Free blood monitors on nhs

[royaub]

I'm sure this has been asked before but can I get a free blood monitor, lances etc on the nhs.
I've just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes but haven't seen anyone properly yet concerning how to manage it. I'm not on insulin or tablets yet. Thanks in advance, roy.

 

[CarbsRok]

Hi, the general answer is no you can as NHS very short sighted regarding type 2's and testing.
Sneaky way of getting a meter is to look on the net and find the cheapest test strips and tell the manufacture you are type 1 they send you a free meter then.

 

[CollieBoy]

As @CarbsRok says the NHS are in general, V. short sighted re testing. However it is not the NHS who hand out the meters, it is the manufacturers and you don't have to be T1, just be using enough strips to make the manufacturers feel it is worthwhile giving you a freebie meter1
the strips you will probably have to fund yourself , ditto the lancets. You just have to work out whether it will be cheaper l;ong-term to use a free meter & buy their strips or buy a meter like a "codefree" and buy their cheaper strips!

 

[CarbsRok]

@CollieBoy yes did realise that NHS do not provide the meters was about to add that to my post when distracted by urgent phone call regarding someone coming off a horse. Glad to say horse is ok even if rider has a headache

 

[FlyingPonyMonster]

My doctor surgery gave me one so its worth asking!

 

[CollieBoy]

@CollieBoy yes did realise that NHS do not provide the meters was about to add that to my post when distracted by urgent phone call regarding someone coming off a horse. Glad to say horse is ok even if rider has a headache

Sorry @CarbsRok I wasn't sniping at you,
Just trying to tell OP that:
1) NHS/surgery arn't providing, only passing on freebies (but only the ones THEY want to.)
2) T2s can get them as well as Mfg are giving to boost their sales of strips.
3) Cheaper (longterm) options exist than the freebie meters.

 

[CarbsRok]

Sorry @CarbsRok I wasn't sniping at you,
Just trying to tell OP that:
1) NHS/surgery arnt providing, only passing on freebies (but only the ones THEY want to.
2) T2s can get them as well as Mfg are giving to boost their sales of strips.
3) Cheaper (longterm) options exist than the freebie meters.

That's ok 'CollieBoy had realised it wasn't a snipe at me

 

[ChrisQuinn]

I recently started on Victoza and the hospital clinic gave out free meters to anyone who didn't already have one. I get my strips (one pot per month) and lancets on prescription from my GP

 

[royaub]

Thank for replying . My bloods or 29.2 so I am now on
metformin I will ofter see how it gos

 

[royaub]

As my last post i got a meter my salf but get the rest from the gp so thats not bad. On the 3rd apr 2015 my bg were 29.2 they or now down to 7.4 / 7.7
so i am a lot happier and feeling a lot better

 

[Spiker]

That's a fantastic result. Good for that GP providing meter supplies and well done for asking.

 

[royaub]

Hi spike thanks . Still trying to get to grips with it all but getting there
Roy

 

[lisajane47]

Metformin r **** they land me in a&e I am now on insulin my bloods r better 19.4