Have you been told not to test your blood sugars?

[shellysexbomb]

I actually saw a doctor as i am up in the night, thirsty, blurred vision, dropping to sleep all the time (fitbit shows I average no more than 4hrs a night sleep, so no wonder really) Doc brought forward my appt with DN and I quote ''Dr Taylor seems to have got her knickers in a twist, dont worry, you're fine as you are and stop testing''

Dont want to change doctor but I would like a different DN....:/

 

[Rosbif]

My (new) GP was a bit perplexed but ok with it. Maybe he thinks I'm one of those control-freak type women who counts every calorie and tuts at people who eat junk. I don't, I'm just trying to repair the damage and make up for lost time.

 

[dbr10]

My Dn actually shouted at me for testing. 'Who told you to tesst? Where did you get the meter?' All because I questioned her judgement. I rarely have BS under 12. Yet my hba1c is 7. So therefore I must be having a fair few lows too and as I understand it its the spikes that do the damage. My DN says this is me 'panicking' and I dont need treatment yet and to carry on wolfing carbs as per the eatwell plate. 'This is why you shouldnt test' she says :/

B****y Hell.

 

[dbr10]

I actually saw a doctor as i am up in the night, thirsty, blurred vision, dropping to sleep all the time (fitbit shows I average no more than 4hrs a night sleep, so no wonder really) Doc brought forward my appt with DN and I quote ''Dr Taylor seems to have got her knickers in a twist, dont worry, you're fine as you are and stop testing''

Dont want to change doctor but I would like a different DN....:/

No surprised. This is what they call 'care' I think.

 

[RoseofSharon]

My Dn actually shouted at me for testing. 'Who told you to tesst? Where did you get the meter?' All because I questioned her judgement. I rarely have BS under 12. Yet my hba1c is 7. So therefore I must be having a fair few lows too and as I understand it its the spikes that do the damage. My DN says this is me 'panicking' and I dont need treatment yet and to carry on wolfing carbs as per the eatwell plate. 'This is why you shouldnt test' she says :/

Good grief! During my nurses training we were trained to encourage and listen to the patient.

Ignore her and keep adjusting your diet until you find what works for you.

I know I'm gonna have a fight with my dn when I book in to see her after my HbA1c comes back this time. I could book in to see her now, but I want to wait and get the HbA1c picture and to know what the hospital says on Thursday.

 

[muzza3]

This never ceases to amaze me you have to figure that just in emergency presentations to A & E and admissions this policy must actually be costing NHS a fortune. Mind you here in Aussie we are waiting for confirmation that they are DROPING the subsidy on strips etc after the first six months for Type 2's from July 12 so the same will apply.

 

[Libby81]

Well my doctor told me not to test. Diagnosed type 2.

My grandmother, mum and sister all have diabetes, so I've been able to borrow my mums blood glucose monitor. Therefore, I've seen that my blood glucose has been fluating considerably.

So I've decided to invest in a blood glucose monitor for my own piece of mind. I've yet to see the specialist nurse. If they advise me not to test, I won't be following there advice.

I feel it will be beneficial, so in my opinion will be worth doing.

 

[Liam1955]

@Libby81 - Have you got any particular meter in mind? Because Amazon (on line) has a good offer for a SD Codefree Meter, plus 50 test strips, plus 100 lancets for only £25.97. Here is the link: http://www.Amazon.co.uk/Codefree-Glucose-Monitor-Monitoring-Testing/dp/B0068JAJFS

 

[Libby81]

Thanks Liam, I haven't got any BG meter is mind.

I've looked on Amazon but there's so many. Thanks for that information. I shall take a look. Is there any brands you'd recommend?

Any recommendations for blood glucose monitors???

 

[AndBreathe]

Well my doctor told me not to test. Diagnosed type 2.

My grandmother, mum and sister all have diabetes, so I've been able to borrow my mums blood glucose monitor. Therefore, I've seen that my blood glucose has been fluating considerably.

So I've decided to invest in a blood glucose monitor for my own piece of mind. I've yet to see the specialist nurse. If they advise me not to test, I won't be following there advice.

I feel it will be beneficial, so in my opinion will be worth doing.

Libby - When my nurse told me not to test, I asked if that's what she would do, in my shoes. The room went very quiet. I let it be silent until I counted to 20.

The real reason we are discouraged is because the NHS can't afford to fund it. I just wish they could be a bit straighter in their communications sometimes.

