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Newly diagnosed

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Deanrnch

Newbie
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1
It took the gp 3 weeks to contact me to arrange appointment to discuss my blood then another 2 weeks before my appointment to be told I had type 2 diabetes, doctor want me on net for in immediately but I asked if I could true diet, so following struck low carb diet and have lost 9 kilos. In 2 weeks 10 kilo to get to my ideal BMI, walking dogs more and doing more as well. Determined to a iPod medication,
Asked gp if I could monitor my le els answer was no we won’t supply glucometre to type 2 not on medication,

can anyone advise what is best glucometre for someone who is not working and is affordable on not a lot of money.
 
I am newly diagnosed myself so still new. I got myself the SD Codefree as was more affordable on my low budget. I have only had it for about 3 weeks and appears to work well.
 
Hi @Deanrnch and welcome!

The cost of the strips that go with the meter is the most important consideration as they’ll be what you spend most on. Don’t be seduced by offers of free meters with expensive strips.

The meter with the cheapest strips is the Gluco Navii. https://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/glucose-navii-blood-glucose-test-strips-50-strip-pack/. https://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/gluconavii-blood-sugar-meter-glucose-monitor-starter-kit/

There are also discount codes for when you come to buy more strips - "navii5" and "navii10" will give you 20% off purchases of 5 packs of strips and 25% off 10 packs of strips. Buying a pack of 10 boxes of strips using the discount code works out at £5.68.

The Tee2+ from Spirit Healthcare also has relatively cheap strips, (although they have recently gone up in price): http://spirit-healthcare.co.uk/product/tee2-plus-blood-glucose-meter/ with the strips found here: http://spirit-healthcare.co.uk/product/tee2-testing-strips/ I got a free Tee2+ by phoning up to order the meter and 10 boxes of strips and they threw the meter in for free. Phone number 0800 8815423. I daresay Homehealtb would do the same thing.

Don’t forget to check the box if to say you have diabetes - or mention it on the phone - so you can buy VAT free. (for all meters and strips).

Finally, if you’re on a budget, I’d advise intensive testing before and after meals (immediately before and 2 hours after the first bite) to understand which of your regular meals are ‘safe’ and then reduce testing once you have things sorted, just testing when you try something new or every now and then to check you’re still on track. At the 2 hour mark you’re looking for a rise of no more than 2mmols.
 
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