I have seen the GlucoWatch. Is it successful in reducing the amount of fingersticks a child must get? How accurate is it compared to regular meters? Is it covered by insurance companies?

The GlucoWatch does indeed reduce the number of fingersticks, and it is as accurate as any conventional meter. However, it is quite expensive initially as are the 12-hour pads that lie between the forearm and the meter. With the first model, there is a three hour equilibration time, and there have been problems in children with calibration. Hopefully these will work out better with the GlucoWatch 2. As to insurance coverage, you would need to check with the individual company.

Although the GlucoWatch may have a valuable role in picking up night time hypoglycemia, during illness, and in measuring the effect of changes in the insulin regimen, it is not something that you can just strap on routinely like a wristwatch. For the present, you might like to consider one of the almost painless alternate site meters.

DOB

[Editor’s comment: I’d suspect that Cygnus would be eager to help obtain insurance coverage (depending on your insurance plan) if your physician indicates it’s medically necessary.

WWQ]