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Cheapest reliable strips?

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hanadr

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i didn't proof read my last query on this.. does anyone know which BG system works out most affordable? David Mendosa has pointed me towads a Maxima Meter, but i don't think it's available here, however, I've written to them
 
Hi Hanadr,
I use Accu-Chek Aviva system (24/7 Careline: 0800 701000). They've supplied me with a testing kit (FREE) which includes everything you're likely to want. It comes in a case AND the strips and finger pricking lancets are supplied FREE on prescription.
All prescriptions for a diabetic are FREE, not just for prescriptions relating to diabetes. Ask your GP to give you the form to apply. It's supposed to take 21 days, but I'm still waiting. Good luck.
 
My PCTdoesn't want me to have test strips. I'm T2 on Metformin and Starlix and low carb, so they weasel out of it by saying it's not necessary. I've been writing to the "Diabetes Educator" and have an appointment booked to try to resolve this at the end of the month. I was hoping that I might have a better chance if I knew which strips are the cheapest and if necessary changed my meter to match. I'll have to try asking at the pharmacy. . I have a Freestyle Mini meter and can get strips direct from the supplier for £14.33 a pack of 50. That's probably still more than the NHS pays for them. They cost over £24 per pack over-the-counter at Boots. there are some eBay sellers too.
 
I have been tryin to get strips ever since I had them cut from my repeats, when the PCT decided I don't need to test. Even my much loved GP thinks I'm a bit obsessive. I have after all spent half a lifetime watching my husband develop all the complications of T1 and had to cope with many an emergency rush to A&E.
I have to admit I do sometimes get the strips if I beg for them, but since letting the pharmacy do the repeatt collecting for me, I don't see the GP very often. I don't need to I'm NEVER ill.
 
At the end of the day it's up to you, how often do you test your blood (i.e. how many test strips you get through (£££)) and you relationsip with your doctor.
I'm newly diagnosed, so I'm probably not well enough informed to advise you, but I'd go back to the GP and try to get a supply reinstated on prescription. Explain your concerns and convince him/her that you will not be using the strips extravagantly. If you test just once a day, or ONLY when you feel unwell?
 

This sort of situation is frankly disgusting.

My GP is supportive of what I do (she has no choice looking at my numbers!) but is forbidden to prescribe test strips. Up the road in Narwich the Head Endo is extremely arrogant and FORBIDS any Type 2s even on meds to test AT ALL. I suspect his influence on our PCT.

Down the road a friend who has brought her A1c from about 13 to 5.6 and all her other numbers similarly keeps having her prescription refused. After writing to the local Endos right up to her MP they now permit her 50 per month. The Endo himself has been refused permission to trial Byetta.

In another adjacent region someone else I knw has no problem getting as many strips as she asks for. However she has been told that it is perfectly acceptable to go up to 10 after meals. She seems unable to connect this information to her stroke. or her angina.

<sigh>
 
It sounds like the postcode lottery, as is the case with so many things these days. Have you written to (emailed) your M.P.?
 
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