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Have you been told not to test your blood sugars?

Celeriac said:
Actually, I don't agree that diabetes is a disease of affluence. I'm sure that being a vegetarian in a middle class family with the best of everything is not why I got diabetes.

Whereas, for the first five years of our relationship, on one income, even with an allotment, we were filling up round the edges with spuds, rice, cheap sliced bread, disgusting soya margarine, and potatoes - and ating a lot of soya mince.

I live in a town with 7 supermarkets, 7 locals and zillions of restaurants, takeaways and convenience stores. There's one each of fishmonger butcher, greengrocer, deli, chocolatier.Two bakeries, neither of which bake their bread. No farmers market and in the supermarkets it's not easy to find real meat, as opposed to ready meals. Two aisles of crisps in most of them. Rarely do supermarkets ever have offers on real food. They make more profit flogging ready meals and crisps.

Buying fast food, takeaways, ready meals - that's normal reality.

The low fat experiment failed, ditching cookery classes in schools was a terrible idea, and not enough people continue with sport and exercise after leaving school, because it can be very expensive.
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In a poor community its difficult to eat too much (we are a rich nation - no one has to walk miles to pick a few berries, so rich are we that you have 7 supermarkets, 7 locals etc etc). Its not about class it's about the relative wealth of the nation (IMHO)
 
I'm 6'4" and fifteen stone no fat at all and have always been active and eaten an healthy diet, apart from the odd kebab after a friday binge. The only explanation I can think of for my type 2 is carb loading when used to run a lot. 40-50 miles a week lots of carbs were a must and I struggled to keep my weight up. I really can't think of any other reason for catching this horrible hindrance. Thats how I see it a bloody horrible hindrance. I was diagnosed just over a week ago and I'm determined not to go done the med route. I managed to hit a 5 after lunch today but scored an 8 after dinner, still learning the ropes but hopefully I'll get there. I'm so glad I found this site you guys have been extremely helpful and I really do appreciate it.
 
Wil burn said:
I'm 6'4" and fifteen stone no fat at all and have always been active and eaten an healthy diet, apart from the odd kebab after a friday binge. The only explanation I can think of for my type 2 is carb loading when used to run a lot. 40-50 miles a week lots of carbs were a must and I struggled to keep my weight up. I really can't think of any other reason for catching this horrible hindrance. Thats how I see it a bloody horrible hindrance. I was diagnosed just over a week ago and I'm determined not to go done the med route. I managed to hit a 5 after lunch today but scored an 8 after dinner, still learning the ropes but hopefully I'll get there. I'm so glad I found this site you guys have been extremely helpful and I really do appreciate it.
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There is a strong genetic component in T2 and in most other types of diabetes (the ones without it I am thinking of are when the pancreas is surgically removed, for example). Here is an article explaining why it's a myth that obesity causes T2:
http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/14046739.php
 
Wil burn said:
I'm 6'4" and fifteen stone no fat at all and have always been active and eaten an healthy diet, apart from the odd kebab after a friday binge. The only explanation I can think of for my type 2 is carb loading when used to run a lot. 40-50 miles a week lots of carbs were a must and I struggled to keep my weight up. I really can't think of any other reason for catching this horrible hindrance. Thats how I see it a bloody horrible hindrance. I was diagnosed just over a week ago and I'm determined not to go done the med route. I managed to hit a 5 after lunch today but scored an 8 after dinner, still learning the ropes but hopefully I'll get there. I'm so glad I found this site you guys have been extremely helpful and I really do appreciate it.
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It isn't always about poor lifestyle. I take responsibility for my condition because I've spent a lifetime bingeing on chic choc (ten mars bars in one sitting being a norm). However, I have two sisters, one has been diagnosed as diabetic and the other has blood sugar levers over 11 but she won't see a doctor. None of us have shared the same lifestyle.
 
What I don't understand is why the NHS is spending so much money on supplying Accu-chek meters,strips etcetc when there are much cheaper versions of the same thing, as pointed out on here?
 
Magsx1 said:
What I don't understand is why the NHS is spending so much money on supplying Accu-chek meters,strips etcetc when there are much cheaper versions of the same thing, as pointed out on here?
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They may have gotten a bulk deal with the manufacturer, or perhaps they think this brand is more accurate, which is very important for T1s, for safety reasons.
 
