Have you been told not to test your blood sugars?

[sea-urchin]

Yes, I was told testing is unnecessary for type 2's not on insulin by my nurse.

It wasn't quite put to me like that, but the widely-spaced (dangerously so?) HbA1c test was the only alternative offered and, dressed up lovely, it gave the GP all he/she wants to know. Never mind what I was so desperate to know! My body was, and still is, melting away before my eyes and no suggestions from that quarter as to how I might slow it down or stop it! Although I know that my GPs' hands are tied to a certain extent, it still feels like "Wait and see! He'll perhaps disappear altogether before we have to spend any more on him! Anyway, its pay-day soon. Happy Days!"

It might be useful to gather data/examples from those who have been given Meters or Supplies free recently even though they do not have Type 2. My other NHS funded advisors, not my GP, say that good BG monitoring is essential for good diabetes management of both Types; my GP agrees but will not / cannot / is persuaded not to, prescribe. Odd. I can see their growing financial problem, but that does not alter the fact that I have earned my NHS treatment, free of charge, over more than 50 years as a Tax and NI payer. I will continue to ask my GP to prescribe supplies at least, every time I go to see him, which is all too often.

 

[sea-urchin]

Well, I was diagnosed with type 2 back last march, as judged by a random blood test. My hba1c was at 87. I had the usual info on diet needs and what meds were required..... also good and sound info. As it turned out, by June, the metformin didnt seem to agree with me, so was put on gliclazide, 1 x 40mg tablet daily. I had another hba1c test in july...hba1c was down to 72. I enquired at this time about self testing.... and the response was that 'oh no, you neednt keep doing this..... we rely more on the 3monthly blood test...!' Well I had another blood test in aug (for an unrelated issue to type 2), and asked for the hba1c to be included. Saw the diabetic team....a different nurse this time... and from this, I was given my own test meter and strips. She seemed to be more switched on about patients keeping their own tabs on bg levels. That latest test revealed my level had gone down to 53. It is from the monitoring daily each morning that I am getting wise as to what foods to avoid buying / eating. Out are high carb/hi sugar things. Always now checking for low sugar or no added sugar items. Having the daily test does keep my mind at ease, knowing that I am not heading in the wrong direction. I now get the strips on prescription. In time I suppose I will be able to only need test every 2 or 3 days..... then weekly. In my mind, if the nurse says self testing is not needed.....buy your own meter to keep abreast daily of how well you are doing.
I had another blood test last friday.... will keep this post updated when I find out my new 'score'....!

Perhaps it's another Postcode Lottery or NHS Trusts' prescribing policies are decided locally. I live in a deprived area and I can't imagine that many here, like me, have the resources to finance the meters or the supplies. If all type 2' s continue to ask for this equipment persistently and firmly, some may be lucky. - Another Lottery?

 

[pleinster]

It wasn't quite put to me like that, but the widely-spaced (dangerously so?) HbA1c test was the only alternative offered and, dressed up lovely, it gave the GP all he/she wants to know. Never mind what I was so desperate to know! My body was, and still is, melting away before my eyes and no suggestions from that quarter as to how I might slow it down or stop it! Although I know that my GPs' hands are tied to a certain extent, it still feels like "Wait and see! He'll perhaps disappear altogether before we have to spend any more on him! Anyway, its pay-day soon. Happy Days!"

It might be useful to gather data/examples from those who have been given Meters or Supplies free recently even though they do not have Type 2. My other NHS funded advisors, not my GP, say that good BG monitoring is essential for good diabetes management of both Types; my GP agrees but will not / cannot / is persuaded not to, prescribe. Odd. I can see their growing financial problem, but that does not alter the fact that I have earned my NHS treatment, free of charge, over more than 50 years as a Tax and NI payer. I will continue to ask my GP to prescribe supplies at least, every time I go to see him, which is all too often.

