For several years after I was diagnosed with T2, I was prescribed strips and lancets and all went well in using them. Then suddenly i was told by my GP that it wasn't really necessary to test T2 diabetes and strips and lancets were no longer offered on prescription. However, I had a major shock a few months ago when I started feeling really unwell, having flu-like symptoms. My GP said that there was nothing organically wrong and just take paracetamol. I knew how I felt and went to a local branch of Lloyds' pharmacy where I knew they would check my BG level. It was 25+ and I was horrified. I went straight back to my GP and was immediately taken to hospital to be put on insulin. I'm now an insulin-dependent patient. So, do not listen to those who say you don't need to test for T2 - keep doing it (at your own expense) and you might avoid the situation I ended up in.
This post has grabbed my attention plus bunkeys retinopathy post .
If these members didn't use a meter and test strips - how can they know things need attending to ?
Just like the poor man akphoto above .
No diabetic should be without test strips .
Nor should ever be told to
not test their own BG levels .
Another point I feel is a concern is - for those who
are already self funding
their own test strips .
Once we are steered down this pathway - what else ? would the system/laws make
us start self funding ???
Easy for them to say - if they can pay for own test strips - they can start to
pay for more diabetic tools,aids,meds even eventually .
Please remember it is virtually
impossible for any diabetic to accurately 'guess' their
own blood glucose levels !
Hence my feeling is the system/law needs a total reshuffle or relooking at for
all of us .