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Damage to Fingers

V

Vernicapvc_

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Hi, I’ve been T2 diabetic for a number of years. For the past 10 years I’ve used Insulin and Tablets to control my blood glucose levels.

I drive a car and in order to comply with the DVLA conditions; this has resulted in a substantial increase in the number of times I have to test my b/g levels each day.

I’ve noticed that the tips of my fingers are “rough “ and I’m finding it more difficult to perform these tests; sometimes 8 times a day. If my level is less than 5.1, I then have to perform a further 2 tests in order to comply with the DVLA conditions.

Recently, someone mentioned that there’s a new method of checking b/g levels without having to prick your fingers. Has anyone heard of, or, is currently using this new method?

Any advice / comments are welcomed.

VernicaC.
 
Hello, welcome!

There is a device called freestyle libre sensors which you can buy from pharmacies and the prices varies across the different pharmacies. However you can ask your diabetes team or consultant about it to see if you fit the criteria to get it approved on presciption. You'll need to do some training and understand the data and trends that the sensor gives you.
On the other hand, you still need to finger prick because sometimes the sensor gives inaccurate results - varies between 2-3mmol and upwards. Especially when you are running high or low.
 
MeiChanski said:
Hello, welcome!

On the other hand, you still need to finger prick because sometimes the sensor gives inaccurate results - varies between 2-3mmol and upwards. Especially when you are running high or low.
Click to expand...

Look, it no longer works for me (allergic reaction) but it works well for many/most. If you're one of the lucky ones I reckon you could probably get away with one or two tests a day (just to check it's still working). Apparently the DVLA mow accept its results, so you just need to be confident that it works for you (and you haven't got a bad sensor). If you add in a Miaomiao transmitter and xdrip software I believe it's pretty accurate, as long as your body copes with the sensor.

I don't believe they'll fund for T2s (though I'd be delighted to be proved wrong), even insulin dependant ones unfortunately, but it's worth self funding if you can possibly afford it. (I certainly did while it worked for me.)
 
Brunneria said:
You may also find this link useful :)

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/blood-glucose/alternate-site-testing.html

As a type 2 you may find getting a Libre funded by the NHS is very unlikely. My understanding is that they are only dispensed to T1s and then in specific circumstances. Though I will be delighted to hear differently.
Click to expand...
I'm T2 but on insulin and because I inject 4 times a day I qualify for a libre and am due to attend a local NHS course in July and will then be prescribed a libre.
 
Whilst Libre may be an option, as others have said you may not qualify for one so I would recommend reviewing your testing technique. A few things to look at are:
Do you adjust the depth option on your lancet?
Do you prick the edge or middle of your finger?
Do you alternate your fingers?
Do you use any hand cream or moisturiser?
Do you make sure your hands are warm before pricking?

I ask this because I test more than 8 times a day, have been doing so for about 10 years and do not suffer the problems you mention.
 
My finger tips used to look like the lunar surface. They were all so badly pitted that the fingerprint scanners in US airports couldn’t get a read on them :shifty:
 
helensaramay said:
Whilst Libre may be an option, as others have said you may not qualify for one so I would recommend reviewing your testing technique. A few things to look at are:
Do you adjust the depth option on your lancet?
Do you prick the edge or middle of your finger?
Do you alternate your fingers?
Do you use any hand cream or moisturiser?
Do you make sure your hands are warm before pricking?

I ask this because I test more than 8 times a day, have been doing so for about 10 years and do not suffer the problems you mention.
Click to expand...

Many thanks for this. I do all the above and I am still struggling. VernicaC
 
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