 tests.
- Fast. Even with all the advanced features, the meter still returns results in approximately 5 seconds.
Disadvantages
The key disadvantage to the meter is if you have difficulties learning how to navigate all of the advanced programming and tracking options. You will have to take some time to learn how to use the meter.
Test Strips
The UltraSmart uses the OneTouch Ultra Test Strips. The test strips are usable with six other OneTouch meters.
To Compare the BEST prices on strips, check out our Test Strip Price Comparison page.
Bottom Line
Like the name suggests, this is the “smartest” meter in the One Touch glucose meter family of products. The UltraSmart glucose meter is the ultimate meter for tracking your blood glucose.
The monitor really allows you to delve into how you are doing with managing your blood sugar and discover patterns in your behavior that might be helping or hurting you.
Very few meters currently on the market allow you to do this to the level of the UltraSmart.
That being said, if you don’t take the time to learn how to use the meter and actually enter the data needed to track the results, you might as well just buy the OneTouch Micro.
Don’t be that person who buys the $3,000 dollar digital camera and only uses it on the automatic setting!
Other Considerations
If you purchase the UltraSmart make sure you purchase the software and data cable for an additional $30. The data management software will further enhance the meters full capabilities. Like other diabetes glucose meter companies, LifeScan offers 24/7 telephone support.
The OneTouch Gold program is LifeScan’s customer care program. OneTouch Gold offers free customizable diet and exercise programs, as well as 1,000’s of recipes and a good library of diabetes articles.
Technical Information
| Model | UltraSmart |
|---|---|
| Auto. Shut Off | 1-3 minutes |
| Battery Type | Two AAA |
| Battery Life | 6 -12 months |
| Alternative Site Testing | Yes |
| Memory Capacity | 3,000 Tests |
| Storage Temp. | NA |
| Operating Temp. | 43 to 111 F |
| Result Range | 20 to 600 mg/dL |
| Sample Size | 1.0 microliter |
| Test Time | 5 seconds |
| Weight (battery) | 2.8 oz. (yes) |
| Size (Inches) | 3.8 x 2.3 x 0.90 |
| Backlit Display | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
| Coding Required | Yes |
| Software Available | Yes |