AgaMatrix Presto Blood Glucose Monitoring System

As I was going through the instructions, it first told me how to set the date, which is barely readable. I was immediately disgusted, but realized that I don't need the date and time and all of the data gathered on this little device. I have my own spreadsheet on my desk top computer that I will use to plot my daily weight readings against daily glucose readings.Since I already knew that only 10 lancelets come with this kit and supposedly 10 test strips, I added 100 of each to my order. Smart move because this kit came with zero test strips!!! I had no need for the control solution that is mentioned.The test strips can be tricky to get just one out of the vial without damaging it, but this device turns on once inserted into it. This is in addition to using the power button. Figuring out the lancelet tool was quite tricky at first, until I realized that it is so precisely designed to avoid injury and minimize blood flow. It is almost as precisely designed as a Harley Davidson, which leaves no room for any accidental bumpings. To get the lancelet into the trigger, I found it easier to rotate the trigger several rounds until it precisely locks into the new lancelet. I set my pressure level to the maximum of 8 and hold the loaded trigger pressed tight against my fingertip. Just enough blood is produced to get a painless fast reading.The readings coincide with what I ate the day before. However, beware that on one's very first reading, it may be a bit high. My A1C was 8.5 on the first try (I have that formula in my spreadsheet as well), but it has stayed below 7.0 since then except for the time that I tested it with sweets the day before. Yes, I don't mind being a guinea pig to find things out.As for the zippered black pouch to carry it all, it can easily fit into one's pocket and is smaller than a wallet. The insides of it are also precisely designed. The vial of test strips only fits into that slot one way, as well as the trigger and the device. Inside the cover is a meshed zipped pouch that can hold about 10-14 lancelets. This kit is very easy to travel with, unlike my last kit that I had not used in 10 years. When I travel with it, good old pencil and paper will have to do for me keeping track of daily readings because those tiny numbers are impossible for me to read the gathered data. This old man also refuses to own a smart phone or lap top.The ONLY reason that I am once again testing my blood sugar is that I will soon start trying a new glucose control supplement to see how well that it works for weight control.And when the two CR2032 batteries that comes with it dies, simply get two more of these readily available ones. Other devices require you to throw it away and get a new device. Hopefully, I have covered all bases for anyone's questions. It is better to provide TMI than not enough.

Second Presto, the old one was over 10 years old and we still had strips so replaced the machine.Easy to use almost never wasted a strip for not having a big enough drop on it.Downside- unless you live near Kroger you’ll have to mail order the strips.Most pharmacies only cart the big name brands (1 touch etc).

More accurate than previous meter when comparing readings with lab reports. When taking multiple readings at the same time results show less variation than previous meter. Cost for test strips is less than one-third of cost of strips for previous meter purchased with insurance defraying some of the cost.

Flimsy but a good back up

Operates with a minimum amount of drawn blood. No need to probe deeply or make a mess. Manufacturer has human beings promptly return phone calls.

What a joke that it doesn’t come with test strips. Not a monitoring system if a critical part of the system isn’t there.

I was surprised as how easy this was to use. The connection to my iPhone allowed extremely easy tracking with the iBD software available at iTunes at no cost. Accuracy is very good, numbers were consistent across several readings within a 5 minute span. Overall great meter at a low price and the test strips can be found at a very reasonable price online.

Easy to use. Easy to see readout.