Ever since I was found on the verge of diabetes a couple years ago, I have been testing the level of my blood glucose once a day, almost everyday, with a meter and lancing device.  The testing gadget itself cost over $100 in Taiwan, but the accessory consumables such as test strip, lance, and achohol pad are relatively much more expensive when compared with the ones I bought in the States.  So the total cost may be a burden for severe diabetes patients in Taiwan, who need to test their blood level many times a day.

The other day when the Philipino maid who is working at my brother-in-laws told me she might also have had the problem of diabetes, I gave away the gadget and all accessories of mine to her the next day.  Last Saturday I asked her if she did test her blood level with the device daily, she said she would like to take the test just ONCE for a MONTH.  Oh my goodness!  I had nothing more to say on the spot. 

FYI, I bought a new set of the meter and other accessories.  The meter itself costs more than $150, and the concomitant stuff are also more expensive than the old ones.  The devices look a little "streamlined", and the hidden lances make me feel less "dreadful" and "painful" when they sting on my fingertips.

PS Dear seniors, try to stay away from this chronic and perhaps catastrophic illness: diabetes.  But how?  I cannot tell, but I guess maintaining an ideal body weight and doing excercise regularly may have positive effect.