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As clear as mud...

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I've filled out the form for an exemption certificate due to being on medication for diabetes type 2. How does this work for getting a blood glucose testing kit and strips? I phoned the pharmacy and they said I have to go through my doctor!? They said all my medication is on prescription. I explained the current kit I have is mmg not mmol rolleyes_O) this just muddied the waters further! So my question is as I asked them...do I order the new kit through my pharmacy or is it through doctor or DN??? Some one please add some clarity to this. If I ask my DN nurse she is sure to stick me on another tablet of some sort so really don't want to do this. My original kit I bought myself off amazon.
 
My testing meter comes from my dr, unfortunately I don’t have a choice in what meter I’m given as probably with most surgeries they use the cheapest!
 
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but as you have T2, it is unlikely that you are going to get a prescription for a meter and test strips free of charge on NHS.
They stopped allowing that several years ago. Probably due to cost, but the powers that be tell us it is to save us getting sore fingers. The protocol seems to be “T2s only need to have HbA1c tests a couple of times a year, so HCPs can monitor our blood glucose levels”.
Those of us who are successful at managing our condition prefer to do our own , more regular, testing. Have to buy test supplies ourselves.
 
That's what I've applied for an exemption certificate for through my doctors. So to get a new testing kit. As the price of strips is ridiculous! If I'm to get 'serious' about this I need to make testing not such a pain in the behind.
 
WHT said:
That's what I've applied for an exemption certificate for through my doctors. So to get a new testing kit. As the price of strips is ridiculous! If I'm to get 'serious' about this I need to make testing not such a pain in the behind.
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Has your nurse or GP told you to get testing kit? It's not an automatic thing given, it needs a prescription. It very rare for a type 2 to get testing kit on the NHS unless on hypo inducing meds or insulin.

Or do you mean in order to claim the Vat off your strips that you buy yourself?
 
No. (I have my own kit but looking to upgrade the strips but means I will have to upgrade the meter!) I mean to get a whole new testing kit and strips! I asked the pharmacy about exemptions for testing strips and they said you need to get a form off your doctor, get them to sign it, and send it off. This part has been done! But I'm assuming that once the exemption cert comes through do i order it through the pharmacy (which is why I phoned to ask) or do i go through docs for it? No one talks about things anymore. Is why this is
 
You need a prescription from the GP if you are after free ones. Paging @Rachox for her information on cheaper Meters and strips.

Did your pharmacist assume you have them on prescription? If so, that can explain the confusion.

What diabetes meds are you on?
 
@WHT, You are not making it clear what you are looking for.
An exemption certificate for NHS prescription charges? Though you say you are looking to upgrade the meter you have. Do you want the meter and strips to be provided free of charge, or are you intending to buy them yourself, with VAT exemption?
 
metformin and linagliptin!
 
WHT said:
metformin and linagliptin!
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Thank you. Could you add this information to your information page please as it help us when responding to questions and comments. Different meds require different answers. Thanks
 
I am T2, Metformin, Lantus, Apidra, Jardiance, meter given by DN and test strips on prescription.
With the proviso that this is my experience:
If you are on insulin you should have a meter which is compliant with DVLA requirements as you will need to report to them every 3 years (your doctor has a responsibility to report your diagnosis and that you are on insulin). Your DN or GP should be giving you the prescriptions including strips if you are insulin. These should be free as you have a long term condition.
If you are not on insulin then some doctors do not think it advisable to test yourself. If they do think it advisable then they will give you a meter and test strips will be on prescription.
 
My diabetic nurse gave me my meter which came with 25 strips then has put strips on regular script. I’m type 2 but am also on gliclizide which can cause hypos. I’m low carbing with aim to get off medication and she did say she would continue to prescribe as I’d be saving surgery cost of drugs. Sadly she’s now left and I don’t know if her successor will feel the same but might be worth a discussion with the argument to save them money in long term, at least until you know which meals spike your blood sugars. Free 2week trial from libre 2 might be worth a go, I’ve learnt a lot about my blood sugar patterns although the other half thinks I’m obsessed! (It’s a personality trait!)
 
After 7 odd years of diabetes my DN gave me a meter and prescription for test strips this morning up to now I have been self funding.

The exemption card only effects if you pay for your prescription, not what is prescribed that is down to your doctor.
 
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