 

[Liam1955]

@Libby81 - There is so many meters available but it can be costly for test strips. The SD Codefree on Amazon is good value for money if you purchase the full package of meter, strips and Lancets at £25.97 and always state you are Diabetic because we don't pay vat. I used to buy my own meters (Much better quality one) and just get Lancets and strips free on prescription but then it stopped a year ago, and I was told I would have to start paying for test strips/lancets myself. OR I could use the meter provided by the surgery and get test strips/Lancets provided on prescription free - so I opted to used theirs for free. (I have had diabetes for 16 yrs) Another website popular with forum members is:
http://homehealth-uk.com/product-category/blood-glucose/
5 packs 264986. 10 packs 975833. (Test Strips are cheapest)

 

[Libby81]

It would be much better if they were up front from the start.

I appreciate the nhs cannot fund for type 2 diabetics with BG monitors but if they helped out with the strips it would be come kind of compromise.

In the long run whether type 1 or 2, if your monitoring it's better for everyone. If your controlling your glucose.

 

[Libby81]

@Libby81 - There is so many meters available but it can be costly for test strips. The SD Codefree on Amazon is good value for money if you purchase the full package of meter, strips and Lancets at £25.97 and always state you are Diabetic because we don't pay vat. I used to buy my own meters (Much better quality one) and just get Lancets and strips free on prescription but then it stopped a year ago, and I was told I would have to start paying for test strips/lancets myself. OR I could use the meter provided by the surgery and get test strips/Lancets provided on prescription free - so I opted to used theirs for free. (I have had diabetes for 16 yrs) Another website popular with forum members is: http://homebirth-uk.com/product-category blood-glucose/

Thanks again Liam, I appreciated very much all,the information your giving me. It's nice having information from people that know and have experienced both sides where monitoring is concerned. It's a huge learning curve I'm finding, but so glad to have found this forum.

 

[Liam1955]

You are most welcome @Libby81 - but, do ask other members on the forum for their opinions. There are some companies that will offer you a free meter, but then the test strips and Lancets are expensive. Sorry, I could not have been of more help.

 

[Libby81]

You've been a great help Liam. With your information I at least know where to start looking when it come to BG metres.

Every time I've looked on Amazon, I've glanced but nothing more. It's quite daunting as there are so many. With your information it won't be as daunting I'm sure

 

[AndBreathe]

It would be much better if they were up front from the start.

I appreciate the nhs cannot fund for type 2 diabetics with BG monitors but if they helped out with the strips it would be come kind of compromise.

In the long run whether type 1 or 2, if your monitoring it's better for everyone. If your controlling your glucose.

The monitor itself is cheap, and often the companies give these to surgeries. Their revenue is in the consumables (strips), so that's really where to concentrate on price. You will get through quite a lot of strips to begin with.

 

[Libby81]

My mum let me use hers for a few days. The device you prick yourself with, she has allows you to change the head with needles. Using hers I've been testing 5-6 times a day, so the strips went down quickly.

Considering I'm no good in hospitals or dealing with blood etc. I actually surprised myself being able to prick myself.
I suppose you just do it when you know you have to.

 

[berylc]

@Libby81 - Have you got any particular meter in mind? Because Amazon (on line) has a good offer for a SD Codefree Meter, plus 50 test strips, plus 100 lancets for only £25.97. Here is the link: http://www.Amazon.co.uk/Codefree-Glucose-Monitor-Monitoring-Testing/dp/B0068JAJFS

Just ordered machine, 100 test strips 100 planets for 31.97 100 testing strips were 13.99 The ones I get at the moment are £13 plus for 50 Thanks for the info about meter

 

[berylc]

Just ordered machine, 100 test strips 100 planets for 31.97 100 testing strips were 13.99 The ones I get at the moment are £13 plus for 50 Thanks for the info about meter

100 planets????? 100 lancets beep beep predictive text!

 

[Salvia]

I have also been told not to test because "it's our job to do that". Despite this, I have been testing for myself following the advice on the forum. But it's early days for me, so I'm using rather a lot of strips until I learn what's good/bad for me and until I get my numbers down to well below prediabetes levels. Even with the Codefree meter, it is becoming a bit expensive when you're on a pension. Up to now I have been saying that I am "not diabetic" and paying the higher VAT included price. Does anyone know whether the VAT-free arrangement applies to prediabetes as well as the other categories? or do you have to be on some kind of register that is checked, to see if you qualify for VAT-free?