I am on Gliclazide and Metformin, and it is the Gliclazide that is the magic key that allows GP to prescribe for me. I have reduced this particular med to its lowest denominator, namely 1x 40mg tab a day, but the door is still open for me. It also helps to be a driver, and also to keep a readings log showing how you use the self monitoring to improve your condition. I used mine to show the occasional hypo event, and where I adjusted my meds to control the highs either by holding a tab back or where I use a spare tab to 'bolus' for a high carb meal.
If you can show that you use the self monitoring as a control mechanism and do actually change things as a result of y,our readings, then a GP should be more willing to support a T2D with strips.
Funnily enough, as a T2D myself, I have found it impossible to get Ketostix on scrip, or ketone test strips on scrip even when my bgl was running >24 mmol/l. Since I suffer many UTI and was running the risk of ketoacidosis from the Metformin, the fact that neither is considered a medical necessity comes as a surprise, so I have to source privately. I cannot rely on my annual checkup to check these out.