Accu Check is a popular line of diabetic supplies produced by Roche Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Hoffmann-La Roche. The company produces three main types of diabetic products: insult pumps, blood glucose meters, and lancing devices. Many of these products are available in different styles, with new editions released periodically.

Accu Chek Meters and Lancing Devices

An Accu Chek meter, also referred to as an Accu Chek glucometer, provides a simple way for people with diabetes to read blood sugar levels. As of 2011, there are four different Accu Chek meters on the market: Accu Chek Aviva, Accu Chek Compact Plus, Accu Chek Advantage, and Accu Chek Active. The meters primarily differ from each other in terms of size and minor technological features.

Accu Check meters are all designed to be used with Accu Chek lancing devices and lancets. The company's advertising is heavily based around promoting the comfort of their lancing devices, which it claims are the least painful on the market.

The increased comfort of the Accu Chek lancing devices is due to their mechanical design; 11 depth settings allow users to determine how deeply they want the lancet to piece their skin, while advanced technology is said to minimize painful side-to-side motions during insertion.

While no meter or lancet can ever entirely erase the discomfort of reading blood glucose levels, the Accu Chek Aviva test strips and Accu Chek multiclix lancing device have received the Arthritis Foundation's Ease-Of-Use Commendation. This indicates that there is likely some basis for the company's claimed commitment to comfort and ease-of-use.

Accu Chek Insulin Pump

The Accu Chek insulin pump, called the Accu Chek Spirit, is currently the only insulin pump produced by the company. The Accu Chek insulin pump is a slim, light-weight device that performs all the jobs of a standard pump, and also includes a number of special features. Notable that special include a reversible menu display, a 315-unit cartridge, and bolus customization.

The Accu Chek insulin pump is also notable for connecting to a digital diabetes management program, the Accu Chek Smart Pix. This computer program is designed to read data from the Accu Chek insulin pump, as well as several off the blood glucose monitors. It compiles the information into readable, manageable reports for patients to review. For example, it can map your blood sugar readings over a day or period of weeks, allowing users to pin-point times their blood sugar is outside the norm. This can provide valuable insight into 'problem' times and provide knowledge that can help people with diabetes stabilize their blood sugar.

Finding Accu Chek Products

If you think Accu Chek products might be a good fit for your lifestyle, speak to your physician to see if he or she agrees. If they do, you can easily purchase an Accu Chek glucometer, insulin pump, or lancet from a variety of sources. One of the simplest ways to find Accu Chek products is to purchase them through a reputable online diabetic tool supplier, who may also be able to help answer relevant questions about your desired product.