Welcome to your blood glucose monitoring guide. Below, you’ll find answers to common questions about using your meter, storing your supplies, and tips for making your self-check routine as comfortable as possible.
🔋 Charging & Battery Life
How often should I charge my meter?
Plan to charge the meter every few days, depending on how often you check.
- Tip: Look at the battery strength at least once a week. Or at your last check of the day. This may be at bedtime, for insulin users. Charge it overnight, if you can.
🩸 Test Strips & Lancets
Can I use my own test strips?
Use the Contour Next One strips to make sure you get accurate readings.
Can I use my own lancing device and lancets?
Yes. Use the device and lancets type you like. Be aware that not all lancets fit in all lancing devices.
How should I store my test strips?
Keep strips in their original container and store them at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Do not store in a vehicle.
How many refills do I get, and are they automatic?
You will receive 100 strips and 100 lancets.
What if I need a refill outside of my standard schedule?
If you are running low on supplies earlier than expected or haven't received your scheduled refill, please contact us right away at support@vida.com.
📲 Syncing & Data
Do I need Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for my readings to sync?
No Wi-Fi is necessary to pull data from the meter to your smartphone. However, data syncing happens automatically every time you test your blood glucose, as long as the meter is turned on, the Bluetooth setting on your mobile device is active, and the Contour Next Diabetes app is open.
Do I need to manually upload my readings?
No. Readings sync automatically to the Vida app when the meter is connected. You can also automatically transfer results on the Contour Next Diabetes app available on the App Store or Google Play store.
Note: If you ordered your Ascensia Contour Next One Device directly from Vida, the device comes pre-connected to the Vida App. If you purchased a device outside of Vida, follow the steps on the article "How to Connect and Troubleshoot Your Contour Next One Meter" (click here).
🔍 Accuracy & Reading Results
Why are my readings from another glucose meter or CGM different?
Small differences between meters are normal. Factors like which finger you prick, timing, food, hydration, or hand cleanliness can affect results. Always wash and dry your hands before checking blood sugar. If you can’t wash, use an alcohol swab and be sure to let the site air dry.
✈️ Travel & Safety
Can I travel with my meter?
Yes. Your meter is portable and designed for travel. Keep it in the zip case, if possible. Be sure to pack enough strips, lancets, and lancing devices. See strip tips above.
Can family members use the same meter?
No. It is not safe to use a meter, lancing device, or lancets with others, because infections can be transmitted by tiny amounts of dried or fresh blood. Also, the meter is linked to your Vida account and should only be used by the enrolled member.
🧠 Mindset & Self-Check Support
Feeling nervous or frustrated about checking your blood sugar?
It’s completely normal to have mixed feelings about checking your blood sugar, especially at first. Some members feel anxious about finger pricks, stressed about seeing their numbers, or discouraged by readings that feel "too high" or unexpected.
- Less-ouch tips: Try adjusting your lancet gauge to a lower number. Use a fresh lancet. Massage cold fingers, wash in warm water, and dry before you prick. Prick the side versus the finger pad.
- Number overload tips: Remember, your readings are information, not a grade or judgment. Blood sugar can be affected by many factors, including food, exercise, medicine, stress, sleep, illness, hormones, and activity.
- Help with your self-check routine: Your Vida coach is here to support you, answer questions, and help you understand patterns over time. You don’t need to figure it all out alone. Reach out anytime if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of what your numbers mean.
📦 Device Ordering & Shipping
How do I order my glucometer?
You can request your Ascensia Contour Next One glucometer directly through the Vida Health app. Please see more details on how to order devices in the app here.
How long will it take for my device to arrive?
Once your order is placed, it typically takes 5-7 business days to arrive at your doorstep.
🛠️ Troubleshooting & Support Guide
If you experience an issue with your device or supplies, please use the table below to find the quickest path to a resolution.
| If you are experiencing... | Who to Contact | How to Reach Them |
|
Device Hardware Issues (e.g., error codes on the meter screen, physical damage, inaccurate readings, battery issues) |
Ascensia Customer Support | Check your device manual or visit the Ascensia website for their direct customer service line. |
|
App Connection Issues (e.g., Bluetooth pairing failures, readings not syncing to the Vida app, app crashing) |
Vida Support | Email support@vida.com or submit a ticket directly through the "Help" section in your Vida app. |
|
Delivery & Replacement Issues (e.g., device never arrived, stolen off porch, needs a full replacement) |
Vida Support | Email support@vida.com so our device team can track it down or issue a replacement. |
|
Refill Requests (e.g., needing an extra refill outside your standard schedule) |
Vida Support | Email support@vida.com to request an off-schedule supply shipment. |