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Not Allowed A Freestyle Libre To Control Diabetes

Alex_B

Well-Known Member
Messages
168
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
my diabetes hasn't been controlled since I was diagnosed. Always high, ketones, DKA every few weeks. I sometimes go low, last low recorded was 2.3 at 2 o'clock in the morning. I have been told I could and would be eligible for the freestyle libre. Being told I could have it next time I go to the clinic. Now I'm being told its only being funded for pregnant diabetics, once again are "loving caring" NHS has lied to me, put my hopes up and let me down, not the first time this has happened, I've recorded that it's happened over 20 times, being told I'll be able to have "this, that and everything" then being told no. They sit there and moan at me for uncontrolled diabetes but they are not supporting me or anything. I have had to wait 7 MONTHS for another appointment at the clinic??? How is this supporting me? I'm getting sick of the NHS and soon might tell them I'm not going to the clinic anymore or that I'm not going to the doctors anymore, I just get moaned at, lectured like a little kid, I can't cope anymore, they are making me depressed, suicidal. The DSN moaned at me because my mum couldn't come home from work??? She can't help that her boss is uncaring and unsupportive!! What should I do? As I don't think I can take this much more, soon I'm just gonna snap and punch the DSN, can't have another one because I've fallen out with them aswell!!!
 
I feel sorry for you not being able to get the Libre on prescription. Seems to be a postcode lottery!
I have been T1D for 46 years. There is only person responsible for the control and that is you! I have been through so many ups and downs with my care it is unbelievable. I have, like you, had so may highs and DKA it has made me blind in 1 eye and I have stage 4 CKD. I cannot stress how important it is for you to control your bloods. Yes, the Libre makes it a lot easier BUT you still have to finger prick if your bloods are high/low. I have gone from 8 tests a day to 3. The Libre is brilliant for spotting "trends" in your bloods and to see what affect certain foods have on your control BUT it is NOT the be all and end all
 
Hi @Alex_B Sadly it's not fair, having diabetes isn't fair, but it's our lot and it's down to us to take ownership for it. I too cannot get the libre on prescription and from what I understand it won't be available in our CCG for at least a few more years and even then only a select few will get it. As I am working I am self funding it though, it is expensive for me to do so but it is still inaccurate when compared to test strips, it's only useful for identifying trends but it's then down to you to take action to manage your insulin doses accordingly, so you still need test strips to control and manage your diabetes.

I know you're angry but channelling your anger into positive emotion will help you cope better mentally, it really is down to you to take responsibility for your management though Alex, getting angry with your nurse or any professional who is trying to help you isn't fair on them, they are there to help but can only do so if you are receptive and appreciative of their help.

I appreciate you don't feel supported so how about suggesting the next time any nurse moans at you regarding your control, simply ask them 'what would they do if they were in your shoes' ?
 
my diabetes hasn't been controlled since I was diagnosed. Always high, ketones, DKA every few weeks. I sometimes go low, last low recorded was 2.3 at 2 o'clock in the morning. I have been told I could and would be eligible for the freestyle libre. Being told I could have it next time I go to the clinic. Now I'm being told its only being funded for pregnant diabetics, once again are "loving caring" NHS has lied to me,,,,,,


Have you checked your local CCG policy statement?
 
Hi,

Sorry to hear you're feeling like this....

How old are you can I ask...?

The Libre is a good bit of kit but its not essential to good/decent control......

knowledge of carbs and dose adjustment is...

have you ever been taught any of that....?

if not and your team aren't providing it there are online souces that will teach you... namely: https://www.bertieonline.org.uk/
 
Sorry you are feeling so frustrated. Diabetes is a very frustrating disease and people without it do not always understand how difficult it is to manage.

Unfortunately, the Libre is not available everywhere or to everyone.
But even when it is, it does not provide good control. It only gives you an estimate of the numbers for you to make decisions on how much insulin to give yourself and, as @Juicyj mentioned, it is not very accurate so you will still have to prick your finger before injecting.

Your diabetes team sound very unsympathetic. Talk to your Mum or someone else about how you feel and maybe see if you can change your diabetes team to someone who is more caring.
If you do not feel you can talk to your Mum, Diabetes UK have a helpline who will listen to how you feel and provide some advice (https://www.diabetes.org.uk/how_we_help/helpline).
 
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