Dr has removed my test strips and lancets from pre

I am newly diagnosed and have had to fight to get one box of strips from my GP!!!! Not on repeat prescription, so just a one off. I have had some very useful information regarding this, so if you go to nannab postings you might find them useful. (It worked for me), although not without knowing NICE guidelines etc. Good luck. Nannab

NannaB

This is absolutely unacceptable that they refuse to give you the medication you need to control your diabetes! It really makes me mad to hear that [!]
I've had that kind of problem as well, it was sorted after i had an appointement in the hospital and they send my results and "needs" to the GP. They don't bother me anymore now. Maybe you should try to ask the hospital at your next diabetic review.
And screw the budget! :twisted:

Dear Erroneous, Some of us (ME) are not lucky enough to be referred to the hospital. I will ONLY see the nurse at my GP surgery each 6 months for a blood test and once a year for medical. They call that monitoring???? I certainly don't. Nanna b

NannaB

Can you get to see a different doctor,Nannab? I would really press for this if you can.I started out buying my own meter .The meters are not that expensive,it's the test strips that cost.I had all my results etc on a computer print out and,once the doctor saw that I was using testing to good effect,i.e losing weight,keeping BS down ,she prescribed the strips.You can get the strips on the internet more cheaply than buying from the chemist.I think I bought twice before I got them prescribed.Expensive but worth the peace of mind because I could not have gone 3-6 months not knowing if I was getting it right or not!

Knowledge is the key to control

Hi davlo,

I've pasted one of Dennis's postings from 1st Feb. I hope this is helpful.

Russ

"At the moment your GP can get away with refusing to allow you test strips as the wording of the NICE guidelines on self-testing can be interpreted to mean the decision on whether you should self-test for BG is at the GP's discretion.

This will change, but unfortunately not until April this year, when the new NICE regulations come into force. These remove all the ambiguity and say that self-testing MUST form part of the patient's care of their diabetes. The only exceptions are where a patient would be incapable (because of educational or mental limitation) of interpreting or reacting to the readings.

From April your GP will be in breach of NICE regulations if she refuses to support your self-testing or refuses to prescribe test strips for whatever model of tester you are using. What people describe as a "groggy" feeling is usually hypoglycaemia, which can be dangerous if not dealt with by raising sugar levels quickly. But if you are not "allowed" to test how do you know. One of these days will see a GP who refuses to support self-testing being sued for negligence when a patient dies following a hypo - and then no doubt they will all be falling over each other to ensure all their patients can home-test!!