I have been diagnosed type 2 for almost 7months. i was told to control it with diet which i tried to do. i asked how i would test if what i wad eating was the correct ammount and was told not to bother with a testeras they are to expensive to give to every one. i was then prescribed metformin twice a day. still not sure if what i am doing is right . very confusef and depressed . and how do you tell people you are diabetic when there are no out ward signs .i have a great family who still buy me chocs etc. its like no one belives me. i went back to my gp and told her my problems and how i had no confidence with my DN but she just put me back intouch with the same DN dont know what to do next. have never done finger prick test in all the time of being a diabetic.
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dont know what to do
- Thread starter miki
- Start Date
pav
Well-Known Member
Diabetes is one of the silient illness that don't show any visable signs, unless you you have some of the complecations that are noticable. A lot of non diabetics don't know about the illness either and don't unstand that giving sweets etc can be bad for us and its hard to refuse them with out them wondering whats going on.
Meters are not a problem, as most manufactures will give you one free like Abbott medisense, Bayer, and numerous others, these meters will come with 10 tests strips to test the meter out, and if you phone one of them up you will normally get one by return of post.
The problem for some is getting the test strips on perscription, as some people have had them refused or have limited supplies of them on persciption.
If your practice won't supply you a meter or strips on persciption there are a few low cost meters / strips around, like the SD code free and Supercheck2 meters. The Supercheck2 strips are around £8-49 for 50 and £4-50 for 200 lancents, these are a lot cheaper than the big brand names as their strips can be £25 + for 50 strips.
Getting a meter at least will give you are starting point to as to what your Blood sugar is like and you can then go back to your GP and at least show how high or low you numbers are. Testing first thing in the morning will give you a fasting reading (aasuming you have had no snacks in the night). Then test again 2 hours after a meal to see what you are peaking at. Though different foods will cause higher or lower peaks, for me one food that sends my suger sky high is white bread.
You can then show people that don't believe that you have diabetes your results and explain to them what normal readings should be hand the higher the numbers the more damage it does like it can affect the nerves and eyes typically with eyes if sugers go high it can lead to blured vision.
If youve not already done so, as you are taking metformin, you can apply for a perscription exemption certifecate.
Meters are not a problem, as most manufactures will give you one free like Abbott medisense, Bayer, and numerous others, these meters will come with 10 tests strips to test the meter out, and if you phone one of them up you will normally get one by return of post.
The problem for some is getting the test strips on perscription, as some people have had them refused or have limited supplies of them on persciption.
If your practice won't supply you a meter or strips on persciption there are a few low cost meters / strips around, like the SD code free and Supercheck2 meters. The Supercheck2 strips are around £8-49 for 50 and £4-50 for 200 lancents, these are a lot cheaper than the big brand names as their strips can be £25 + for 50 strips.
Getting a meter at least will give you are starting point to as to what your Blood sugar is like and you can then go back to your GP and at least show how high or low you numbers are. Testing first thing in the morning will give you a fasting reading (aasuming you have had no snacks in the night). Then test again 2 hours after a meal to see what you are peaking at. Though different foods will cause higher or lower peaks, for me one food that sends my suger sky high is white bread.
You can then show people that don't believe that you have diabetes your results and explain to them what normal readings should be hand the higher the numbers the more damage it does like it can affect the nerves and eyes typically with eyes if sugers go high it can lead to blured vision.
If youve not already done so, as you are taking metformin, you can apply for a perscription exemption certifecate.
MCMLXXIII
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 1,858
- Type of diabetes
- Treatment type
- Diet only
Pav has given excllent advice.
I would put your feet up, have a brew and have a really good trawl through these forums.
There really is a wealth of individuals who have experienced just about anything diabetes can throw at you and offer excellent support.
If you have a kindle and tap in diabetes into the bookstore, then refine your search to price low to high, there's usually a couple of free books too that can help.
:smile:
Sent from my KFTT using DCUK Forum mobile app
I would put your feet up, have a brew and have a really good trawl through these forums.
There really is a wealth of individuals who have experienced just about anything diabetes can throw at you and offer excellent support.
If you have a kindle and tap in diabetes into the bookstore, then refine your search to price low to high, there's usually a couple of free books too that can help.
:smile:
Sent from my KFTT using DCUK Forum mobile app
Sharon68
Well-Known Member
Ditto above. When I was first diagnosed I learnt almost everything from the guys on this forum, just take your time and ask if there is anything you are unsure about.
I test, it really helps me understand what I can eat as everyone reacts differently
I test, it really helps me understand what I can eat as everyone reacts differently
Daibell
Master
Hi. You are doing the right thing trying to get a meter. As others have said most manufacturers will supply one for free if you contact them. I guess you know that a low-carb diet is the way to go and beware NHS diet advice as it can be quite silly. The meter will help you decide what works for you food-wise. Having Metformin is a good start as it's good, safe drug but diet will have the most effect on blood sugar and weight.
