• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Left to it

Ange1a65

Well-Known Member
Messages
88
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I am new to this and have been given metformin for type 2. The nurse did not give me machine to check my bloods but I feel I need to know what my bloods are doing after certain foods etc. So please can anyone recommend a good machine with plenty of testing strips. I really don't want to do this as I am needle phobic but with me having other disabilities I want to understand what foods etc I can eat asap. Hope that makes sense and sorry if it just sounds like waffle. Thanks in advance
 
Hi and welcome,

Well done for being proactive and wanting to manage this disease properly.

Many of us here use the Codefree because the strips are the cheapest around. Beware of free meters and others without first checking the cost of replacement strips.

Try here for the Codefree meter

http://homehealth-uk.com/product-category/blood-glucose/

Pharmacies don't sell them, and don’t forget to declare you are diabetic in order to avoid any VAT.

There are discount codes if you buy in bulk
5 packs 264086
10 packs 975833
 
Thank you for replying. I have just looked at the machine and got confused lol. What is it i need to get so I have everything I need. Sorry for sounding stupid.
 
You need the meter that reads in UK measurements, which is mmol/l
As many strips as you want, the more the better.
A finger pricker and lancets.

With the Codefree starter kit you get everything you need but only about 10 test strips .

I don't use the Codefree finger pricker. I prefer the Accu Chek Fastclix pen because the prickers are contained in a plastic drum which you press on your finger and push the top of the "pen". Very easy and fairly painless. Available from Boots. With one of those you will also need a box of lancet drums. (each drum contains 6 prickers)
 
Sorry for the delay in reply. But just started on metformin and felt quite dizzy and off. I think I will go for the accu one. Thanks again
 
Ange1a65 said:
Sorry for the delay in reply. But just started on metformin and felt quite dizzy and off. I think I will go for the accu one. Thanks again
Click to expand...

The Accu Chek Fastclix finger pricker, or the Accu Chek meter?

The Accu Chek meters are fine but the strips are expensive, which is why I mentioned the Codefree meter and strips.
 
There are a fair few Accu-Cheks, there is Aviva control, glucose, active glucose, accu-chek mobile 50 strips, fastclix lancing device etc.....where do I start please?

If I have to buy, I need the best value for my money, (if that majes sense, theyre impirtabt whichvever way we look st them), but if they are offered free, then naturally I would go down that route.

Thanks in advance. I am going into town on my lunch hour, so could look in Boots
 
The Codefree is by far the best value for money. Pharmacies don't sell them. You have to order on-line.

Try here for the Codefree meter

http://homehealth-uk.com/product-category/blood-glucose/

Pharmacies don't sell them, and don’t forget to declare you are diabetic in order to avoid any VAT.

There are discount codes if you buy in bulk
5 packs 264086
10 packs 975833
 

heads up they will be much cheaper online!
 
Thank you both.
Will I need the pen tester as well, oh dear it's all getting confusing haha or hold I ask, is the pen tester easier to use/carry with you?
 
@Quirkybee have a look at gives the general idea. It might be worth asking your Practice Nurse for a meter, they are often given them by reps. You will need to buy the test strips, and as others have pointed out, it is these strips that you need to be price savvy about not the machine. At east if you can get a free machine it will give you time to research others. Up to now I have used the accu-check moble because it is easy, but the test cassettes cost a fortune. You can get them on ebay BUT no guarantee on the expiry date, and this machine refuses to operate with out-of-date strips. I now have a SD codefree, but still use the 'pricker' from the Accu-Mobile
HTH
 
Quirkybee said:
Thank you both.
Will I need the pen tester as well, oh dear it's all getting confusing haha or hold I ask, is the pen tester easier to use/carry with you?
Click to expand...
The SD codefree (and to be honest I think all of them) comes with a carrying pouch which fits all you need inside it. I would seriously recommend the SD Codefree as the strips are far and away the best value. I find the finger pricker that comes with it is fine too. If you are testing a lot and self funding the price of strips is very important.
All the best
Mark
 
I've just ordered a Codefree and extra strips. In a bizarre sort of way I'm looking forward to it arriving because it means I can now start to control my diabetes properly. I'm not on medication yet - trying exercise and diet alone until my next appointment with the doc in nine days - and I had been relatively symptom free before diagnosis.
 
Hi Tabbyjoolz

Yes I'm excited waiting for mine to arrive too haha. I have started medication, but hopefully I will be in more control once I know what is good or bad for me to eat.
It's all very very complicated and I'm finding it difficult to understand the LCHF method too, but I will do my best

Good luck to you.
 
Wish you all with your testing. I can only add that is the great way of taking control and understanding how you react to various food items.
There will be highs and lows along the way, literally and figuratively, and remember it is the trends you are looking at, don't get too hung up on individual readings. We've all have moments when the numbers are not quite what we hope for.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn More.…