An
analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor
control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a
working electrode. The sensor
control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on
skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor
control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for
coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A
transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a
receiver for receiving data transmitted by the
transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the
receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an
analyte. The
analyte monitor may also be part of a
drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.