I understand your frustration completely. I was given a meter and prescribed strips enough to test up to six times a day for three months. I have never had to ask since as a simple click online renews my prescription. In fact, due to testing up to 9 times a day at first (purely to establish patterns and make changes that worked), I popped into the diabetes unit at a large hospital and asking for more strips as I was running out, I was given not only some strips but also a second meter which the doctor was happy to do, thinking it a good idea to have one should the other fail! Now, my point isn't just that it totally depends where you are...I am in Central Scotland...but as significantly whether there are any other reasons why some people might get meters more easily than others. I was diagnosed following a renal transplant (the subsequent steroid treatment causing my diabetes!) and I was diagnosed in a ward while having a biopsy a couple of months later - perhaps the involvement of renal specialists and/or my circumstances helped (though I actually think it is perhaps simply a little more patient-friendly in Scotland than in the rest of the UK). So, any survey would need to bear such factors in mind to be useful. I would like to see if there is indeed a difference between Scotland and England in relation to the issuing of meters for Type 2 diabetics. I am certain it is about resources and/or management of them rather than any medical principle that drives policy. I can only suggest for those finding it difficult to try one of three approaches : 1] persist in requesting a meter and strips and and that you wish to control your condition through diet alone (saving the NHS on cost of meds and later treatment) and need a meter to record in a way which helps shape the right diet for you personally; 2] buy a meter and some strips and then request prescribed strips once you can show evidence of how much you benefit from using them; or c] accept reluctantly or because you are getting too stressed out making demands which fall on deaf ears - and just reduce the carbs right down (avoiding where possible foods which labels say are more than 10g carbohydrate per 100g of product) and see the difference it makes at your next HbA1c test...take confidence from that and consider buying a cheap meter and enough strips just to test once a week or so to check levels aren't varying too much. That last one may sound poor, but at least there is plenty of evidence that low carbing makes a dramatic difference (whether we are testing or not). Good luck.

 

[Avocado Sevenfold]

I understand your frustration completely. I was given a meter and prescribed strips enough to test up to six times a day for three months. I have never had to ask since as a simple click online renews my prescription. In fact, due to testing up to 9 times a day at first (purely to establish patterns and make changes that worked), I popped into the diabetes unit at a large hospital and asking for more strips as I was running out, I was given not only some strips but also a second meter which the doctor was happy to do, thinking it a good idea to have one should the other fail! Now, my point isn't just that it totally depends where you are...I am in Central Scotland...but as significantly whether there are any other reasons why some people might get meters more easily than others. I was diagnosed following a renal transplant (the subsequent steroid treatment causing my diabetes!) and I was diagnosed in a ward while having a biopsy a couple of months later - perhaps the involvement of renal specialists and/or my circumstances helped (though I actually think it is perhaps simply a little more patient-friendly in Scotland than in the rest of the UK). So, any survey would need to bear such factors in mind to be useful. I would like to see if there is indeed a difference between Scotland and England in relation to the issuing of meters for Type 2 diabetics. I am certain it is about resources and/or management of them rather than any medical principle that drives policy. I can only suggest for those finding it difficult to try one of three approaches : 1] persist in requesting a meter and strips and and that you wish to control your condition through diet alone (saving the NHS on cost of meds and later treatment) and need a meter to record in a way which helps shape the right diet for you personally; 2] buy a meter and some strips and then request prescribed strips once you can show evidence of how much you benefit from using them; or c] accept reluctantly or because you are getting too stressed out making demands which fall on deaf ears - and just reduce the carbs right down (avoiding where possible foods which labels say are more than 10g carbohydrate per 100g of product) and see the difference it makes at your next HbA1c test...take confidence from that and consider buying a cheap meter and enough strips just to test once a week or so to check levels aren't varying too much. That last one may sound poor, but at least there is plenty of evidence that low carbing makes a dramatic difference (whether we are testing or not). Good luck.

Fellow Scot here I was diagnosed T2 three years ago with an hba1c of 63. I asked for a meter and strips and was told it was not necessary to test. I bought a Nano to test myself and at my next review my hba1c was down to 38.

I asked for strips again arguing that it was through testing that I was able to lower my hba1c. I was told I couldn't have them as my levels were ok and they would only prescribe them if my levels were out of control. Cannae win!

