I would say as type 2 I expected difficulties in getting testing strips but have not yet experienced any problems yet.
The main problem was getting a meter in the first place!
I have tried several different medications which I have reacted against, eventually the gp referred me to hospital consultant who I saw for the first time last October.I had refused to take any meds after taking gliclazide, within 2 hours I was incapable of sitting up without passing out, gp said it was a virus, funny it wore off in less than 12 hours after taking tablet. No meter at that time. If a med can alter your blood sugars so that you cant function you need to be able to self test. The consultant recommended that I have a meter to gp and they have not queried anything since.
My reasoning for using a meter is if I am taking medication that lowers my blood sugar then I should be able to monitor it. A detailed picture is built up of how my body reacts to any meds, illnesses, different foods, stress factors and anything else that I can add to the complete picture. It has given me a form of awareness and some peace of mind knowing that I am involved in the care of me.
All too often we are told to take charge, its your body. Well give us the right tools to do that!
Also look at the cost, if I have a hypo or hyper due to not being able to monitor and take action for myself then the nhs will incur the expense of paramedics being called, hospital bed being occupied, etc when there maybe others in more need of the assistance.