How to Get Unlimited Test Strips and Personal Diabetes Coaching

By Karena Yan and Adam Brown

Low-cost monthly subscription services from mySugr, One Drop, DarioHealth, and Livongo

Getting blood glucose meter (BGM) supplies can be a real hassle – dealing with prescriptions and insurance, going to the pharmacy, ordering refills, and then doing it all over again when supplies run out. To help, there are now several subscription programs that offer a BGM and unlimited test strips automatically delivered to your front door at a low monthly price – often less expensive than a copay and you don’t have to deal with any insurance. Each of these services also offers personal, in-app coaching from a real person. Read on for the options!

mySugr

mySugr offers a $49/month subscription service that comes with a starter kit of an Accu-Check Guide blood glucose meter, 250 test strips, and the extra features available in the mySugr Pro app. Users also have access to on-demand coaching through the app and automatically receive unlimited test strips by mail. The widely-loved mySugr app receives blood glucose values automatically from the meter (via Bluetooth) and allows for lifestyle logging and data analysis. With 1.8 million users and very strong reviews, mySugr reports that it is the most downloaded diabetes app in the world (Apple, Android). Get more information about the subscription here.

One Drop

One Drop offers a variety of subscription packages, ranging from $49.99/month for unlimited test strips and personal coaching to $27/month for people checking their blood glucose about once per day. One Drop’s program also includes a Bluetooth-enabled blood glucose meter and test strips delivered automatically. Users get a new meter every year and have access to all the features of the One Drop app, which recently added glucose prediction for certain people with type 2 diabetes. One Drop also allows users to subscribe to individual coaching programs (without BGM supplies) for a one-time price; these include Diabetes on Track ($39.95), Overcoming Diabetes Burnout ($49.95), Advanced Carb Counting ($39.95), and Gestational Diabetes ($119.95). With 1.3 million users, One Drop is also a very widely used and loved app (Apple, Android). Get more information about the subscription options here.

DarioHealth

DarioHealth offers an all-in-one pocket-sized device that includes a tiny blood glucose meter without a screen (it must be plugged into the phone), lancing device, and strip cartridge holder. DarioHealth has a $25/month option that includes unlimited test strips (without coaching), making it the most affordable option for those who need a lot of test strips. The Pro ($33/month) and Premium ($70/month) memberships add personal coaching and more features. The Dario app also gets fantastic reviews (Apple, Android). Get more information about Dario’s subscription options here.

Livongo

Like the above services, Livongo offers a similar diabetes program of unlimited strips and a personal diabetes coach. However, Livongo does not focus on a direct-to-consumer offering (no insurance necessary); instead, it is typically offered to members at no-cost through their employers or health plans. Livongo’s website has a form that will allow you to see if it is covered for you. Livongo’s meter has built-in cellular connectivity, so users can receive health tips right on the meter and access on-demand coaching.