Question to the hive mind regarding prescriptions

simonr101 said:

Hi,

Up until very recently I was self funding the Libre 2, got told point blank I would never be able to get it on prescription as I am T2 and not on insulin. But what I would really like to know is if other T2's get test strips on prescription? My only reason for asking is that they cost money and I am on a very limited budget. I work as a cover supervisor in a school and need to keep and eye on my levels as having a hypo in front of a class isn't looked on very kindly.

Cheers

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It all depends on what meds you are on for the diabetes T2.

And T2s, do not usually go hypoglycaemic, unless the meds do it.

If you do have episodes of hypoglycaemia, without those meds, then, your doctor needs to do the relevant tests to find out why.

simonr101 said:

Hi,

Up until very recently I was self funding the Libre 2, got told point blank I would never be able to get it on prescription as I am T2 and not on insulin. But what I would really like to know is if other T2's get test strips on prescription? My only reason for asking is that they cost money and I am on a very limited budget. I work as a cover supervisor in a school and need to keep and eye on my levels as having a hypo in front of a class isn't looked on very kindly.

Cheers

Click to expand...

Nope, I have to self fund too unfortunately ...

@simonr101 I’ve just had a look back at your old posts. You were having hypo issues on Metformin back in 2019 and urged to get further assessment and testing done and to investigate reactive hypoglycaemia. Did you ever do that? Has this been happening ever since then? Are you still on Metformin?

I do get test strips on prescription as a t2, however that’s mostly due to the fact I had some high ketone levels when I was first diagnosed (I have a prescription for both bg and ketone test strips). Now that my bgs are being controlled and ketone levels are normal I am expecting for them to end this at the next review date so enjoying the free strips while I have them!

Lakeslover said:

I’ve had test strips on prescription since starting on glicazide which can cause hypos. They used to be restricted to a few, but since I drive and my DN said I should test before driving I pointed out that I needed more strips. My prescription now is for 100 strips a month.

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Thats my story too. Its the Gliclazide that opens that door, and driving or operating machinery is the other. Nice Guideline NG28 allows this to happen if you tick both boxes. google NG28. The Hive has replied.

The other back door to this benefit is having hypo's and being hypo unaware. again a glucose lowering agent is required

Just wanted to point out, referring to a hive-mind - not everyone here thinks the same.

I'm T2 & get them on prescription. My DN refused as is normally the case, they don't prescribe them for T2, but after me saying that I was using a meter to keep my levels low & my results were speaking for themselves, she did then agree. Doctor was happy with that too & I still get 100 a month.

JAT1 said:

Just wanted to point out, referring to a hive-mind - not everyone here thinks the same.

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We may not agree on the pathway, but I think the end goal is the same. We are guaranteed that life is terminal, the diabetes may yet prove to be optional.

simonr101 said:

Hey, That was when I was first back in the UK. I was also suffering from a lot of mental health issues at the time which lead to a complete mental break down. To be honest with you, my practice has never formally diagnosed me, they just accepted the diagnosis from Dubai. They also haven't offered me any of the training about diet, that I can remember. I did get to see a diabetic nurse and she was happy with my progress and referred me back to the practice. I've had a serious hypo since then that resulted in an ambulance being called for me. Generally I'm pretty good, but as a teacher/cover teacher it can be difficult as breaks are not always regular and to test with the strips I have to leave the class room. At the moment I am just staying "high" the whole time as I can't monitor it like with the libre, which is not good for me in the long run.

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Well I’m glad you are talking about those difficult times in the past tense and that things are better for you now. However it seems that you never really sorted the issue. Staying high (how high?) all the time to avoid hypos you don’t understand the cause of isn’t a good strategy at all for your health either.

Does the nurse know about the remaining high and they hypos and deliberate eating of unnecessary and unwanted glucose? Did no one medical ever investigate the hypos? Sadly there’s a lot of complacency with goals in type 2 and an hba1c won’t show specific hypos (just reflect a lower number if they are frequent) so if that number is “ok” that’s all many seem to care about. You will have to push for investigation of the hypos. Including into reactive hypoglycaemia with a specialist.

How do you eat in general? Low carb or not? As that helps both the type 2 or RH if that turns out to be the cause.

I realise time is very limited for a teacher. Which age group? If secondary there is a minute or two between classes as pupils move around (and maybe you). It only take a minute to take a test. And employers need to make reasonable adjustment for diabetes. Talk to your head. That could be having your class wait outside your room an extra few seconds before allowing them in, stepping into a supply cupboard for a minute to test or horror or horrors being allowed to test in front of the students (fact of life people are diabetic and a little understanding of the science of testing could be classed as educational!). What is the school policy on diabetic students testing? I bet they are allowed to! If in a primary are there classroom assistants of some kind to supervise briefly? Can you step literally one step outside the door out of their sight for one minute and do it there? It’s no longer than fetching an item from a store would take

As discussed before this is your health and serious consequences may occur if you ignore it or don’t make it a high enough priority.

simonr101 said:

I'm on metformin and trulicity. neither of which cause hypos. I've had one serious hypo a couple of years ago, but as I was trying my best to keep in range, I had a few lows but jelly babies came to the rescue until I could have something more longer lasting. Now as I can't test in front of a class of children I have to just keep my sugar levels "high" by eating sugary sweets all day. This isn't a long term fix I'm just hoping that things improve financially for me so I can get the libre again.

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Could your mental health team provide any support? My wife found her support team were very helpful when she developed Parkinsons. Try a GoFundMe? Is there a Community Support Hub in your area? Are you a Union member?


Sadly the NG28 guidelines stipulate that CGM is only available to T2D who inject insulin multiple times a day. Not applicable to oral users at all.