I have a 30 year old female who has type�1 diabetes, is on an insulin pump, and who would like to climb Mt. Whitney this summer. However, she but is concerned about an accurate meter that would be reliable at that altitude. Are you aware of a glucose meter that can be used at a 14,000 foot elevation?

Neither atmospheric pressure nor oxygen tension should affect the reaction on the test strip. It should be carried in an inside pocket though to minimise temperature changes. There have not been problems on ski trips for children at 10,000 feet, but to be absolutely certain it would be wise to contact the manufacturers.

DOB
Additional comments from David Mendosa, A Writer on the Web:

Both temperature and altitude will be relevant when climbing Mt. Whitney. LifeScan claims the broadest operating temperature range for the One Touch� Ultra. It works from 43 to 111 degrees F. However, the package insert says this:
One Touch� Ultra test strips may be used at altitudes up to 10,000 feet without an effect on test results. Accurate results were demonstrated in clinical studies performed at altitudes up to 1,640 feet and in studies simulating altitudes up to 10,000 feet.

Without calling each of the companies that make blood glucose meters, I don’t know if there are any other meters that claim accuracy above 10,000 feet. This information does not always show up in the package inserts.

DM