We've had a couple of calls from customers who had just received our cable and had the latest version of the OneTouch® Software (version 2.3.2) already installed and had trouble getting the software to recognize the cable and meter.  Lifescan has added an extra cable driver package that must be downloaded and installed as well as the management software. They state is is only for the newer UltraLink®, UltraMini® (with data port) and Select meters, but it appears is is necessary for all of the meters. The additional meter driver software can be downloaded here.

We have not gotten our hands on an UltraMini® (with data port) or Select meter yet to test. We will post a definitive result when we get it here first.

We are also currently working on adapting the cable to the Abbott Freestyle series of meters and the Bayer Breeze2 and Contour meters for use with their respective software.  We are also on the lookout for a good, low cost and Windows VIsta compatible IR to USB adapter for use with the Roche Accu-Chek® and similar models with IRda data ports. If you know of one or have tried one let us know.

Send post as PDF to

As a recently diagnosed diabetic without health insurance I am painfully aware of the high cost of "treatment." I looked long and hard at testing supplies, meters and which brand would be the lowest recurring cost for things like test strips. If you are in a similar situation I know you have done the same thing.

What we decided on was the Lifescan OneTouch® line of meters and supplies, if for no other reason than they were the only line that could use the same test strips across all of the meters in the line. What we also found is that in the finest tradition of "Gillette" marketing all of the test meter companies will gladly give you the meter in exchange for perpetual purchase (or insurance or Medicare if you are lucky enough to have it) of the test strips.

Most companies will also give you the software for your PC for free. What they definitely don't give away is the little cable to attach the meter to the PC. Most of the meter brands are also stuck selling serial PC cables with antiquated DB-9 connections for $30 a pop. When is the last time you saw a new PC with one of those? To its credit, Lifescan does offer a USB cable but will also hit you up for $30 for it.
Read the rest of this entry »

Send post as PDF to