Monitoring type 2 gp note on prescription

[carolm]

When my repeat prescription came there was a note at the top:

'As you don't have type 1 diabetes and are not taking insulin or medication that puts you at risk of hypoglycaemia you do not need to be taking your blood sugar readings. Type 2 diabetes is monitored with 6-12 monthly Hb1Ac blood tests.'

Has anyone else had this?

When I was first diagnosed I was given 11 strips to use, then they went on the prescription. A while ago the surgery decided to change to accucheck cassettes, but they only allowed one test and my analytical chemistry background felt that was not enough. So since then I've bought extra strips. I think the cassettes may be more expensive!
My Dad's family have about 8/11 of his generation and quite a lot of my cousins are type 2, on insulin, tablets or diets.

With that background I buy more test strips, decided GlucRx are cheaper online, and do 2 checks each morning, fasting blood tests. If there is a wide variation I try again. As I look after my disabled Husband I don't have time to do tests at other times.

As the type 2 arrived, I was in my 50s and my Husband had to dial 999 when I collapsed, 1st time I tried to ask for sugar (no idea I needed it at that time). I'm now a grumpy old woman age 72!
I proved - cushion floors and carpets are not a soft landing!

Now gp has said I don't need to bother checking as I will have a blood test twice a year IF the surgery nurse has time to visit. I'm housebound at present. - Really!!
I will buy my strips and continue testing so I can see if there are any changes. RSV virus - went up to 7 and 8, now better around 6.

I wonder if it is NHS saving money or gp trying to save the surgery budget, as the hospital will pick up the cost of hypos etc later.

end of rant, keep testing!!
Carol

 

[Kiwigal]

Wow, how horrific your GP telling you not to check your own glucose and not giving you glucose strips (I would change GP)

I'm Type 2 diabetes and test my own glucose regularly. (At the moment I'm using CGM - Continuous glucose monitor paying my out of my own pocket... and get the glucose monitors strips to check my levels when I'm low or high or to adjust the CGM - glucose strips is covered by NDSS (National Diabetes Services Scheme in Australia) subsidy - cheaper for Diabetics in Australia to pay for glucose strips etc.)

The med I'm taking do cause lower glucose. Esp driving laws in Australia must not drive below 5 mmol. And if below 5 mmol - before driving treat the diabetes to bring it back above 5 mmol.

I had Endocrinologist telling me I only need to test once a day. I ignored it and carry on test regularly as I'm managing my diabetes well with glucose monitor checks. As I still get big spikes from low carb, high protein foods.

I get blood test check up every 3 months for Hba1c.

Esp when I'm unwell or on prednisolone for 5 days - I get high glucose and have to check for ketones levels - I do get early signs of Diabetes Ketoacidosis. In case if I need to go to hospital to get insulin treatments.

 

[Rokaab]

Wow, how horrific your GP telling you not to check your own glucose and not giving you glucose strips (I would change GP)

In the UK at least if you are Type2 and not on insulin or other blood glucose lowering medicine you will not generally not get test strips at all, so many have to self fund (some lucky people will get them but not all by along shot as far as I know)

 

[KennyA]

When my repeat prescription came there was a note at the top:

'As you don't have type 1 diabetes and are not taking insulin or medication that puts you at risk of hypoglycaemia you do not need to be taking your blood sugar readings. Type 2 diabetes is monitored with 6-12 monthly Hb1Ac blood tests.'

Has anyone else had this?

When I was first diagnosed I was given 11 strips to use, then they went on the prescription. A while ago the surgery decided to change to accucheck cassettes, but they only allowed one test and my analytical chemistry background felt that was not enough. So since then I've bought extra strips. I think the cassettes may be more expensive!
My Dad's family have about 8/11 of his generation and quite a lot of my cousins are type 2, on insulin, tablets or diets.

With that background I buy more test strips, decided GlucRx are cheaper online, and do 2 checks each morning, fasting blood tests. If there is a wide variation I try again. As I look after my disabled Husband I don't have time to do tests at other times.

As the type 2 arrived, I was in my 50s and my Husband had to dial 999 when I collapsed, 1st time I tried to ask for sugar (no idea I needed it at that time). I'm now a grumpy old woman age 72!
I proved - cushion floors and carpets are not a soft landing!

