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North Kent PCT Policy Change

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DogPsyche

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I'm so disappointed to have received a letter today saying that I will no longer get my test strips on the NHS as I'm Type 2 and at no risk of Hypoglycaemia. It's such a false economy, isn't it? I'm controlling my levels really well with daily testing and in the long-run I'll cost the NHS so much less in this way. With twice-yearly testing I might as well give up.
 
DogPsyche said:
I'm so disappointed to have received a letter today saying that I will no longer get my test strips on the NHS as I'm Type 2 and at no risk of Hypoglycaemia. It's such a false economy, isn't it? I'm controlling my levels really well with daily testing and in the long-run I'll cost the NHS so much less in this way. With twice-yearly testing I might as well give up.
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I dont know why they think that as a type 2 you are not at risk of having hypos, I'm t2 and even after coming off of the gliclazide and only being on metformin i still have the odd hypo, not as much as before , but still have them,

Sue
 
DogPsyche said:
I'm so disappointed to have received a letter today saying that I will no longer get my test strips on the NHS as I'm Type 2 and at no risk of Hypoglycaemia. It's such a false economy, isn't it? I'm controlling my levels really well with daily testing and in the long-run I'll cost the NHS so much less in this way. With twice-yearly testing I might as well give up.
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If you are well controlled a T2 shouldn't need to test daily!

Once you've sorted out control, then you only really need to test a couple time a week, or if you feel unwell, changing routines or trying new foods.. Bernstein will actually say once a fortnight to keep an eye of things, and this goes for T1's as well!

If you taking a oral medication or none all, then a hypo isn't going to pose and dangers, sure enough you will have an unpleasent experience but it won't be life threating..

However, you can tackle the PCT's concerning issuing policies, as well to put a blanket ban on T2's actually would be going against the NICE guidelines concerning T2 diabetes, haven't got a link at the moment so you'll have to google, as PCT's have to obide by the NICE guidelines, and they can't pick or chose parts of any guideline that they will, willn't implement!
 
you would be in danger if you were driving of course

Sue
 
Hi DogPsyche, is the letter you have received from your doctor or the PCT as I live in your PCT area and have not received anything yet :?

If it is from your doctor perhaps you should have a word with him/her, if you are well controlled explain that it is through testing that you are so well controlled and if you are not so well controlled say that you are scared that your control will get worse.

Having said that as jopar said if you are well controlled there is not any reason to test too regularly, I only test a couple of times a week now a days, if that. And if push comes to shove I'd just test every other week or something unless I was unwell.
 
I am in Kent - not sure which PCT - but had a letter from my GP stating that I was having my test strips withdrawn. Wrote to the doctor as I drive a minibus for school and stated this to them, also quoted some info from DVLA about being liable for any accident if you cannot prove that you were OK with your BG levels and ...................................... they reinstated them with no problems! Worth finding out - think they are all blanket banning them until they are challenged!
 
jopar said:
If you are well controlled a T2 shouldn't need to test daily!

Once you've sorted out control, then you only really need to test a couple time a week, or if you feel unwell, changing routines or trying new foods.. Bernstein will actually say once a fortnight to keep an eye of things, and this goes for T1's as well!

If you taking a oral medication or none all, then a hypo isn't going to pose and dangers, sure enough you will have an unpleasant experience but it won't be life threatening.
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I can't speak for type 2s, not being one, but I'm afraid Jopar, that if you encourage type 1s to only test once a fortnight you are doing a very dangerous thing. Please check your info if you would, I'd hate anyone to take your advice and get into some serious trouble. Type 1 does not always stay stable, no matter how careful you are and the only way to be sure it remains stable is to keep a check on your BS in order to inject, eat and exercise in the right ratios.

No offence intended Jopar, I know you mean to give good advice, but I had to point out the mistake.

On the type 2 side, the NHS should surely see the logic or the fact that it's not just hypos that are a danger, but long term highs. The NHS seems to have forgotten that diabetes complications would end up a d**m sight more expensive than some test strips.
 
I wish you luck with getting your strips.

I was refused any strips, not even one, complained to PCT, surgery manager, doctor etc. I even wrote to my MP. The result was nil, still no strips.

What I learned was this, if your doctor says no then it's no. The PCT told me they had no policy on strips, the MP sent me a copy of the Health Ministers standard letter which says it's up to the doctor.

So, as far as I can see if your doctor says no, that's it.

My doc. tells me I am well contolled (A1c 5.2%) so don't need to test, ever! Pointing out that the abilility to test is what got me good control made no difference.

At least after all the discussion with my doc. I got my HbA1c moved to 6 monthly instead of 12 monthly.

Apart from this issue I have had excellent treatment from my doctor and DSN, so I simply buy my strips £12 for 50 from Lloyds Chemist.

H

PS Will things get easier when your GP controls his own budget ? Will pigs ever fly?
 
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