blood glucose monitor WHICH ONE 4 a newbi

[MartinCrowly]

Being newly diagnosed Type 2 in the UK , I would like to know which blood glucose monitor is the best and easiest to use. Any advice please

 

[bulkbiker]

Most of them work in a similar way . Prick finger, scoop blood up onto strip and get result.
If you are self funding (I assume you are and that's why you have asked) then cost is the main driver for most. I use the SD Codefree because the ongoing cost of strips is the lowest. You can get it from here.. (have cut and pasted from an older post)

https://homehealth-uk.com/product-category/blood-glucose/

(or telephone: 01923 711511)

for the SD Codefree meter, which costs £12.98 or:

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

(or telephone: 0116 2865000)

who distribute the TEE 2 meter, which is free.



The cost of testing comes down to the ongoing charges for test strips and lancets.

For the SD Codefree, the strips are £7.69 for a pack of 50 and there are discount codes available for bulk purchases:

5 packs x 50 use code: 264086 .. cost is £29.49

10 packs x 50 use code: 975833 .. cost is £58.98

For the TEE 2, the strips are £7.75 for a pack of 50 .. but there are no discount codes currently available

Make sure that you tick the appropriate box on the on-line order form and you won't pay VAT on your meter or strips. For the bulk discount on strips for the SD Codefree, you need to complete the order (check the boxes to confirm that you are diabetic and the number of packs that you want). Then click on view basket and on the left hand side of the window you will see two boxes .. Coupon Code and Apply Coupon. Enter the relevant discount code in the first box and then click the Apply Coupon box. This applies the discount and adjusts the price .. and finally, you then proceed to checkout.



I should add many thanks to @AM1874 Who compiled this useful guide.

 

[paulus1]

are you self funding or a free one from the nhs. its not the machine thats the issue you can get most for free from the maker its the strips that are the issue.
SD Biosensor Codefree Blood Glucose Testing Kit seems the cheapest. about 16 pence each. mine are on script so free but would cost me 30 pence each. if testing ketones that is eye watering. mine on amazon are £2.75 each x 10 or £3 if the nhs pays. you need to be cautious of the free meters that are offered they tend to be more expensive.

 

[Bluetit1802]

@MartinCrowly Welcome!

The easiest meter I have come across is the Accu Chek Mobile. It is a one-piece meter. In other words, the test strips are contained in cartridges which are inserted in the meter. No separate tubs of strips to carry about, and no handling of the strips so contamination is avoided. It also comes with the best finger pricker there is - the Accu Chek Fastclix. Again, no handling of the lancets as they come in a plastic drum containing 6 lancets, just inserted inside the finger pricker pen. The pen clicks on to the side of the meter. So just one object instead of 3, and no contamination. The downside is the replacement cartridges are very expensive. That is a BIG downside.

 

[MartinCrowly]

Many thanks to all. I'm still waiting for my first appointment with the nurse who may or may not be a specialist will find out on the 4th Dec. I've been told I may get a monitor from her but I doubt it. so looking now to sort out which one to get if / when needed. Many thank again from the Dodgy old git.

 

[paulus1]

are you on any bg lowering drugs if so you should be entitled to testing equipment. and free prescriptions.

 

[Bluetit1802]

are you on any bg lowering drugs if so you should be entitled to testing equipment. and free prescriptions.

Free prescriptions .... yes providing he applies for an exemption card.

NICE
1.6.13 Do not routinely offer self-monitoring of blood glucose levels for adults with type 2 diabetes unless:

• the person is on insulin or
  
  
• there is evidence of hypoglycaemic episodes or
  
  
• the person is on oral medication that may increase their risk of hypoglycaemia while driving or operating machinery or
  
  
• the person is pregnant, or is planning to become pregnant. For more information, see the NICE guideline on diabetes in pregnancy. [new 2015]
  

1.6.14 Consider short-term self-monitoring of blood glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes (and review treatment as necessary):

• when starting treatment with oral or intravenous corticosteroids or
  
  
• to confirm suspected hypoglycaemia. [new 2015]