Partners Novo Nordisk and LifeScan have developed the InDuo system, a combination blood glucose monitor and insulin pen. The meter resembles the AccuChek Advantage, with a touchable, "capillary-action" test strip that requires only a small sample of blood. Controls are simple, results are fast (five second countdown), the memory stores 150 tests, and the display window is big and contrasty—but this meter does not talk.
Pull the meter apart, top to bottom, and out comes an insulin pen. A big piece, this pen uses Novo Nordisk's 300 mL insulin vials and NovoFine needles. The pen adjusts with audible clicks, and its "memory" feature reminds you what dose you took last time—provided you can see.
It's a nice compact "all-in-one" (almost, the lancet is separate) unit, but for the vast majority of us, type 2 diabetics who need to meter but don't currently need to inject insulin, the InDuo is an answer in search of a question.
For more information, LifeScan's website links to a special
interactive site: www.induo.com