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Blood v Urine Help!

J

Jenfy

Well-Known Member
Messages
50
Hi,
I am new to all this, diagnosed 1/7/2011. My DSN gave me urine testing strips so I have been using them till this weekend when my free BG Mtr arrived. I had worked hard to control carbs and my urine tests seem to reflect that. However yesterday I started testing blood and was shocked to find my bg was much higher still than I thought. Also, this morning I did both tests to compare the results. Urine tested at normal level but blood at 10.9! This is much lower than when diagnosed, 16, so I have improved it somewhat but I am shocked to see the difference in the testing results. Am I being stupid or this usual? Help!
 
OK, I have done a bit of reading up on this and now have a better understanding. So glad I got the BG Monitor and am sure it will be much more useful in managing my BG. I had been lulled into a false sense of security although I could tell from how I felt that my bg couldn't be as low as the test said. Immediate results seem a much better way so I don't see why the PCTs are so reluctant to prescribe them or the test strips. Of course there is an ongoing cost, but in the long term better management means healthier people and lower health care costs doesn't it? Seems a bit short sighted to me!
 
exactly you are spot on PCT wont prescribe test strips on the basis of costs, but they no consider the long term costs in the future.
 
Jenfy,
You are not being stupid, It is your HCP in not explining the ranges in which Blood/Urine test strips operate. The blood test strips operate down to about 1.8 (I think) but your urine test strips only report above (I think )12 as below this level sugars are not excreted in the urine!
From what you say your glucose levels have fallen but still have a bit to reduce. Good luck.
 
My practice doesn't prescribe urine test sticks because they are not sensitive enough, as Fergus says. You don't want anything that doesn't warn you until your levels are in the teens! :shock:

You sound to be doing well, Jenfy, in keeping control of your carb intake. Do you know what your blood glucose levels were at diagnosis? If you don't, get your practice to let you know - it'll give you something to work down from.

Finally - don't forget the Dawn Phenomenon, where your liver pumps glucose into your system ready for getting up and doing things. Many people, myself included, have this, at least at the beginning. I had at least 6 months when my morning fasting reading was the highest of the day! Your body needs a bit of time to adapt - don't worry too much.

Viv 8)
 
Thank you! I am keeping to the right foods and discovering which are best for me! My initial reading was 16 so I am getting things better than they were which is encouraging. From post evening meal to first test this morning my BG went from 10.7 to 10.9 so not a vast leap thankfully!
I do appreciate having this Forum to air my concerns and get such sound advice, thanks to all on here xx
 
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