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I've got through 50 test strips in 2 days!

Starfish18

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,080
Location
Sutton-in-Ashfield
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
This is going to be an expensive journey!
Granted I wasted some strips by not applying enough blood. I don't trust my meter yet so I test twice each time I test and I'm testing before/after each meal atm and at bedtime so about 7 x a day. Sometimes my readings jump about when I test so then I can use 4 strips just to get an idea of what my level is. Luckily I got the tee2+ monitor so test strips are only £7.75 for 50 but it's going to work out expensive if I have to keep buying them
 
They are a little bit more expensive but I use the contour next got the meter for free but if you don't get enough blood 1st time you can try again without wasting a strip I look on eBay for bulk deals for the strips
 
Of the three meters I have been testing I found that the Tee2 required the least blood. Maybe change the setting on your lancet so it goes a bit deeper to waste fewer strips?
 
Oooh, yeah, that'll get expensive quick. I have a Contour TS, (Actually, I have 3 of them. And the cat has a OneTouch) and strips are pricey... I spent 1000 euro's on them the first full year of being a T2, paying between 18 and 21 euro's per 50, depending on where I shopped. I test less now, except when I'm ill or something changed with routine/meds/diet/whatever. That'll happen for you too, but right now, it's.... An investment. But a good one, honest. Please, try to trust your meter a little, unless it's a reading you really didn't expect. Just make sure your hands are clean, and the drop's big enough.
 
porl69 said:
Why do you not trust your meter?
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Because my readings can jump about, like last night. I got 6.8 so tested again and got 8.2 so tested again and got 7.5 tested again and got 7.5 again so I went with the 7.5 reading. The same happened this morning
 
I do see it as an investment and I know things will calm down eventually and I'll need to test less eventually. The reason I don't trust my meter yet is because my readings jump about, like last night. I first tested and it was 6.8 so I tested again and it jumped to 8.2 so I tested again and it was. 7.5 so tested again and it was 7.5 again so I went with the 7.5 reading. I always wash hands with soap and water before testing and I now get enough blood
 
It is a little jumpy... But (all, I think) meters have a margin of error of about 15%, so you can expect that.
 
Starfish18 said:
Because my readings can jump about, like last night. I got 6.8 so tested again and got 8.2 so tested again and got 7.5 tested again and got 7.5 again so I went with the 7.5 reading. The same happened this morning
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Meters can be very jumpy. Can be 15% out... ie if you actual blood was 5mmol then you could get readings from 4.2 upto 5.7
TRUST your meter
 
I hear you. Think I spent roughly half a million dollars on test strips during my first year with diabetes. You’ll settle down in time, test less frequently, and become less skeptical of your results.

For the record I use a Bayer Next system and it’s proven to at least be very repeatable. Concurrent tests always scoring within 0.2mmol/L of each other. Absolute accuracy is of course unknown, but the repeatability is without question, so at least it’s a valid frame of reference. Never liked the idea of cheapo meters when it came to the very serious business of fixing my diabetes
 
I was the same. Think I lasted 3 days. Now buy big batches. 250 last time.

Not like you will not use them.

Beware the day you don't have strips, it will always be a day that goes wierd on you and leaves you wondering what your bg was.
 
I’m probably getting through one a day at the moment. Sometimes none, sometimes two. If I test it will be on waking and/or before my main evening meal. I told myself a while back that I would move to once-weekly but my curiosity just won’t seem to allow me to do it
 
Spl@ said:
I was the same. Think I lasted 3 days. Now buy big batches. 250 last time.

Not like you will not use them.

Beware the day you don't have strips, it will always be a day that goes wierd on you and leaves you wondering what your bg was.
Click to expand...
You're not wrong. I feel like I'm getting addicted to testing now I've startered. I would hate to run out of strips. I've already ordered another 100 but wish I'd ordered more now, like you say, it's not like you will not use them.
 
I'm the same. So curious as to what the reading will be. I'll never be able to stop testing now I've started. Besides it's good to know you're heading in the right direction
 
In my option that's a bit excessive what's more important though is what are you doing with the information your tests are supplying? Are you learning and adjusting your meals what you are eating? Random and multiple testing is pretty pointless really. Fasting, before eating and 2 hours after should really suffice - you aren't just looking for what your number is but how much the rise is (should be less than 2 points 2 hours after first bite)

I stopped washing my hands with soap for testing as some soaps contain things that can affect the result. I just run my finger under hot water for a few seconds then wipe it dry with a bit of kitchen roll.

Like others have said you need to trust your meter - its early days you'll get there
 

That is a LOT! And why the NHS stopped providing them! Trust your meter. It doesn’t really matter what it says as long as it’s not hugely high. Save your money and relax a bit x
 
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