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"Heal Thyself."

T

tonygibbo

Newbie
Messages
1
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Hi I am tony am 80 and I have Type 2 diabetes about 5 years only treatment is diet. I just got result of diabetic eye screen test shows I do have "Background Retinopathy." This means there are small changes to the blood vessels in the retina at the back of my eyes. No treatment is offered just another test in one years time and the advice to watch my blood sugar levels to avoid more serious damage. My doctors refused my request for a free Blood Sugar tester saying because I was not on medication I was not entitled to a tester. To me this is like telling me to "Heal myself." Is this normal with diabetes?
 
Hi,

Sorry to hear about the retinopathy.

Alas. This story with T2s and meters is all too common. Though the "fob off" stories by the health "professionals" do vary..

However, my dad was T2 (no longer with us.) & in our area (we had the same GP.) he was issued a meter & repeat scrypt strips & lancets..

... It all boils down to "budget".
 
I have my standard GlucoRX prescribed by the doc and my new CodeFree which is always 1-1.5 higher....at least I know the variance


Diagnosed 13/4/16: T2, no meds, HbA1c 53, FBG 12.6, Trigs 3.6, HDL .75, LDL 4.0, BP 169/95, 13st 8lbs, waist 34" (2012 - 17st 7lbs, w 42").

6/6/16: FBG AV 4.6, Trigs 1.5, HDL 2.0, LDL 3.0, BP 112/68, BPM 66, 11st 11lbs, waist 30".

Regime: 20g LCHF, run 1 mile daily, weekly fasting.
 
Hi @tonygibbo and welcome to the forum. Yes, unfortunately most GPs will not prescribe meters or testing strips for T2 diabetics, unless they are on insulin. It's mainly due to budget constraints. The NHS would probably save more money if they did prescribe testing equipment for T2s who want to self test, as they could avoid increasing medication and complications, but that is the policy.
Most of us T2s on here finance our testing meters and strips ourselves.
 
If you have another cronic condition that may require you to test i.e. one that has symptoms similar to diabetes or one that may be affected by BG levels you can make a case to your GP on grounds of clinical necessity.
 
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