I still test, would be mad not to. Not as often as in the early days as I know what foods I can eat now.

 

[bulkbiker]

[QUOTE="Naturewalker, post: 1357821, member: Out are high carb/hi sugar things. Always now checking for low sugar or no added sugar items. Having the daily test does keep my mind at ease, knowing that I am not heading in the wrong direction. I now get the strips on prescription. In time I suppose I will be able to only need test every 2 or 3 days..... then weekly. In my mind, if the nurse says self testing is not needed.....buy your own meter to keep abreast daily of how well you are doing.
I had another blood test last friday.... will keep this post updated when I find out my new 'score'....![/QUOTE]

Please remember that all carbs are converted to glucose by the body so it's not just the sugar content you should watch.. well done on lowering your levels .. cut the carbs and you may find even more success.
Good luck!

 

[pleinster]

Fellow Scot here I was diagnosed T2 three years ago with an hba1c of 63. I asked for a meter and strips and was told it was not necessary to test. I bought a Nano to test myself and at my next review my hba1c was down to 38.

I asked for strips again arguing that it was through testing that I was able to lower my hba1c. I was told I couldn't have them as my levels were ok and they would only prescribe them if my levels were out of control. Cannae win!

I still test, would be mad not to. Not as often as in the early days as I know what foods I can eat now.

So much for a nice Scottish policy then...toss of a coin, eh? I too got my levels down and now only test every now and then to check my diet is still working well. I don't tell anybody in case they cut my prescribed strips, but I guess I am fortunate to have had them prescribed in hospital rather than by a GP.

 

[Grannie75]

I am a new Pre diabetic but my doctor told me I don't need to test. In your opinion is it an essential part of going forward because I am willing to buy my own if necessary. If this is the case is there any specific kit that is better to look out for or are they all much the same.

 

[Daphne917]

@Grannie75 ultimately the decision is yours however, by testing, you will be able to see what foods increase your blood glucose and will help you to decide what to eat. Many forum members who self fund use the code free tester but, as I don't, I've tagged @Bluetit1802 and @AndBreathe who may be able to send you a link.

 

[Bluetit1802]

Try here for the Codefree meter
http://homehealth-uk.com/product-category/blood-glucose/blood-glucose-monitor/

and here for the extra strips
http://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/sd-codefree-test-strips-to-be-used-only-with-the-sd-monitor/

Pharmacies don't sell them. There are discount codes if you buy in bulk.


5 packs 264086
10 packs 975833

 

[Grannie75]

@Grannie75 ultimately the decision is yours however, by testing, you will be able to see what foods increase your blood glucose and will help you to decide what to eat. Many forum members who self fund use the code free tester but, as I don't, I've tagged @Bluetit1802 and @AndBreathe who may be able to send you a link.

Many thanks, I tried to get the free tester linked to my 'Welcome' email but it advised me that I was not a suitable candidate as I was a first time user and was not updating from an older version. I am willing to buy my own as long as it doesn't cost an arm and a leg ! but there are so may out there I wondered if there was any difference or what to look for.
Advice will be gratefully received

 

[Bluetit1802]

Many thanks, I tried to get the free tester linked to my 'Welcome' email but it advised me that I was not a suitable candidate as I was a first time user and was not updating from an older version. I am willing to buy my own as long as it doesn't cost an arm and a leg ! but there are so may out there I wondered if there was any difference or what to look for.
Advice will be gratefully received

As mentioned above, the Codefree has the cheapest strips currently available and is a very popular meter on this forum. See my last post for details. If you prefer to have a different meter, be very careful with free ones without first checking out the cost of replacement strips - the meters are often free because they have got you, and you are then forced to buy their replacement strips at inflated prices. All meters have to pass the same accuracy standards before they can be marketed.

 

[Grannie75]

Try here for the Codefree meter
http://homehealth-uk.com/product-category/blood-glucose/blood-glucose-monitor/

and here for the extra strips
http://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/sd-codefree-test-strips-to-be-used-only-with-the-sd-monitor/

Pharmacies don't sell them. There are discount codes if you buy in bulk.


