How long does a blood meter last?

I like to use the same meter - since it gives me statistics based on 7 / 14 days - and averages. If I was to go back and forth with two meters - then the "true" story of my diabetes #BGnow control would not be reflected.

Always like you say, carry a back up ... just incase.

I always use the sides of my fingertips - the center of our fingertips carries way more nerve endings in it - and I'd rather keep those functioning with being able to detect hot/cold surfaces So far, I have no neuropathy, even with diabetes as long as I have had it

Curious - have asked in other areas you have posted (under a different user name) - but are you on insulin or just on meds/diet for control of your diabetes.

Love to meet up with others that whether we have different form of diabetes - we can share how we control our diabetes control.

BTW, I'm having a perfect day of #BGNow - averaging 4.5 mmol/l (x that by 18 if you're an American to get the mg/dl) - that's excellent for all the things my body is going thru' these days with menoopause / thryroid hormone fluctions

I have been using my little Lolita - a turquoise skinned Free Style Lite from Abbott for God knows how long. It maybe going on 5 years - I'm not sure.

I've been finding that with the strips we use for the Abbott meters - that allow you to test from either side of the strip - that I couldn't test from the left hand side of the test strip. I wasted a few too many strips - and have yet found the time to call Abbott up to get some replacements (hey - a buck a peace adds up after awhile). I had similar problems last year - and they'd actually sent me control solution and new strips.

I was getting Error 3 the last few days - and with no control solution - I was up the creek. Luckily, I was given a new meter a few years ago by the pharmacy I go to here in Quebec - the same brand - and after getting it all set up (very easy) - I am now ready to start using Limoncello

So, my question, how often should we replace our blood meters? I know with my insulin pens I use - it's stated that you should replace them every 2 years. I've found nothing in my manual that states anything.

NB: due to continual problems with uploading pictures onto some of my forum/blog posts - you can view the same info - with picture HERE. Sadly though, in order to view this page - when you click on the above link - on the left hand side of the page - you will see " REMOVE FRAME " - click on that - if you still have patience to continue despite your uber busy schedule. You will then be able to view the picture. I know - viewing forum posts shouldn't be this complicated - but the dedicated team at Diabetes1.org is figuring out what the glitch is - and things will resume shortly like we're having a picnic in a park on a sunny day with birds tweeting around our heads.