Doctors and test strips

Lunar_Lapin

Well-Known Member
Messages
53
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hello! I'm new to this so if I've posted under the wrong topic please let me know!

I've been diagnosed type 1 for 18 months now and my a local doctors now has an online prescription service which is very handy. However recently when I "ordered" my usual blood glucose testing strips I noticed my prescription was declined. I rang surgery who said I was ordering too often and had to cut down the use of my strips. I was taken aback because although I do test myself 4-5 times a day, I feel they are all warranted. I test before food and before driving. Am I being over cautious?

I have seen a lot of discussions about people with type 2 being told they couldn't have strips which I think is ridiculous too.

Any thoughts?

Ellie
 

jack412

Expert
Messages
5,618
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
try again and ask him to check what he is basing this on as it's standard for t1 to test at least 4 times a day by numerous sources
https://www.google.com.au/search?q=...+test+"type+1"&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official
sounds like you could even test more if you also drive a car or testing new foods. I've read on here where people get a referral or go to to the hospital diabetic dept [forget the official title of the person]. with good results of directing the dr to provide strips.
 

mo1905

BANNED
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4,334
Type of diabetes
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Rude people !
As Jack says, question this decision as 4-5 tests a day is certainly not excessive an is probably about average, maybe less.


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tomvonc

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228
Type of diabetes
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Anyone who asks a question about diabetes without thinking what they're asking.
Huh? Kick up a fuss. I get 300 strips a month, no questions or hassles.
Good luck,

Tom
 

noblehead

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As well as taking along the letter that Catherinecherub provided in the link I would also ask your hospital diabetes clinic to get involved (if under their care),, when my own gp questioned how many test strips I was using I got my Endo to write a letter explaining that I needed to test 6-8 times a day, since then there's been no problems.
 

Emma_P23

Well-Known Member
Messages
112
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
My doctor is very similar. He restricts me to 100 test strips a month. Any more and he declines my prescription. My hospital consultant and diabetes specialist have written letters to him but he doesn't budge. I'd try pushing further. If they still decline then change doctors. I'm in the process of finding a new doctor.


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Lunar_Lapin

Well-Known Member
Messages
53
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I dislike only testing 4 times a day - my control has lessened and I'm constantly anxious. I have printed off the letter thank you. I feel a lot better when testing more regularly - my control gets better and I am confident driving as I know I am safe.

The nurses at my hospital clinic have been very helpful to me so far so I am hopeful they will help next time I see them!
 

noblehead

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I dislike only testing 4 times a day - my control has lessened and I'm constantly anxious. I have printed off the letter thank you. I feel a lot better when testing more regularly - my control gets better and I am confident driving as I know I am safe.

The nurses at my hospital clinic have been very helpful to me so far so I am hopeful they will help next time I see them!

As you drive that is more reason to push for the prescription to be increased, don't let up on this and make sure you do get your hospital team involved.

Good luck!!!!
 

julifriend

Well-Known Member
Messages
373
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
I dislike only testing 4 times a day - my control has lessened and I'm constantly anxious. I have printed off the letter thank you. I feel a lot better when testing more regularly - my control gets better and I am confident driving as I know I am safe.

The nurses at my hospital clinic have been very helpful to me so far so I am hopeful they will help next time I see them!

As you drive and are T1, it's a legal requirement to test before you drive. It might be useful to point this out to your doctor. If you get no positive action, escalate this to your PCT.