Hi
@DianaMC I think the Accu Chek Mobile is called that because the test strips are enclosed in the cassette. And the lancet pen is attached (it detaches which I find easier to use than when attached to the meter). You don't have to carry a separate lancet and strips, and insert individual strips so it's easier to carry and use when you are out and about.
I initially started using it because of the Fastclix lancet device as I have a needle phobia and thought it would be easier for me to use. But the test cassettes are a bit dear, around £20 for a 50 test cassette, which is about 40p per test. But they can sometimes be bought for less on ebay.
I probably will stop using the AC meter when my present stock of test cassettes runs out, and will use the TEE2. But I will continue to use the Fastclix lancet device as I find it relatively painless once you get used to it.
That’s super helpful info - thank you so much for sharing!
The nurse in the clinic yesterday offered a finger prick test, so I said yes. Was quite surprised at the ‘sting’. And the noise. For a moment I thought she’d used a stapler on my finger!
That was in lieu of not very being able to supply a home testing kit. The argument was they only give those (or supply strips on prescription) to people on insulin or other diabetic medications. Bit catch 22 if you ask me! Although I’m sure you’ll have heard all this before
Anyway, the reading came up as 4.4 - I presume mmol/l, which I believe translates to 27 mmol/mol. That compares with 43 (which I now gather probably translated to 7.1, not 6.1 as I previously thought. Bit confusing, so many different measurements, though. Including needing to figure what type of meter she used. I forgot to ask her the brand etc. It was pretty small, though, and angled in at the bottom.
The reading was taken shortly after I had eaten some nuts - as I had another near-fainting episode once I arrived at the clinic. Luckily there was time to nip to the local shop for nuts - the hospital cafe was closed and the packed vending machine had nothing suitable for anyone with diabetic concerns!
The nurse measured BP too, which was low again - moreso than those taken across the past 3 years, which have tended to be on the ‘normal’ side. She thinks that dehydration might be to blame for the low BP. That would add up actually. I think I get stressed quite easily and the organs tend to overwork andcusr more water with that. Happens with high blood sugar, too. Although I don’t feel I know the real cause at the moment.
The lower BS/BG reading was encouraging, but she said you can’t compsre it straight with a HBA1C reading as it’s immediate and not over 3 months. I still can’t fathom the 3 month thing - she said it’s not an ‘averaging’ sum.
But she seemed impressed at my half stone of weight loss! And said all the dietary changes I’d made in the last 5/7 weeks are what they would recommend.
One odd thing - she said it was better to eat fruit with other carbs than on its own. I thought she would have said with protein or fat, but no. I’m guessing that bit won’t go down at all well with most people here!!
Sorry to post all this in the one reply. I had wanted to post a general update on the clinic visit earlier but have had long episodes of blurred vision and another near-faint (with feeling cold, fatigue and hunger) today. This has been the first moment to be able to think and see straight, so I’m making the most of it!
Best wishes and thanks to Prem51, Akexandra100 and all!