Blood sugar monitors?

[sugarshy]

Hi, I'm new here and was diagnosed with type 2 just before Christmas and would like to know the best way of testing my blood sugar level. Since diagnosis I have lost nearly two stone by going on a very low carb diet and taking regular exercise. I'm feeling loads better but would like to find out if I have made any progress in reducing my blood sugar level, I have heard of a device that can measure without having to pierce the skin and draw blood? If this is not available what is the best device available? I am on two 500mg Metformin a day.

 

[urbanracer]

Hi @sugarshy ,

Perhaps you mean Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM). You can search in these forums or on the web for Freestyle Libre, or Dexcom for more information. These systems are not particularly cheap to run.

If you end up finger pricking to get your results, we usually suggest the SD Codefree as the test strips are the cheapest around so your ongoing costs are low.

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes_care/blood_glucose_monitor_guide.html

Hope that helps.

edited to add :-
https://www.freestylelibre.co.uk/libre/

http://www.dexcom.com/en-GB/?gclid=CLqfz-yZkNICFcm87QodIBIJIA

 

[Bluetit1802]

There are dozens of different blood glucose meters on the market. Google will find them for you. A word of warning though - before you buy check the price of replacement test strips as you will need a lot of these, and you only need one meter. Many meters are given away for free, but the strips are very expensive, so do be careful. They all have to conform to the same accuracy standards before they can be marketed. They all require you to prick your finger for a blood droplet, which is then put on the strip so the meter can read the amount of glucose.

Many of this forum use the Codefree because it has the cheapest strips available. A new meter has hit the scene recently, called a TEE2 that also has cheap strips.

In addition to these meters, there is the Freestyle Libre sensor. This sits on your arm for 2 weeks with a tiny filament piercing the skin. It doesn't require blood. It measures the glucose in the interstitial fluid beneath the skin. You then scan the sensor for results. These are brilliant, but each sensor is above £50 and only lasts for 2 weeks.

 

[sugarshy]

Hi @sugarshy ,

Perhaps you mean Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM). You can search in these forums or on the web for Freestyle Libre, or Dexcom for more information. These systems are not particularly cheap to run.

If you end up finger pricking to get your results, we usually suggest the SD Codefree as the test strips are the cheapest around so your ongoing costs are low.

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes_care/blood_glucose_monitor_guide.html

Hope that helps.

edited to add :-
https://www.freestylelibre.co.uk/libre/

http://www.dexcom.com/en-GB/?gclid=CLqfz-yZkNICFcm87QodIBIJIA

Thank you for your reply, I appreciate your help...

 

[sugarshy]

Apologies if I haven't thanked you both by using the correct way on this forum, I'm finding it a little difficult to navigate at the moment

 

[dazzeur]

I really like the Dario monitor. It's tiny, fits in my pocket with my mobile. It's liked to an app. Everything is contained in it, so no need to carry test strips or lancets separately. It cost me £15 and came with 50 strips I think. Also, my doctor prescribe the strips so I don't pay for them

 

[wiseowl_123]

Good morning @sugarshy

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&r...oj6_cJlaciIZQEkPg&sig2=SApo1XLBwdVkUJjW4fQwlw

 

[Nicksu]

If you have a co-operative GP, they can put your test strips and lancets on prescription. I bought my own when I was diagnosed (the Accu-Check Performance Nano from Boots - cost £24.95) and my GP was helpful and put the strips and lancets on my repeat prescription. I know from a lot of posts on the forum that not GPs are so helpful. I would say sound them out as to whether they will/can supply you with a free monitor. If they can't or won't (some doctors don't seem to think that we should be monitoring our levels - no idea why!), see if they will be agreeable to do just the strips and lancets. Its always worth an ask and it is in your best interest to find out how you are doing and what makes your levels go up and down - we are all individual and some foods affect people differently. Fingers crossed for you. Well done on the weight loss by the way, I'm the same, I've lost nearly 3 stone since diagnosis at the end of August following low carb.