New pre diabetic here just realising this could get serious !

[Bigonabianchi]

Hello

I was diagnosed a few months ago and got booked on the nhs course . It was on the phone due to covid and really didn’t work well. I’ve since rejoined online .

It’s sinking in now that this needs attention and I need to wake up.

I don’t even know how to test my blood sugar at home ? Where do you all get the testing kits from?

This came as a shock to me as I was pretty fit for my age ( I raced a bicycle across the USA in 2019 at age 58 ) . Since then fitness has diminished and I’ve got this pre diabetic warning and another separate health scare to deal with.

Step one, figure out how to keep on track of sugar readings I think.

Any pointers to the test kits appreciated

Thank you and apologies if that’s a regular question on here, I did look for info but not found my way around yet

 

[TriciaWs]

Most people who are pre-diabetic or type 2 need to self-fund a meter as much of the NHS isn't keen on us checking our own blood sugar. You should check the cost of the test strips for each model as that is the biggest ongoing cost.
I'm happy with my GlucoRx nexus but others may have better suggestions.

 

[Bigonabianchi]

Thank you Tricia can I ask how much per month approximately the strips and lancet things cost? I’ve no idea how often I need to take a test even .

 

[Lainie71]

Hi, if the online course it anything like the one I am on its all a bit useless and very contradictory. I have personally had better info and support from this forum, and going low carb high fibre with exercise has seen my levels gradually decreasing and a shrinking waistline! I also have the GlucoRX nexus and it serves me well. I am on no medication as I wanted to to see if I could tackle the type 2 myself. Have you been prescribed meds. My monitor was provided by the Surgery and currently the testing strips are on prescription but for how long I don't know and I know this varies with Surgery's. Have you asked them for a metre? Might be worth a try. Good luck with it all x

 

[Lainie71]

Thank you Tricia can I ask how much per month approximately the strips and lancet things cost? I’ve no idea how often I need to take a test even .

Thank you Tricia can I ask how much per month approximately the strips and lancet things cost? I’ve no idea how often I need to take a test even .

You need to test pre meal and 2 hours after from first bite

 

[Bigonabianchi]

Than you

 

[Resurgam]

The good news is that eating to control blood glucose can also lead to an increase in fitness.
I went back to work once I got back to normal blood glucose levels, as I lost fat and regained muscle, and I am almost 70 now.
I also went back to the morris (English folk dancing) playing the music and teaching. I feel so much better than when I was eating that so healthy high carb diet.

 

[Rachox]

Hi @Bigonabianchi and welcome to the forum!

Here’s some info on UK meters, and to be clear I have no commercial connections with any of the companies mentioned.


Home Health have recently bought out the Gluco Navii, but I haven’t heard any reviews yet, links to strips and the meter:

https://homehealth-uk.com/all-produ...ose-meter-test-strips-choose-mmol-l-or-mg-dl/

There are also discount codes for when you come to buy more strips - "navii5" and "navii10" will give you 20% off purchases of 5 packs of strips and 25% off 10 packs of strips respectively.


Disclaimer, I haven’t used the discount codes that I have quoted recently so I don’t know if they are still current.





Spirit Healthcare have a meter called the Tee2 + found here:

http://spirit-healthcare.co.uk/product/tee2-plus-blood-glucose-meter/

with the strips found here:

http://spirit-healthcare.co.uk/product/tee2-testing-strips/

Some members have got a free Tee2+ by phoning up to order, with a large order of strips they often throw the meter in for free:

Phone number 0800 8815423


With more expensive strips is their Caresens Dual which I currently use, this one has the advantage of glucose and ketone testing in one machine, it’s to be found here:

https://shop.spirit-health.co.uk/collections/caresens-dual





Don’t forget to check the box if you have pre diabetes or diabetes so you can buy VAT free. (for all meters and strips)

 

[Bigonabianchi]

That’s very helpful , thanks for the links

 

[Bigonabianchi]

I just got off the phone to spirit on number above. What a breath of fresh air!! Actually answered by a human being first ring, very helpful lady . The meter and starter pack of strips and lancets was free . I bought a box of 50 or so extra strips for £11 as well.
Should be here in four days .

Thanks so much