I've been on metformin (1500mg) (Glucophage) since diagnosis 1991 Type 2. I have now been put onto linagliptin from sitagliptin, so far no side effects. I also use Levemir and Novarapid insulin. You do need a meter and testing strips you need to ask and make sure they give these to you. Also as above you need to low carb, I had got up to 12 stone since going on insulin by using a lox carb diet in a year I have now lost 1st 7lbs. Your practice will probably say that you don't need to test as metformin gives very few hypos but if you drive and have signed the declaration, you do need to test before and during driving. I can see a huge problem occurring in a few years with T2 on tablet medication not testing and just relying on HBA1c from doctor. A year is a long time with symptoms.
Good Luck, stand up for yourself this is your life and you need the very best care. There is a lot of information on this website and forums, also have a look on NICE as well.