Glycemic Index Help

I need help in looking for a reliable but cost-effective blood sugar test kit.?

I have recently been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and need to monitor my blood sugar while experimenting on various food combinations (using the Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load). I live in Metro Manila, Philippines, so please try limit your suggestions to test kits that I can actually buy here (not online as the freight cost alone would be prohibitive). If possible, please indicate where I can buy it and for how much. I've read that it's better to look for test kits whose refills are cheaper so that in the long run it will cost less than the cheaper testers that come with more expensive refill packs. I know there are several choices at Mercury Drug Store, but need your help in identifying the reliable and cost-effective ones. I also have heard that they also sell this in Manila (somewhere near Tayuman) at medical supply stores, but also need your opinion as to the test kits available there. I understand that these test kits are cheaper there than those in Mercury Drug Store. I haven't been to Watson's Drugstore yet, but I assume they also carry some testers there. Hope you can help me. Thanks In Advance. Yes, the bigger drugstores here are Mercury Drug and Watson's. But somebody told me that glucose meters are cheaper to buy in medical supply stores. Unfortunately, I'm not sure what are the reliable brands. Since most, if not all, of these products are now made in China, I need to be certain that the glucose meter I buy is of a reliable brand. IMHO, a lot of generic/unbranded items made in China are unreliable and are not durable. Unfortunately, here in my country they do not give away glucose meters. They can cost anywhere around $20 to $90. And the monthly refill packs that I've heard of cost around $30 and upwards. I'm not sure, but I think there are some people selling 2-month refill packs for just $40. For those not familiar with the Philippines, could you just please indicate the reliable brands/models that are in your area (or that you know of) and I'll check if they are also being sold here.

Public Comments

1. HI. not sure what kind of pharmacies you have out there, but here (southern california): walgreens/rite ade/CVS. try anyone of there local pharmacies. most of the time the companies who make the monitors will give you one for free. for example, freestyle monitors are free until july here. and they also help with the test strips which are the most expensive item. about 30 dollars a month for a 30 day supply. So, you should ask a local pharmacy if they have any of these offers going on right now. good luck.
2. Two brands I consider trustworthy and that you can try asking for are Lifescan or Accucheck brand glucometers, verify availability in Manila
3. I have a One Touch and love it. Here quite often they are free with a prescription for test strips they are free. Most of the money to be made in in the test strips. I'm in the USA so to be honest I don't know what option is best for you where you live. Best of Luck.