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.
I completely agree. It is a scandal that is causing people to become sicker, quicker and be without the CENTRAL mechanism for TAKING CONTROL OF OUR HEALTH.
I've been told more than once by health professionals that I don't need to test. The culture of health professionals is to take control of our healthcare, not to support and educate us to take control of our own health, which is one of the reasons we have a diabetes epidemic.
Testing is the basis on which I decide what and when to eat and when to exercise to manage my diabetes. Its a reliable way to find out what is REALLY going on in my body. Feeling and sensations are not reliable by themselves.
I learned so much from this forum about control and management. We have set up a Type 2 low carb group and run a regular monthly session at the community centre. Local doctors send people along who they deem are pre T2 diabetic or at risk or diabetes or in crisis and needing support. Its led by a fab health promotion expert, not a health professional. There is also a group run by a T1 doctor and dentist which teaches and supports people to adopt low or no carb lifestyle.
Both groups are well attended and popular. Its all about getting control back.
When we get the right government in place, there will be a programme of support, like this, rolled out nationally.