Ran out of test strips on holidays in Germany, HELP!

Kristin1988

Kristin1988

Newbie
Messages
1
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi, im a type 1 diabetic and I'm in Germany atm. When I came over a week ago, I thought I'd have enough test strips for my glucose monitor, turns out I don't :( I still have some left, but they won't last me another 10 days... does anyone know what I can do? Do I have to go to a German doctor and can i get them on prescription? Or do I just have to walk into a pharmacy and ask? Does anyone have experiences?
I wouldn't worry too much if it was just me, but it turned out I'm pregnant and obviously have to measure my blood sugar more often...
Thank you!
Krissi
 
ButtterflyLady

ButtterflyLady

Well-Known Member
Messages
3,291
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Acceptance of health treatment claims that are not adequately supported by evidence. I dislike it when people sell ineffective and even harmful alternative health products to exploit the desperation of people with chronic illness.
A pharmacist should be able to advise you of the process. If it's any help, in NZ you can buy them over the counter in a pharmacy without a prescription. There will be a German diabetes society that may be able to help too. I can't see why access to them would be restricted... they are not dangerous and they would often be needed in a hurry by people.

If you get stuck, you can always call your travel insurer for info too.
 
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mrspuddleduck

Guest
I would try the pharmacy first. Take your test strip pot with you so they can work out what you need. There's no reason why you should need a prescription. Good luck! Sue xxx
 
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Spiker

Spiker

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,685
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Yes just go to any pharmacy (Apothek). The pharmacist will probably speak English if you don't speak German. If you have travel medical insurance that should cover the cost. Or try an EHIC card if you brought one (if they still do those?).
 
KarenAdamson

KarenAdamson

Active Member
Messages
26
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
As the others have said go to the pharmacy. When I lived abroad I used to go to pharmacies both in the UK and other countries and could buy test strips without prescriptions. They should be able to help if you take the test strip pot with you. You could also contact the care line of your meter manufacturer to find out a local stockist or if the strips are marketed under a different name in Germany. If all else fails I'm sure you could purchase them online from the manufacturer and have them couriered to you.
 
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