Hi . I don't test my BG a test implies a pass or fail . I monitor my BG and then use the information to make the necessary changes . I know it's only a change of words but can a doctor tell you that you don't need to monitor your diabetes

Clive
 
Cl1ve said:
Hi . I don't test my BG a test implies a pass or fail . I monitor my BG and then use the information to make the necessary changes . I know it's only a change of words but can a doctor tell you that you don't need to monitor your diabetes

Clive
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Agree with you, the number helps to educate you as to why it is high or low. Some people get so despondent when they have high number but you can work out why if you keep a food diary, are aware of any stress, have an infection or have done/less more exercise.
 
I was told by one GP that Type 2's who don't test do better than those who do. But when my latest GP put me on Metformin he said I have to test. I asked him for a prescription and he said I don't get one. So, I told him I won't test.
 
I test all the time and find it really helps me to understand what reaction I get from different foods not testing is like walking blind for me. I'm not on meds but think without testing I would have probably ended up on them. Prescriptions are free to diabetics on meds too, *** is your GP on ?
 
I just posted on something along these lines on a different thread.

T1 here, I get told by DSNs that testing too much induces too much worry and paranoia which has an impact on the blood sugar levels and shouldn't be done. They said this condition is called "hypersensitivity" if I remember correctly, I don't believe this is true for a second.

I can't speak for T2's but IMO, testing and having a decent picture of your levels is equally as important as medication.
 
I haven't been told not to test because I never asked. Once I found out meters were readily available, of course I am going to monitor my blood sugar. Pity the Doctor or Nurse who suggests I don't.

I have also read for myself as much as I can about this disease. There are some in the medical profession (I emphasise some) who believe we should receive every utterance they make with due reverence and gratitude. We should feel honoured to be in their presence and certainly never question their advice.....they could explain their rationale, but we would be much too stupid to understand. Well I am sorry but I don't accept that. A lot of the stock advice, for example on the 'healthy eating plate', is from a different century. I will listen to their advice certainly, but I will make up my own mind on what I do, what I don't do and what drugs I take. Rant ends....... :)
 
desidiabulum said:
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.
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My GP told me that testing is not needed but how do I know if I am managing my diabetis I am on Metformin twice a day thanks Chris174
 
Hi in a very new type 2 diabetic. Diagnosed just 2 week ago. Doctor wanted to put me on a cheap brand of meter that the local NHS partnership has done a deal with. Problem is im a HGV driver and need to be able to store at least 3 months results. I also have to test a minimum of 3 times a day. (Advice from DVLA) . Said I want happy to carry ring lose Lances as that is what they wanted to give me. Also said strips world be awkward . He agreed after explaining. Choose a combined tester no lose strips. Today went to Diabetic Practice Nurse and had to have same discussion again. Eventually agreed to give me a prescription. Told my H figure was 65. Came out of an hour with nurse feeling down and totally uninformed. Most questions I asked got the response of check online or ask your pharmacist. Sorry also on Metformin 1 x 500mg twice daily no side effects.
 
Buzzthediver said:
Hi in a very new type 2 diabetic. Diagnosed just 2 week ago. Doctor wanted to put me on a cheap brand of meter that the local NHS partnership has done a deal with. Problem is im a HGV driver and need to be able to store at least 3 months results. I also have to test a minimum of 3 times a day. (Advice from DVLA) . Said I want happy to carry ring lose Lances as that is what they wanted to give me. Also said strips world be awkward . He agreed after explaining. Choose a combined tester no lose strips. Today went to Diabetic Practice Nurse and had to have same discussion again. Eventually agreed to give me a prescription. Told my H figure was 65. Came out of an hour with nurse feeling down and totally uninformed. Most questions I asked got the response of check online or ask your pharmacist. Sorry also on Metformin 1 x 500mg twice daily no side effects.
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I use an acu check mobile and get the bits on a script, much easier.
 
I bought it from the chemist and took it with me when I saw the diabetes nurse. She put me on a repeat script for the lancets and the test cartridges. Just search Acu check mobile.
 
I was told because I am type 2 they don't supply any testing stuff, just come back in three months for their test, so I bought my own, but not knowing at the time I bought a accu aviva which is expensive to buy the strips and lancets for.
 
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