Knowing your glucose numbers, and how to manage your situation based on these numbers are an important item. But, where do you get a glucose monitor? How much do glucose monitors cost? How much do the periphery items cost, and how often are they needed? The Ascensia glucose monitor comes very highly regarded and it can handle rapid and frequent testings. The Ascensia also needs very little blood so you will have an easier time over the long run. You will not have lost sensations or feelings in your fingertips, nor will you postpone taking your sugar test, as you will have a reduced amount of pain with this system. Since you must constantly measure your glucose this is a very good thing. There are many more monitors to choose from if you don't like the feel of the Ascensia models. But, you must remember that once you choose your monitor you must also choose the active testing strip style. These are very varied, but will all test fairly quick and with little blood from you. The Ascensia models can use the Elite strips, the Microfill, or the Autodisk strips. Determining which one is right is exclusively based on your personal preference. You may be a lucky patient and with a little probing find that your physician has been given a free Ascensia monitor to give to certain patients. All you have to do is ask. Remember that asking is part of taking your life back, and living it to the fullest.