5 packs 264086
10 packs 975833

Thank you so much, I have ordered this one, the price was much lower than I expected and have ordered extra accessories while I was there. You help is much appreciated

 

[Kat100]

My surgery won't give any meters , strips or lancets
If you are a label type 2 .. you need to be on insulin ..

Once a great gp dr x who has now retired gave me a meter etc

But now all data for repeats of tools required has been removed ..

just not on the budget list ..

So no good me telling new people to test and test again etc ..
not all can get or afford the tools needed ..
I know many people who would like metres etc .. not just on this forum , who can't get them on repeat prescription ...
It's a pain , lottery post code , or policy of different health practices ..

 

[Kat100]

This is not about whether the NHS should, or can afford to, provide test strips on a permanent or temporary basis to non-T1 diabetics. Having read #EveryCloud ’s post, and so many more like it over the years on this forum, I wonder whether we could gather together examples of Healthcare Professionals who have told people that it is either unnecessary or just plain wrong to test their blood sugars. It is a scandal that needs highlighting.

Told not to test and tools to do so are not available on prescription

 

[powerley]

interesting thread. i am type 1 diabetic (dafne graduate) and recently went to the doctors to request test strips, i spoke with the receptionist who asked why i wanted to see the doctor, i said that i was not being given enough test strips, her reply was that i was given more than enough and i should not be testing more than twice a day..

 

[Liam1955]

@powerley - I think you need to see your GP and have your prescription changed for more strips .
There was a simular receptionist at my GP Surgery some years back, who asked me only once why? I needed to see my GP, - I asked her was she a qualified Doctor? NO was the answer and so I got the appointment to see the GP.
I am only Type 2 (but on Insulin & Meformin) and I get a 100 test strips every month - I test up to 7 times a day.

 

[powerley]

@powerley - I think you need to see your GP and have your prescription changed for more strips .
There was a simular receptionist at my GP Surgery some years back, who asked me only once why? I needed to see my GP, - I asked her was she a qualified Doctor? NO was the answer and so I got the appointment to see the GP.
I am only Type 2 (but on Insulin & Meformin) and I get a 100 test strips every month - I test up to 7 times a day.

my diabetic nurse recently wrote me out a prescription for 2 x 50 strips and when i colllected it the chemist said they could only issue 1.

 

[Liam1955]

my diabetic nurse recently wrote me out a prescription for 2 x 50 strips and when i colllected it the chemist said they could only issue 1.

Hopefully the Chemist gave you a "Owing Slip" for the other 50 strips? If not? You need to question the Pharmacist why? And maybe think about changing Chemists!

 

[powerley]

Hopefully the Chemist gave you a "Owing Slip" for the other 50 strips?

no .. i will see my gp next week and see where that leads ..or will just go back and order more every week.

 

[Linda_N]

I was diagnosed T2 in 2010, given a meter, lancets and test strips but told not to test as it wasn't necessary. I didn't, and the only food advice I was given was cut out sugar.
Of course, over the years I put on weight and my BG slowly got worse. Put on Metformin but both types made me ill, so DN changed medication to Gliclazide. Hb1ac slowly went higher, dose doubled, and early last year I was told I would eventually be on insulin injections. My first reaction was NO WAY. Then I found this website and boy were my eyes opened. I am going down the lc route, but unable to tolerate too much high fat as my gall bladder died and nearly took me with it 2 years ago.
I have started testing several times a day now, but am still being told not to test and DN will not prescribe more test strips. (Have now bought a codefree meter but will not tell my diabetic team.) I was also told off for NOT testing before a 2 hour drive when going and returning from holiday. I did mention the low carb approach, at which point DN didn't say anything, which makes me wonder what her stance is on this.
Having trouble getting BG down below 8mmol/L most of the time, but keeping a good diary of food eaten, carb levels and BG, still waiting for a pattern to emerge. My next Hb1ac is June so, fingers crossed, will see how I go.