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Transforming Canadian Health Care

Less Poke, More Precision: A Smarter Way To Test Blood Sugar

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Simple changes to glucose monitoring reduces wasted strips and repeated finger pricks—making daily diabetes management easier, more accurate and cost-effective.

According to the Mayo Clinic, people living with diabetes need to test their glucose levels anywhere from once to more than 10 times per day, depending on the type of diabetes and medications used. It’s a routine that’s essential for effective disease management—but not always easy.

Traditional glucose testing requires a finger prick and a sufficient drop of blood applied to a test strip. If the sample is too small, the process needs to be repeated—another strip, another finger, another poke.

For people living with diabetes, these repeated tests can quickly become both stressful and costly. Test strips are single-use and expenses can add up significantly over time.

A smarter take on daily testing

Devices like the Contour®Next GEN blood glucose monitor are designed with patient experience in mind. Its Second-Chance® Sampling feature prompts users if the initial blood sample is insufficient, allowing up to 60 seconds to apply more blood to the same strip—helping reduce wasted supplies and unnecessary finger pricks.

This feature also eliminates uncertainty. While some users may have added more blood after an initial attempt with other monitors, accuracy can be compromised. With Second-Chance® Sampling, results are designed to remain reliable, helping users make informed decisions about their care.

Small improvements in daily routines can make a meaningful difference. Tools that reduce frustration, improve accuracy and help control costs are an important part of that equation.


Talk to your pharmacist about blood glucose meters that offer Second-Chance Sampling, or learn more at ascensiadiabetes.ca.

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