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Best value blood glucose monitor

W

white43

Well-Known Member
Messages
45
Location
Dorset
I've tried to Google this, but whilst I can see there are a lot of different monitors - I can't suss which is better value.

Take today, I went into Boots, which have about 8 different ones. They have their own, which is half price at about £6, but the strips are like £25!(I failed to note how many there were, but that sounded a lot).

And Boots have the strips for maybe 2 of the monitors on offer and lancets for one. :roll:

So, can anyone help here? I see alot of comparisons, but no price comparisons. I'm not bothered by how compact it is, but I guess a one that doesn't feel like I've been stabbed would be nice :lol:

I'm a bit :mrgreen: when it comes to this.....
 
All the meters are relatively cheap,it is the test strips that cost you.Try getting them on prescription from your doctor.Buy a meter,test and record then go to your doctor,show him/her the records you have kept, be all fired with enthusiasm to control your diabetes and see if he/she will prescribe the strips and lances.
 
Hi.
As Sue says, if you buy your meter then try your Doc first for the strips etc. If you don't get them start looking on Ebay and other sites.
You will find them much cheaper there. As you are on medication you realise you get free prescriptions now ?

As for meters they are all much the same. It's down to personal preferences and size, cost etc. Make sure any finger pricker is adjustable as well.
Personally I use an Accu-Chek Aviva with software that can transmit the readings to my PC wirelessly. Lots of other makes do the same sort of thing. Some don't need coding every time.

I don't have any problem getting test strips and lancets - my GP is a bright man !!
Let us know how you get on or if there is something specific you need to know.

Ken.
 
cugila said:
Hi.
As you are on medication you realise you get free prescriptions now ?
Ken.
Click to expand...


:shock: Really? Tell me more.

:mrgreen:

EDIT : Well that's cheered me up a bit, I checked it out.....
 
No problems. you are entitled to free prescriptions if you are a Diabetic and on medication. If on diet only then you don't get them free.
Somewhere I have a link with all the info and will put it here shortly. Give me a few minutes.

Found it:

Who can get a prescription exemption certificate?

People who have certain medical conditions
Although there are many conditions requiring regular medication, only the following qualify for an exemption certificate:

A permanent fistula requiring dressing.
Forms of hypoadrenalism such as Addison's Disease.
Diabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism.
Diabetes mellitus except where treatment is by diet alone.
Hypoparathyroidism.
Myasthenia gravis.
Myxoedema (underactive thyroid) or other conditions where supplemental thyroid hormone is necessary.
Epilepsy requiring regular anti-epilepsy medication.
If, because of a permanent disability, you cannot leave your home without help.
If you have one of these conditions, get form FP92A from your doctor's surgery and fill it in. This is sent to the Prescription Pricing Authority who will issue a Medical Exemption Certificate.

Hope that helps.

Ken.
 
Thanks Ken. Will be down the surgery on Tuesday for a load of tests with the nurse. I'll ask then.
 
I buy my Freestyle strips on ebay at about £20 per 100. It's pretty secure, if you check out the dealer and Ebay does have teeth.
I've done well so far.
 
Hi there
if you go into Llodys, they are doing 2 meters for £20, or you could get a freestyle lite like i have for £7.00!
I bought mine then put to the doctor that i wanted to be active in testing what is right and wrong for me food and drink wise!
Sandy
 
Just bought an Accu-Chek Aviva as I like that I can download the results.

I take it you also get the lancets on prescription?
 
Well, I just did my first test. My god,isn't there a ton of paperwork with the Accu-Chek??!?!?!

Did a control test and all appears fine - and the really great thing......

I got a 6.9mmol/L reading

I'd eaten about two hours previously.

Bearing in mind that it was 22 on the Doc's machine and 17.9 from the labs.....last Thursday.
 
Keep a food diary and write down your tests before and two hours after food and what the food was that you ate,do this for a week and you will see a pattern in which food affects your blood sugars.
 
Interesting. I've just taken another one - before dinner and it shows as 7.9 - I've only had a glass of water.....

Aaaahhh....hang on, I was doing a sort of vigourous leg exercise...will that make a difference?
 
Eaten too little carbohydrate (fruit, milk, starch) relative to the exercise.
or
Too much fat is utilized for exercise because sugar is unable. Ketones levels rise in the blood.
Click to expand...

Ehm, I had a satsuma this morning, a bit of milk in some scrambled egg and tea. :mrgreen:

Sounds like not enough carbs....
 
always worth checking with your surgery diabetic nurse if you need a meter - mine always has a cupbaord full of them where they are left as 'samples' from drug companies - she is quite happy to leave one on reception for me to pick up should mine go wrong, then you just need the GP to prescribe the strips.
 
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