Accu-Chek Guide® is the first blood glucose monitoring system to be developed based on a third generation (GenIII) Electrochemical Technology Platform. It is a monitoring system with improved performance[1] and wireless digital connectivity designed for people with diabetes that conduct blood glucose (bG) monitoring, and is already approved for use in many countries including Australia.
A global strip handling study, included N=134 people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and evaluated if the strip and vial design would contribute to improved usability in comparison with 2 alternative strips. The study focused on three phases of handling. 1) removal of a single strip out of the vial and insertion into the meter. 2) blood drop application onto the strip and 3) strip removal from the meter and disposal.
Study results indicated that strip handling was the second most important part of performing a blood glucose test after accuracy (results not reported here). The Accu-Chek Guide strip was preferred by the majority of participants compared with competitor strips. The overall assessment showed the Accu-Chek Guide strip and vial to be chosen by the participants the majority of the time. The blood dosing area of the Accu-Chek Guide® strip is the largest amongst main industry competitors.[2]
People with Diabetes pay close attention to the ease of strip handling of a blood glucose monitoring system. While these innovations are small changes, they have a big impact on the end user and their ability to handle the strips and vials and ultimately their preference in blood glucose monitoring systems. This may potentially influence the frequency of monitoring and the long term outcomes for these patients.