What Happened to the POGO Blood Glucose Meter by Intuity Medical? And Why Many Are Now Choosing a Better All-in-One Option

If you’ve been searching for information about the POGO blood glucose meter, you’re not alone. Thousands of people with diabetes were drawn to its innovative all-in-one design that combined lancing and testing into a single press of a button. No separate test strips to fumble with. No loading lancets. Just one simple action.

But in June 2024, Intuity Medical discontinued the POGO Automatic Blood Glucose Monitoring System. The news left many loyal users frustrated and scrambling for alternatives that could deliver similar (or better) convenience without the drawbacks.

Here’s the full story — and what it means for anyone looking for a genuinely user-friendly strip-free blood glucose meter or all-in-one diabetes meter today.

What Made the POGO Meter Special?

The POGO Automatic was the first and only FDA-cleared automatic blood glucose monitoring system of its kind. It used a 10-test cartridge that handled lancing, blood collection, and analysis in one seamless step. Users simply pressed a button, and the device did the rest.

For people tired of juggling a traditional meter, loose test strips, and a separate lancing device — especially when traveling, at work, or testing multiple times a day — this “one-touch” approach felt like a genuine breakthrough. It eliminated several fiddly steps that make daily testing feel like a chore.

Why Was the POGO Meter Discontinued?

Despite its clever engineering and early promise, the POGO faced significant challenges:

• Market and scaling difficulties: The company struggled to achieve sustainable growth in a highly competitive diabetes management market.
• High production costs: Intuity Medical had raised approximately $372 million in venture funding (last round in 2019) plus $57.5 million in debt financing (2021). Manufacturing the meter and test cartridges proved expensive, resulting in low gross margins that made long-term profitability difficult.
• Business decision: In mid-2024 the board chose to cease trading and liquidate the business. Silicon Valley Disposition (SVD) auctioned off the company’s assets in Fremont, California, from September 10–12, 2024.

Many users who loved the simplicity were caught off guard. Forums and social media filled with questions about where to buy replacement cartridges and what to use next.

The Hidden Problem: Lancing Comfort Was Overlooked

Even beyond business challenges, the POGO had a notable design limitation that affected real-world comfort.

It used a hypodermic-style (hollow) needle within the cartridge to prick the skin and automatically draw blood onto the test zone. While this removed the need to transfer a blood drop manually, it created a larger puncture wound than necessary. There was also no adjustable penetration depth — a feature found on virtually every modern standalone lancing device.

Traditional lancing devices let you choose a shallow depth with a thin lancet, delivering virtually pain-free testing for most people. POGO users frequently reported:

• More pain than expected
• Larger holes in the fingertip
• Prolonged bleeding after testing

These issues mattered a lot for anyone testing 4–10+ times daily. Convenience is wonderful — but not if it comes at the cost of extra discomfort every single time.

What People Actually Want from a Blood Glucose Meter

Years of feedback from people living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes reveal consistent frustrations with traditional testing:

• Painful or inconsistent finger pricks
• The daily hassle of handling, loading, and disposing of separate test strips and lancets
• Carrying a bulky kit everywhere
• High ongoing cost of test strips
• Messy blood handling and hygiene concerns
• Callused or sore fingertips from repeated testing
• Inconvenience when traveling or away from home

Many have moved to continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), but not everyone wants (or can access) a wearable sensor. A simple, reliable, pocket-sized glucose meter that minimizes hassle remains essential for millions.

The Betachek C50: Learning from What Came Before

This is where the Betachek C50 stands out as a strong modern alternative.

Unlike the POGO, the Betachek C50 was designed from the ground up with both convenience and comfort in mind. It is the world’s only all-in-one blood glucose meter that combines:

• A fully integrated lancing device with 10 adjustable depth settings for virtually pain-free testing
• A 50-test cassette — no loose test strips to handle, load, or dispose of individually

The entire traditional test kit (meter + strips + lancets + lancing device) is replaced by one compact, pocket-sized device and its easy-to-change cassette. Testing becomes simpler, cleaner, and far more comfortable for frequent users.

POGO vs Betachek C50: Key Differences

The Betachek C50 directly addresses the main complaints about the POGO while keeping (and improving) the core benefit: dramatically fewer steps than traditional strip-based meters.

Why the Betachek C50 Feels Like the Natural Next Step

People who switched from the POGO (or from traditional meters) often highlight:

• Significantly less pain thanks to adjustable depth settings
• Much longer intervals between cassette changes (50 tests vs 10)
• A cleaner, less messy experience with no individual strips
• True portability — it really does fit in a pocket or small bag
• Ongoing availability and support

It’s not just about replacing what was lost. It’s about choosing a device that was engineered with daily lived experience in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still buy POGO meters or cartridges?
No. Intuity Medical ceased operations in 2024 and the product is no longer manufactured or supported.

Is the Betachek C50 difficult to learn?
Most users find it very intuitive. The large cassette means you load it once and then simply press to lance and test — similar to the one-step experience people loved about the POGO, but with better lancing comfort.

How many tests do I get per cassette?
Each replacement cassette contains 50 tests, so you change it far less often than the POGO’s 10-test cartridges.

Is it suitable for travel?
Yes. The pocket-sized design and high test capacity make it one of the most travel-friendly options available.

Where can I buy the Betachek C50?
Starter packs (meter + 50 tests) and replacement cassettes are available directly from the official site.

Ready to Simplify Your Diabetes Testing?

If you appreciated the POGO’s vision but were disappointed by its discontinuation — or if you’re simply tired of the hassle of traditional test strips and painful finger pricks — the Betachek C50 offers a thoughtful, modern solution that puts comfort and convenience first.

Ready to simplify your diabetes testing? Shop the Betachek C50 Starter Pack here: https://betachek.com