Now gp has said I don't need to bother checking as I will have a blood test twice a year IF the surgery nurse has time to visit. I'm housebound at present. - Really!!
I will buy my strips and continue testing so I can see if there are any changes. RSV virus - went up to 7 and 8, now better around 6.

I wonder if it is NHS saving money or gp trying to save the surgery budget, as the hospital will pick up the cost of hypos etc later.

end of rant, keep testing!!
Carol

This is standard. I don't know of any Integrated Care Boards in England that routinely fund test strips and meters for T2s not at risk of hypo. I have always bought my own and can't see that changing.

 

[Pipp]

This is standard. I don't know of any Integrated Care Boards in England that routinely fund test strips and meters for T2s not at risk of hypo. I have always bought my own and can't see that changing.

Yes, in the dim and distant past , 15 years ago GPs were told to stop giving out test kit on prescription to people with T2. I had in the early days of being diagnosed had my kit provided on prescription. Then the nurse changed tack when reviewing. The standard quote many with T 2 hear is “you don’t need to test. All that will do is bruise your fingers”. Presumably the cost is excessive for surgeries to continue. Maybe that is justified because some people would not make use of the data collected by testing to make changes to improve. Another justification is that some people would get test kit free on prescription and sell on ebay or car boot sales.
Test kits need not be expensive, and I buy my own meter and lancets, to keep track myself.

 

[spanglishej]

I must admit I have never been offered test strips or equipment and have been diagnosed Type 2 for 12 years. I have always bought my own and tested a.m. - fasting and p.m. before bed. It is an expense I could well do without, but it helps my peace of mind as DN availability is limited here. Again I am always told that you don't need to test as a Type 2, but then when the numbers change I am greeted with surprise! I agree by the way that the GlucoRex seem to be cheapest at present.

 

[lovinglife]

Even when I was on Gliclizide for the first 3 or 4 years I still had to self fund testing as my GP said because I didn’t drive I didn’t need to know if I was hypo! Make of that what you will

 

[Pipp]

I must admit I have never been offered test strips or equipment and have been diagnosed Type 2 for 12 years. I have always bought my own and tested a.m. - fasting and p.m. before bed. It is an expense I could well do without, but it helps my peace of mind as DN availability is limited here. Again I am always told that you don't need to test as a Type 2, but then when the numbers change I am greeted with surprise! I agree by the way that the GlucoRex seem to be cheapest at present.

There are cheaper and just as reliable test kits available. @Rachox compiled some info. Copied below

Meters

Here is some info , provided by Rachox


Here’s some info on UK meters, and to be clear I have no commercial connections with any of the companies mentioned.



HOME HEALTH have the Gluco Navii, which is a fairly new model and seems to be getting good reviews.

https://homehealth-uk.com/all-produ...ose-meter-test-strips-choose-mmol-l-or-mg-dl/



Links to the strips for future orders:

https://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/glucose-navii-blood-glucose-test-strips-50-strip-pack/



Then they sell the older SD Code Free, details to be found here!

https://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/codefree-blood-glucose-monitoring-system-mmoll-or-mgdl/





SPIRIT HEALTHCARE have a meter called the Tee2 + which is quite popular:

https://shop.spirit-health.co.uk/co...e2-blood-glucose-meter?variant=19264017268793



The strips are to be found here:

https://shop.spirit-health.co.uk/co...py-of-tee2-test-strips?variant=19264017367097



If there is a choice of units of measurement then ‘mmol/L’ are the standard units in the UK, ‘mg/dl’ in the US, other countries may vary.



Don’t forget to check the box if you have pre diabetes or diabetes so you can buy VAT free. (for all meters and strips)


5 packs 264086

10 packs 975833


If there is a choice of units of measurement then ‘mmol/L’ are the standard units in the UK, ‘mg/dl’ in the US, other countries may vary.

Don’t forget to check the box if you have pre diabetes or diabetes so you can buy VAT free. (for all meters and strips)

 

[Lainie71]

Even when I was on Gliclizide for the first 3 or 4 years I still had to self fund testing as my GP said because I didn’t drive I didn’t need to know if I was hypo! Make of that what you will

Geez that shocking. I self fund, much to the annoyance of my gp and dn but its not their pocket money its coming out of I have said!

 

[kim#mimi]

I haven't had a note saying I don't need to check but when first diagnosed, I asked my Dr if I should test and he said "no" as I was controlling it with diet and not on medication. When I queried his reply, he said if I wanted to I could but I'd have to get my own monitor and strips.

