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Am i allowed test strips now that i am on Metformin?

carina62

carina62

Well-Known Member
Messages
349
Location
Leicestershire
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
miserable weather, rude and bad mannered people
I will ask this question on Wednesday when I go for my routine diabetic review but will I be allowed to get test strips on prescription now that I take Metformin? I am on x1 500mg tablet daily. Thanks
 
Not usually. They seem to think only those on insulin need to control their BG's. But no harm in asking.
 
Basically NO, unless you're very lucky! But those who don't ask, don't get, so it's always worth a try, though you'll probably just get the stock reply "Type 2s don't need to test..." Just be prepared to fund your own strips if you want to know what's going on with your glucose levels.:(

Robbity
 
Hi, i'm taking Metformin (2g per day) and get test strips on repeat prescription. o_O
 
If you can demonstrate that you are keeping records and actively lowering BG through testing (when you try new foods - not just after every meal) then you may qualify

You will need to buy your own meter though

I had to fight for mine but get both lancets and test strips for a Contour Next USB in packs of 50 - at least every 3 months - although now I have found out what spikes me I think 50 will last me ages!
 
My advice would be if one doctor says no try another. When I was first diagnosed my usual gp said no as it cost too much for the nhs to give all type 2s meters. The next time I went to the doctors I had a different gp and he said that's ridiculous as i had no idea what I could eat and prescribed me a meter, strips and lancets.
If I haven't ordered any strips for a while I sometimes get told I can't order any more but at others it's fine so I guess it's just pot luck as to which doctor is asked.
 
If they say no, just say "so you'd drive your car with the speedo not working".
Same principle. If you can't see the figures your not in control.
 
I didn't get any to start with. But now I'm on 2000mg metformin and 160mg glitgazide and my readings are high they want me to test regularly.
 
I don't get them as yet but will ask the doctor next time as a new member of the club!
I'm a lorry driver so think I must keep check of my blood sugar for safety's sake
 
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