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Hi from a Type 2

M

Mal0lm

Newbie
Messages
4
Location
Yorkshire, England
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hello everyone,

My type 2 diabetes was diagnosed about 4 years ago after I displayed some of the usual symptons.

I take Gliclazide Tablets daily and have now been recommended to take Statins as a preventative measure though my last blood test showed my cholesterol as ok.

I used to test my blood several times a week and last week asked for testing strips, but my GP suggested that as a type 2 I didn't need to test my blood due to my regular blood tests, looks like having read a few posts that I am not the only one to be refused test strips.

Looks like I might have to see another GP or buy my own. I have seen other blood testers where it is almost as cheap to by the complete kit instead of just the strips not sure that works ?

I sometimes forget I am diabetic especially around cake and chocolate times, only to be reminded by my wife.

Looking forward to using the forum and finding and giving support

bye for now
Mal :)
 
Hi,

welcome to the forum.

unfortunately it's not uncommon to be refused test strips.

The lovely Daisy will hopefully be along soon to post some great advice for you which if you've looked around you may have seen. It's got some tips for ideas what to do when refused test strips as well as other great advice.

There are certain meters that use cheaper test strips than others, might be worth researching if you don't have any further luck getting them prescribed. Some companies may also send one for free and i believe theres a competition somewhere on the webpage to enter for a free meter too.

I can also guarantee your not the only one to forget they have diabetes when tasty food is around :lol:

:)
 
Hi and a warm welcome to the forum.

Have a read of this topic, it might be your best option as the test strips here are much cheaper than most of the other meters.
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=21899

There is some excellent advice for newbies compiled by Ken and Sue who post here and have a lot of knowledge that they happily share..
Some of it you may already know but it is well worth a read.
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=17088
Any questions you need to ask then fire away, there is always someone here to help.
 
Hi Mal and welcome to the forum :) Here is the information that Ebony and Catherine were talking about which was written by our friends Ken and Sue, former monitors, to give to new members. I think it will be helpful to you even though you are not newly diagnosed. I'm sure there will be something in there that will be new to you.

Here is the advice that Ken and I, as Forum Monitors, usually give to newly diagnosed Diabetics. We hope that these few ideas gained through experience help you to gain control and give you some understanding of Diabetes. This forum doesn't always follow the recommended dietary advice, you have to work out what works for you as we are all different.

It's not just 'sugars' you need to avoid, diabetes is an inability to process glucose properly. Carbohydrate converts, in the body, to glucose. So it makes sense to reduce the amount of carbohydrate that you eat which includes sugars.

For more information on CARBOHYDRATE see here:

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=20306

This is NOT a low carb diet suggestion, just a reduction in your intake of carbohydrate. You have to decide yourself how much of a reduction will keep your blood glucose levels in control.

The main carbs to avoid OR reduce are the complex or starchy carbohydrates such as bread, potatoes, pasta, rice, starchy root veg and also any flour based products. The starchy carbs all convert 100% to glucose in the body and raise the blood sugar levels significantly.

If you are on Insulin you may find that reducing the carb intake also means that you can reduce your dose of insulin. This can help you to keep weight gain down as Insulin tends to make you put on weight and eventually cause insulin resistance. This should be done slowly so as not to cause hypos.

The way to find out how different foods affect you is to do regular daily testing and keep a food diary for a couple of weeks. If you test just before eating, then two hours after eating, you will see the effect of certain foods on your blood glucose levels. Some foods, which are slow acting carbohydrates, are absorbed more slowly so you may need to test three or even four hours later to see the effect that these have on your blood glucose levels.

Buy yourself a carb counter book (you can get these on-line) and you will be able to work out how much carbs you are eating, when you test, the reading two hours after should be roughly the same as the before eating reading, if it is then that meal was fine, if it isn’t then you need to check what you have eaten and think about reducing the portion size of carbs.

When you are buying products check the total carbohydrate content, this includes the sugar content. Do not just go by the amount of sugar on the packaging as this is misleading to a diabetic.


As for a tester, try asking the nurse/doctor and explain that you want to be proactive in managing your own diabetes and therefore need to test so that you can see just how foods affect your blood sugar levels. Hopefully this will work ! Sometimes they are not keen to give Type 2’s the strips on prescription, (in the UK) but you can but try!!

For TIPS FOR STRIPS see here:

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=19002#p173253

If you are an Insulin user in theory you should have no problem getting test strips.

The latest 2011 NICE guidelines for Bg levels are as follows:
Fasting (waking and before meals).......between 4 - 7 mmol/l...(Type 1 & 2)
2 hrs after meals........................no more than 8.5 mmol/l.....( Type 2)

2hrs after meals......................... no more than 9 mmol/l ......(Type 1)

If you are able to keep the post meal numbers lower, so much the better.

It also helps if you can do at least 30 minutes moderate exercise a day, it can be split into 10 min sessions to start with. It doesn't have to be strenuous.

The above is just general advice and it is recommended that you discuss with your HCP before making any changes. You can also ask questions on the forum on anything that is not clear.

Finally a few QUESTIONS TO ASK AT DIABETES CLINIC.

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=17091



Sue/Ken.
Click to expand...
 
Hi Mal and welcome to the forum :D
 
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