 

[HSSS]

A while ago the surgery decided to change to accucheck cassettes, but they only allowed one test

Accuchek mobile cassettes have 50 tests contained within them so this confuses me (I use them). The accuchek mobile glucometer itself has been discontinued though they still make the cassettes to test with for now. As such it seems odd that your surgery switched to them at this time rather than away.

 

[carolm]

I'm supposed to be diet controlled. Blood glucose goes up with infection, so when I had a virus I was told I had to cut the sugar I think (ages ago) (possibly Covid or similar.
I think the surgery was just getting rid of old style monitors. I ended up with 2, not in use. I use their accucheck test cassette if sent and see how it compares, then back to Gluco RX when the cassette is finished. I like to see 2 tests, same finger, with reasonable correlation. Otherwise its try again. (the chemist surfacing after years of retirement!)
It does seem as if testing supplies are a lottery. I am using GlucoRX meter and strips most of the time. I think this was my original monitor. Then accucheck arrived, from gp. The GlucoRX strips are cheaper than the accucheck cassettes and are more easily disposed of.
This morning I dared to ask the surgery (reception) for blood tests on thyroid, diabetes and arthritis. Well they said years ago I should have them! I thought HbA1c came into the diabetes tests. Not had one for some time, so much for the note! (see earlier post) I will be interested to see what if anything is done. Last test for all 3 was changed, by nurse or surgery, to thyroid. It may be costs. I was told recently at an endocrinology appointment to reduce thyroxine, been on same dose over 10 years, possibly more The consultant sent a letter explaining 6 weekly tests to check those levels as I reduce the thyroxine. So the diabetes blood test could be done the same time, at least once.
I just rely on the GlucoRX which I think gives the best indication I can get. Anything 6-7 mmol/litre, I'm happy.
Looking after our own health is hard work.

 

[MrsA2]

Looking after our own health is hard work.

Yes it can be, but no one else would do it as well or with such interest! That's why I'm quite happy to look after me.

 

[LokiTheFiddler]

Ask an AI to research online for NICE guide lines about Mellitus and testing strips and then
to write a letter to you GP stating why it is beneficial for your overall health to regularly test according to N.I.C.E. guidelines.

I have had chemists take away meds and testing strips due to costs etc..
.. but the diabetes specialists always restore them.
Last time, I told the chemist to read my records and told him if he did it again, I'd take out a harassment complaint against him. That worked.

I get 30 a month..
But I drive and its something you need to test for by law if you suspect you might become hypo.
Glicazide and some drugs can make you hypo..
I must admit I have never been near hypo, but there is also severely hyper which puts you at risk of acidic ketodosis which can kill you quite quickly
(in ~ 48hrs) Some GPs seem to be ignorant of that.

E.g. Farxiga tablets can do that if you become dehydrated very fast. The first I knew was my head neck and shoulders itching.. thought I had fleas.
Tested and I was 22.. drank a litre of water and I was down to 9 in 1/2 hour.
If I hadn't tested and waited for a blood test.. I think I might not have had the next blood test.
You can have really high blood sugar and still feel fine but your risk of stroke heart attack goes up due to the high blood sugar. You are also not fit to drive with very high blood sugar.

Check out this post

Access to blood glucose testing supplies incl. test strips

The current NICE guidelines concerning self-monitoring of blood glucose for people with type 2 diabetes is available here. The sections relevant to self-testing can be found on the following pages: Page 7 - Key priorities for implementation Pages 12 to 13 - Self-monitoring of plasma glucose...

www.diabetes.co.uk

 

[EllieM]

Ask an AI to research online for NICE guide lines about Mellitus and testing strips and then
to write a letter to you GP stating why it is beneficial for your overall health to regularly test according to N.I.C.E. guidelines.

Just a quick reminder of rule B10 in the forum rules (rules are in the Greetings and Intro forum, the signatures of moderators and linked here https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/community-ethos-forum-rules.50278/ )

B10. A zero tolerance policy to harmful or wholly inappropriate posts will be applied. Recently diabetes-related material generated by "chatbots" has appeared on the internet. This is a machine-created synthesis and is therefore neither personal experience nor is it a recognised and valid source as required by forum rules. It is misleading and potentially harmful. Members who deliberately post chatbot material will as a minimum have the post deleted and other sanctions may be applied.

So please don't post AI generated material on the forums.