For those who say home testing is not needed for T2s...

[Andy_Warlow]

I remember when I got the news.

I was told to go on the NHS web site for a diet plan and it wasn't good for a diabetic.

I ask my GP about testing and she said she didn't want me getting to obsessed with the numbers. But gave me ketones strips, and I had to record there results every day.

So anyway by this point I had done my research and found out about low carb and testing.

Testing was great and allowed me to make a note of when I can and cant eat, in terms of my BG levels.

It is also interesting as I lost more weight, I found I was able to add some carbs that had no effect of my BG levels. Not a lot mind you. But it nice for a big of balance and great for my weight training.

 

[BRSBRI]

As I thought todays appointment was a bit of a damp squib. She refused to talk much until I've had hba1c, fair enough, but I did try to draw her on what the process is. She said over 60 straight onto medication, 41-60 retest in 3 months, under 41 yearly blood test. She was obviously thinking I'd be under 41.
She didn't mention diet ot cholesterol or anything else much. She had the heater blaring, windows closed and was not in normal bmi range. I was glad to get out quickly.
, covidwise.
Blood tests on the 12th.

My god. Sounds like the robot I have as a nutritionist...

 

[jjraak]

Morning all!

So, this happened...

Had a discussion with a GP this morning - a locum covering an absence at my surgery and she was insistent that I didn't need to test my blood sugars at all...I told her I use an Accu-Chek Mobile and needed cartridges for the pen. Not a chance for a prescription so I went and shelled out £14 or so. (I've had a prescription in the past although I bought this monitor as the GP sourced model didn't work for me). But no dice with her. Clearly, she thought I was arrogant to question. The brilliant DN at the practice who's off for the next week who advocates testing I'll speak to in due course!

Last 2 mornings I've had eggs and protein - 2 hours after eating bloods show 6.25. This morning I had oatmeal and semi skimmed milk. After 2 hours I am 11.1...if I hadn't tested how would have I known this difference and therefore equipped with data to help decide my food types??

Seems we're all wrong if this locum GP is in the mix...!

A good example of just WHY the testing regime IS so important for T2D.

Especially in the early few months, as we re-evaluate a lifetimes experience of just what a 'Good' meal looks like, from our new T2D stand point

For me, the greatest help was the advice and experiences of many on here,
closely followed by testing.

2yrs + in, last HBA1c 40 mmol
I still test most morning my fasting sugars.


If I may offer a personal view for those just starting out.

This all looks daunting,
I felt that too, early doors

But the meter was for me, the divining rod to finding foods more suitable to the T2D new me.

Some old favourites I had to abandon or limit to special occasions.

Others I may not have chosen previously,
But from recommendations on here, I gave them ago.( Leeks..who knew ' yum ' )

It was an interesting and useful expenditure of my time.

All got judged on
* Taste
* Ability to cook it
& the meter to confirm how each affected me.

And all THAT helped ME
devise a diet that keeps my BG as balanced as possible, and now offers me, an abundance of choices & flavours to keep me happy, full & content.

Tl;Dr.

Testing, it's like driving

it's your personal guide to foods suitable to the new T2D YOU.
Test and know TODAY if your doing this right, and stay safely in your lane

Dont test, it's like bouncing off the crash barriers, as you limp towards your 3/6/12 months test, waiting to find out IF you've been doing it wrong..

 

[jjraak]

As I thought todays appointment was a bit of a damp squib. She refused to talk much until I've had hba1c, fair enough, but I did try to draw her on what the process is. She said over 60 straight onto medication, 41-60 retest in 3 months, under 41 yearly blood test. She was obviously thinking I'd be under 41.
She didn't mention diet ot cholesterol or anything else much. She had the heater blaring, windows closed and was not in normal bmi range. I was glad to get out quickly.
, covidwise.
Blood tests on the 12th.

Yeah, many seem to have similar experiences.

My moan is, I went from 58 mmol down to 40 mmol and no one at my surgery seemed interested in how I did it.

Yet the prevailing sentiment seems to be
There's not much we can do about T2D,
Best get ready for more - more meds ..


Good luck with blood test.

*Some say not to bother but I fast for mine.
Lots of details when you get the results.

Only way I know to keep that testing consistent and not affected by food/drink choices pre test is to fast.
But each to there own.

** T2D + Metformin can possibly lower B12.
may not be assigned to be tested.
be useful to ask for it to be included.