Chicago has a long way to go when it comes to diabetes awareness amongst the general public, says pharmaceutical company Abbott. And if the picture in Chicago is representative of the nation as a whole, we should all be very concerned. Or should we? Yes, diabetes awareness - or lack thereof - is a problem. But is Abbott painting an overly pessimistic picture of the situation?

Abbott's comments about Chicago came as it announced the results of a poll sponsored to evaluate public understanding of diabetes in the city. The initiative was in preparation for the American Diabetes Association's Scientific Sessions, which begin June 22 in Chicago. (Abbott's North American home base is in Abbott Park, Illinois, near Chicago.)

Abbott's conclusion? Most people surveyed flunked out big-time when it came to basic facts like how diabetes affects the body and how the condition can be managed. The findings are as follows: twenty-eight percent of Chicagoans know little or nothing about diabetes, while thirty-five percent of non-diabetics say they are not prepared to manage diabetes should they themselves be diagnosed in the future. My view: the former is a problem, but at least it means a majority do know something about it. And what of the the latter (preparedness)? So what if many Average Joes say they're unprepared to deal with diabetes themselves. I'd bet very few people indeed would be prepared to manage a chronic condition with which they have not yet been diagnosed! Other findings portrayed by Abbott as problematic: twenty-three percent believe glucose monitoring involves pain, while eighteen percent believe diabetics cannot eat carbohydrates at all. Again, is the glass half empty or is it half full? Quite honestly, I'm pleasantly surprised that most of those polled know better. On the up-side, Abbott does acknowledge the good news that eighty-eight percent believe having diabetes does not necessarily preclude living a long and healthy life. Another factor to keep in mind: only five hundred people participated in the poll.

Bottom line: Abbott's press release paints an extremely, and I would say overly, dire picture of the situation. Yes, many people are still pretty darn ignorant about diabetes. They may not be able to write you an essay describing its exact cause or all the treatment options. However, most now grasp that it is a serious chronic condition. Is it hopelessly optimistic to believe that things can only get better from here?

DexCom has developed a continuous glucose monitoring ("CGM") system that could be the next generation of aggressive control. The DexCom GCM is a device that measures glucose trends throughout the day, providing up to 288 glucose measurements every 24 hours.

A traditional glucose monitoring test -like finger sticks - leave gaps in time where you are uncertain as to your blood sugar reading. Continuous monitoring is different from traditional blood glucose monitoring because it affords a comprehensive picture of where your blood sugars are throughout the day and night. The trend reveals times throughout the day where your sugar may increase or decrease, as well as how fast it is happening. This trend information together with the glucose value shows you patterns and problems that traditional finger sticks cannot cover as thoroughly. CGM allows you to set a target range for your desired glucose. When your glucose goes above or below this range, an alert automatically lets you know.

A 2006 study showed that people who used this device were able to achieve a 23% decrease in time spent high and a 21% decrease in time spent low. After speaking with Dianne on the DexCom customer support line - she advised me that they are offering a $375 startup kit that has everything you need to get going. The Rechargeable STS Receiver has a sleek rounded design that can easily be carried with the carry case on both your belt or in a handbag. The STS Transmitter is lightweight and fits comfortably underneath clothing. The STS Sensor & Applicator is easy to insert and safe to use with no visible needles or exposed sharps. With this wireless system, no cables or wires will get in your way allowing you to Take Control and Live Uninterrupted.. Each sensor lasts for 3 days. A set of 5 sensors costs $175 and will last you approximately 15 days.

The annual cost of continuous glucose monitoring averages a ballpark figure of $4,258. Okay, sounds a little steep - but lean on Uncle Sam to offset the cost of the best control. Sounds like it might be time to open up a Flexible Spending Account and write-off the yearning for glucose precision.

Who's the fairest of them all? Good question. With a plethora of options, let's take a look to find the best meter for you. The American Diabetes Association outlined a few key points to consider when choosing a meter. Their criteria includes: insurance, budget, convenience, support and additional features.

First let's address the necessary evils in blood glucose meters: insurance. You can choose a meter only to learn your health insurance will not cover the cost of the meter, or even worse- the strips. So weed out your options first by coordinating with your health insurance provider. Next, assume that your insurance covers any meter, but only covers a percentage (if anything at all) on the cost of strips. Once you've addressed the monetary decisions you are ready to look at the fun part (I do apologize, I use the term fun loosely). These, of course, are the convenience features, including: size of the meter, size of the blood sample, countdown to result, display size, and coding for new strips. The support feature is seldom an issue, but when you need it is when you are most pleased that you have it. Does the meter come with customer support? Last, but not least- the additional feature category. Does the meter offer special alarms to distinguish highs and lows? Does it connect to a PC or perform internal trend analysis? How large is the memory? Certainly this list is not all inclusive, but will guide you on some vague considerations when choosing a meter.

Glucose meters are, quite literally, a dime a dozen. Ladies and gentleman, the world is your oyster. Make this meter market your own and take no prisoners. I know in days to come I will be sharing a few reviews of my own. Tell me what your meter can do. Tell me what it can't do. Tell me what else you want it to do. I'm sure the blood glucose meter powers that be would love to hear what tickles your fancy. Ask and thou shall receive.

Wow! Miss a week in the diabetic social parade and you miss a whole lot. It turns out, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), announced that it will be bowing-out of the blood glucose monitoring (BGM) market.

BD entered the blood glucose monitoring market in early 2003 with the introduction of the BD Logic® Blood Glucose Monitor. Distribution of BD Logic monitors will be discontinued immediately. BD is working with suppliers of other blood glucose systems that use BD™ Test Strips to continue to supply compatible meters for a limited period. To ensure that customers have sufficient time to consult with their healthcare teams and transition to new blood glucose monitoring systems, BD Test Strips will be distributed until December 2007.

The BGM industry is dominated by a handful of competitors. BD remains solidly committed to its diabetes care business. To ensure that no diabetic is left empty-handed, the remaining contenders of the BGM market are vying for your business. This is a huge opportunity for all of us to start test-driving new meters. I'm devising my list of dark horses. My top picks, so far are: LifeScans OneTouch Ultra Mini, Bayers Ascencia® Breeze (with the incorporated test strip disk), FreeStyle Flash® (ridiculously little gadget), and the AgaMatrix Wave 1 Meter. The Wave 3 looks totally exciting-but we still have a ways to go for its arrival. I'd like to know what everybody else is using these days. I'll show you mine if you show me yours.