Received this alongside my latest HbA1c result:
Dear Mr K9,
Blood glucose test strip Review
We are writing because you are currently using a blood glucose-testing device for your Diabetes. As a practice we are reviewing all patients receiving blood glucose test strips on repeat prescription to ensure that they are fully informed about when/if they should be testing and what they should do based on the results.
Current guidelines published by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence, recommend that blood glucose monitoring should be available to those patients who:
- Are prescribed insulin
- Are prescribed a class of anti diabetes medicine called sulphonylureas
- May or may not be taking medication, but the need for testing is included in their management plan
The best and most accurate method of assessing blood glucose control in patients outside of these criteria is by regular HbA1c testing, which will be carried out by the doctor or nurse in the GP Practice.
As per these guidelines, all patients who are diet controlled or prescribed oral medication, other than sulphonylureas, are being reviewed against the guidelines for self-management of blood glucose.
As a result of this review, we are writing to advise you that there is no clinical requirement for you to continue to monitor your blood glucose, and the testing strips have been removed from your list of repeat medication. You should continue to attend the regular appointments made for you by the Practice to check your overall diabetes control, including HbA1c testing.
If you have any concerns at all then please telephone the practice pharmacist,on xxxxxxx xxxxx(Mon-Thurs).
Yours sincerely
On behalf of the practice