I bought a meter long before I was diagnosed because I had researched and knew that my inability to lose weight was at least partly down to insulin resistance (T2). I started lower carbing a few years before any diagnosis and felt much healthier and had more energy, but sadly didn't do enough soon enough to stop it in its tracks. It was hard not being supported by anyone at all. I hadn't found this forum (I didn't even think to search for it; I wasn't diabetic) and my HCPs weren't interested. At that time I thought I was the only one in the world who couldn't lose weight using conventional diets. My meter showed me I wasn't going mad and that giving up bread, pasta, potatoes and rice was the right thing to do.
On diagnosis I received the DUK booklet from my GP. I read it and threw it in the bin. I knew the advice to eat carbs with every meal (especially the advice to ask airlines for an extra bread roll
) was wrong. I was disgusted that the NHS should distribute such rubbish. I had also researched and found that diet drinks help to cause insulin resistance (T2) and was shocked to see the leaflet said that diet drinks were OK. So I was on my own again. Until I stumbled upon this forum.
I am not surprised that non-diabetics are buying meters. There is so much blaming of T2s in the press, (even on this site too). No-one wants that sort of feeling against them and so they try to help themselves by monitoring their own health. Good on them I say.